Sites of origin in the central nervous system of monoamine metabolites measured in human cerebrospinal fluid.
(33/64)
The concentrations of homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindole-acetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured in five cases with partial or complete block of CSF circulation, at various levels. Determinations were made in both a lumbar and a cisternal, or `mixed', sample obtained during pneumoencephalography. Most of the HVA appears to enter the ventricular system at the lateral ventricles, whereas much of the 5-HIAA in CSF originates in lower neuronal structures, including the spinal cord. The spinal contribution to the 5-HIAA content of lumbar CSF is of the order of 23-37%. (+info)
Binasal hemianopia.
(34/64)
Three patients with nasal visual field defects are described. In each case it is believed that compression of the lateral fibres of the optic nerve by the anterior cerebral or internal carotid artery was the cause. Binasal hemianopia can thus be produced by a single lesion and is as much a true hemianopia as the common bitemporal one. The value of careful neuroradiological investigation to display the relationships of a tumour to the chiasma, optic nerves, and related vessels and thus explain the field defects is demonstrated. (+info)
Leptomeningeal cysts diagnosed by isotope cisternography.
(35/64)
The diagnosis of leptomeningeal cysts by isotope cisternography is described in four cases. The cysts are visualized as abnormal local collections of the radiopharmaceutical, best demonstrated 48 hours after lumbar injection. The investigation makes it possible to diagnose the cyst at an early stage, before severe clinical symptoms and changes in the bones of the skull develop. Cases of leptomeningeal cysts in various areas of the brain are described. (+info)
Hydrocephalus complicated the clinical course of four patients with pituitary adenoma. In three it was noted late, long after surgical intervention and radiotherapy had been carried out. In one patient, hydrocephalus was part of the presenting syndrome. The differential diagnosis of hypopituitarism and occult hydrocephalus is difficult. The possibility of hydrocephalus complicating a pituitary adenoma constitutes another indication for arteriography before carrying out definitive treatment, or should the clinical course be unsatisfactory at any time. (+info)
Partial pneumoencephalography in following-up pituitary tumours.
(37/64)
The `limited' pneumoencephalogram has been used with excellent success at UCLA for the continuing follow-up of pituitary tumours. It is most useful in following nonsecretory adenomas since tumour regrowth can occur in the absence of clinical signs and symptoms. Total serial pneumoencephalography has not been accepted previously for follow-up of pituitary tumours since there is a significant morbidity. The `limited' pneumoencephalogram of the diseased area drastically reduces the morbidity of the procedure so that the patients are willing to undergo serial studies on an outpatient basis. (+info)
Surgical treatment of giant pituitary adenomas.
(38/64)
Multidirectional extension and invasive spread are important features of giant pituitary adenomas. Operability cannot be established merely by determining the size of the most prominent part of the tumour. Detailed radiological evaluation with plain films, computed tomography, angiography, and air studies all contribute to evaluation of the precise anatomy before surgery. In the final decision risks of surgical treatment must be balanced against the patient's age and prospects of long-term useful survival. Unfavourable cases for surgical treatment in our hands were those tumours embedded in the hypothalamus with thalamic and posterior extensions. Partial removal of such cases gave poor results. Where the mass proves soft, radical excision may be possible, but not otherwise. Limited biopsy for histological study, followed by a shunt procedure and x-ray therapy seems still the only recourse. (+info)
Russell's diencephalic syndrome of early childhood.
(39/64)
A case of Russell's diencephalic syndrome of early childhood is presented and the world literature reviewed. Assays of serum growth hormone (HGH) and fat mobilizing substance (FMS) were performed and gave very abnormal results. The role of these two substances is discussed and their value in the diagnosis of this syndrome is emphasized. (+info)
Progressive neurological deficits in primary polycythaemia.
(40/64)
Patients with primary polycythaemia may present clinical features which lead to an erroneous diagnosis of intracerebral neoplasm. Three such cases are described in detail in this report. (+info)