Histologic Study of the Autogenous Garfted Fascia Lata to Dural Defects in Rabbits

Defects in the dura mater can be result from craniocerebral trauma, neoplastic or inflammatory destruction surgical removal and congenital absence. Materials used for closure of dural defects were variable. Of these, autogenous fascia lata have been used for a long time. It seems interesting to study the histologic fate of the autogenous grafted fascia lata in the dural defects. After autogenous fascia lata graft to dural defect in 18 rabbits, the histologic fate of the autogenous grafted fascia lata was observed microscopically. The results are as follows: 1) The adhesions among the grafted fascia lata, arachnoid, pia mater and brain cortex were usually mild. This result may be due to either short period of observation or autogenous substitutional material. 2) The grafted autogenous fascia lata was revealed minimal inflammatory response and was ultimately reabsorbed. 3) The grafted autogenous fascia lata was replaced by granulation tissue and fibroblast originated from the host mesenchymal tissue.

Dermoid Cyst at the Conus Medullaris

Dermoid cysts are very infrequent benign tumors of the spinal canal. They arise from epithelial cell rests that become sequestered during closure of the neural tube between the third and fifth fetal weeks. Consequently, they occupy midline or near midline position characteristically. If the cleavage of the cutaneous and neural ectoderm persists locally anywhere along the neuraxis, a dermal sinus is formed connecting the skin with neuraxis. We present a case of dermoid cyst at the conus medullaris which was confirmed on histologic examination. An eleven years old female patient was admitted to our department because of urinary incontinence and sensory disturbance at the saddle area. Motor weakness was absent. In the plain spine A-P view, widening of the interpedicular distance and flattening and erosion of the pedicle were noted at the L1 and L2 vertebra. The lumbar myelogram A-P view shows almost total obstruction with meniscus sign at the level of the L1 and L2 interspace. In the myelogram lateral view, the dye column was indented in a round fashion from the dorsal side at the L1 and L2 interspace. Under the impression of the intradural extramedullary mass, we performed total laminectomy and removal of the mass.

Primary Osteosarcoma of the Skull

Osteosarcoma is the most frequently encountered primary malignant tumor of the bone. But sarcoma of the skull are rare tumor to be observed even in an extensive neuropathological practice. We presents a case of skull neoplasm identified as osteosarcoma. A twelve year old male patient was admitted to our department because of the large palpable mass on the posterior parietal and occipital region with headache, nausea and vomiting. On admission moderate papilledema was noted in the both eyes. Other neurologic finding were within normal limits. Chest film and long bone series showed no evidence of abnormality. Skull films revealed a large round destructive area on the posterior parietal and occipital region and the right carotid angiogram revealed patch densities in the mass lesion which was supplied by the right occipital artery and possibly the right middle meningeal artery. Serum Alkaline Phosphatase was 14 BL Units. The findings on the pathology side was compatible with osteosarcoma.