Basal Ganglia Calcification and Hypoparathyroidism: Case Report

Microscopic calcification within the basal ganglia was reported by Virchow and Bamberger in 1855. The description of symmetrical cerebral calcification, particularly of the basal ganglia and often of the dentate nuclei, associated with hypoparathyrodism as related by Eaton, Camp and Love(1939) was a significant development in the field of calcification. Calcification of the basal ganglia has been visualized by skull radiography and computed tomography(CT) scan, and in two-third of cases, it has been associated with metabolic and endocrine abnormalities. Computed tomography is more sensitive to detect the intracranial calcification than plain skull radiography. The purpose of our report was evaluate the significance of basal ganglia calcification as visualized by CT, discusses on pathogensis of calcification, clinical significance and management under the hypocalemia.

A Case of Intramedullary Spinal Neurilemmoma

Intramedullary neurilemmoma of the spinal cord is extremely rare. This is not surprising, since schwann cells, considered the histogenetic source of such a tumor, normally are not present within the spinal cord. A case of intramedullary neurilemmoma in 47-year-old man is reported and the hypotheses as to it's origin are discussed. In a discussion on the origin of the condition, its is concluded that this case might have an origin from the dorsal root entry zone.

Aneurysm of the Great Vein of Galen: Case Report

Aneurysms of the great vein of Galen are rare and the authors report a case of primary type aneurysm of the great vein of Galen. Clinicaly aneurysm of great vein of Galen give rise to different symptoms and signs at different age. New born infants have intractable heart failure, infancy have hydrocephalus, and adolescents have headache and syncope. The diagnosis rests upon angiography, especially four-vessel angiography is mandatary to delineate all of the feeding arteries. The posterior cerebral arteries supply most of the blood to the aneurysm. The only effective treatment is ligation of the feeding vessels at the point of entry into the vein of Galen.

Clinical Observation in the Narrow Spinal Canal

Authors analysed 25 cases of the narrow spinal canal in cervical and lumbar region, who admitted to the Catholic Medical Center, Seoul from Jan. 1970 to August 1976. Correlation between neurologic feature and radiologic finding was attempted and compared the measurements of narrow cervical and lumbar spinal canal with that of the healthy Korean. The mean anterioposterior diameter of the cervical canal in healthy Korean was 16.2mm at C4, 16.4mm. at C5, 16.6mm. at C6, and 16.4mm. at C7. The ratio of canal to vertebral body in the plain lumbar spine was 1 : 3.9 at L3, 1 : 3.8 at L4 and 1 : 3.8 at L5. The measurements of 25 cases of narrow spinal canal were significantly reduced comparing with the healthy one. The clinical symptoms were closely related to the severity of the narrow spinal canal while there was intermittent or insidious course of symptom in the group of mild narrow spinal canal. Symptom of root compression or neurogenic claudication is frequent manifestation in the severe narrow spinal canal. and the symptom is correlated to the severity of the narrowing. Urinary disturbance and pyramidal tract sign were evident in the cervical narrow canal. The characteristic myelographic feature was multiple constrictive defect at the level of the narrow canal. Common findings in laminectomy were the thickened laminae and hypertrophied ligamentum flavum in the narrow canal. Herniated disc was not found but in one case in the cervical narrow canal at surgery. The recovery of the symptom was better in the group of the narrow canal who had mild degree of narrowing or who had the symptom in short duration rather than prolonged course.