Occurrence of glioblastoma multiforme in three closely related patients.

Three cases of glioblastoma multiforme are presented. These cases have in common the fact that all three patients were relatives but not blood relatives. There had been prolonged intimate contact between them before the development of the neoplastic lesion.

Aspects of evaluation and treatment of head injury.

The increase in the prevalence of head injury in the civilized world has become the focus of worldwide attention. With the aid of modern technology and a high index of suspicion, early diagnosis and definitive treatment with acceptable outcome has become within reach. This article reviews recent developments in diagnosis and advances in therapy.

Recent advances in the treatment of ruptured lumbar intervertebral disks.

It should be obvious from the magnitude of the problem, its persistence in our society, and the failures of our treatment methods to date, though much improved over our past efforts, that much remains to be learned and understood about low back pain and sciatica. The causes, the treatments, and the methods of prevention all need to be researched further. The intellectually honest, inquiring clinician has an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution in this area.

CT characteristics of sacral perineural cysts. Report of two cases.

The authors report two cases in which the appearance of sacral perineural cysts, as seen in the computerized tomography scan, prompted the possible diagnosis of a neoplastic lesion. Additional investigation led to the proper diagnosis.

Sudden complete ophthalmoplegia associated with pituitary adenoma.

A 20-year-old asymptomatic woman suddenly had complete right ophthalmoplegia associated with right ptosis and impairment of the sensory and motor functions of the right papillary cranial nerve. These symptoms were found to be caused by a chromophobe adenoma of the pituitary gland. Complete resolution of the patient's symptoms followed surgical aspiration of the tumor with subsequent radiation therapy.

Cervical Interbody fusion using calf bone.

Since 1972, Kiel Surgibone (calf bone) dowels have been inserted in the cervical intervertebral space of 221 patients. The anterior approach was used for cervical interbody fusion. Fusion occurred in every patient who survived long enough for it to occur. No complications occurred that specifically could be attributed to use of this type of grafting material. Kiel surgibone has the advantage of eliminating the need for osteotomy when autologous bone is used or for a bone bank when homologous bone is employed. Kiel Surgibone is supplied sterile and is precisely preshaped.

Diastematomyelia in an adult.

Surgical treatment of diastematomyelia, with removal of the spur and dural septum, is indicated in adults with progressive symptoms. The patient may improve, or at least the progression of the neurological damage may be halted. The utilization of microneurosurgical techniques was found to be of value in decreasing the danger of spinal cord or nerve injury during the procedure. The seventh case reported in the literature of diastematomyelia with onset of symptoms in adult life is presented.

Cysticercosis cerebri occluding the foramen of Monro.

Cysticercosis cerebri is a rare neurological diagnosis, which is usually made at the time of operation or at autopsy. Few cases have been reported in North America, and these were usually found in immigrants and in domestic travelers who lived in infested countries. Cysticercosis cerebri is classically divided into four general types: 1) intraparenchymal, 2) basilar cisternal, 3) ventricular, and 4) diffuse cerebral. We are presenting a unique case of solitary ventricular cysticercosis occluding the foramen of Monro, and producing an asymmetrical obstructive hydrocephalus.

CT scan of retroperitoneal hematoma with neuropathy.

A hematoma in the left iliacus muscle induced by anticoagulant therapy and causing a femoral neuropathy was demonstrated by CT scan. The scan returned to normal after the surgical evacuation of the hematoma. Other possible uses of the CT scan to demonstrate neurological lesions in this region are discussed.