Effects of nimodipine on posttraumatic spinal cord ischemia in baboons.

Posttraumatic ischemia appears to be largely responsible for the extension of lesions in acute injury of the spinal cord. In the present study, we have evaluated the putative improvement of axonal function by the calcium channel blocker nimodipine after acute trauma of the spinal cord. Three techniques were used: (1) spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) using a scanographic technique with stable xenon, (2) somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), and (3) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirteen baboons were used in this study. Acute trauma was achieved by compression of the spinal cord at level L1 by applying pressure for 5 sec with an inflated balloon catheter injected with Ringer's solution. Following the injury, one group (n = 5) received a saline infusion (placebo) for seven days, and a second group (n = 8) received a nimodipine infusion (0.04 mg/kg/h) during the same period of time. SCBF and SEP were first recorded prior to trauma. SCBF, SEPs, and MRI were then recorded on the day of the injury and eight days prior to histologic examination of the spinal cord. In these studies nimodipine significantly improved SCBF. The decrease in SCBF observed at day one and day eight following trauma was significantly reduced in the treated group. Two baboons in the treated group also showed improvement of axonal function as assessed by SEP. No significant difference was observed with MRI, however, histologic study revealed that the lesions were significantly smaller in the treated group. Based on these observations we conclude that a week of nimodipine treatment following spinal cord injury enhances SCBF, limits the size of the spinal cord lesion, and perhaps improves functional recovery.

[Diagnosis of intracranial diseases]. / Diagnostic des affections intracrâniennes.

Computed tomography (CT) is the fundamental examination in the diagnosis and assessment of intracranial lesions. After it, other exploratory techniques, such as cervical doppler-ultrasonography, digital angiography by the arterial route, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and straight X-ray films of the skull may be considered. The choice between these different techniques depends on the neurological pathology being investigated.

Radioclinical problems raised by megalodolichobasilar artery. 17 cases and a review of the literature.

Megalodolichobasilar artery (MDBA) is a vascular abnormality characterized by a regular increase in caliber and lengthening of the vertebrobasilar system (VBS), with varying degrees of displacement. Several physiopathological theories have been put forward. Clinically, MDBA may compress the cranial nerves and may be responsible for ischaemic accidents of the brain stem, hydrocephalus or mass syndrome. The radiological images may be misleading. The diagnosis of MDBA should be considered on the basis of CT findings, and its should be confirmed by vertebral arteriography at the slightest doubt.