[Basal ganglion bleeding after the surgical decompression of the craniovertebral junction]. / Stammganglienblutung nach operativer Dekompression des kranio-vertebralen Ubergangs.

A case of postoperative haemorrhage into the basal ganglia following decompression of the craniovertebral junction in a 35-year-old patient is presented. Similar cases in the literature of intracerebral bleeding remote from the site of surgery are reviewed and the possible pathogenesis of this unusual complication discussed.

Direct spread of medulloblastoma in adjacent extrameningeal tissues.

A case of a medulloblastoma with extensive intradural dissemination and direct tumour spread from a lumbosacral deposit in the pelvis is presented. A review of the literature revealed six similar cases. In all of them direct invasion of contiguous structures occurred at sites of secondary deposits. Two predilection site were identified: 1. The anterior fossa with tumour invasion of the paranasal air sinuses. 2. The lumbosacral spine with tumour extension into the retroperitoneum and pelvis. Generally, this unusual mode of tumour spread indicates a final stage in the course of the disease. The possible pathogenesis is discussed.

[Pedicle agenesis in the cervical spine]. / Die Bogenwurzelagenesie im Zervikalbereich.

Congenital absence of a cervical pedicle is rare, and because of the associated enlargement of the intervertebral foramen, may be confused with a "dumbbell" tumour. A recent observation of this anomaly has prompted this report. Based on the findings of 29 reported cases in the literature, the characteristic radiological features of the abnormality are described and the differential diagnosis as well as the clinical implications of this disorder are discussed.