Changes in the basal ganglia and thalamus following reperfusion after complete cerebral ischaemia

We report specific changes bilaterally in the basal ganglia and thalamus following reperfusion after complete cerebral ischaemia. A 69-year-old man, resuscitated after cardiac arrest, showed symmetrical lowdensity lesions in the head of the caudate nucleus and lentiform nucleus on CT. MRI revealed methaemoglobin derived from minor haemorrhage in the basal ganglia and thalamus, not evident on CT. We suggest that this haemorrhage results from diapedesis of red blood cells through the damaged capillary endothelium following reperfusion.     

高压氧在治疗脊髓损伤伴截瘫及肢体慢性溃疡中的应用

本文报告了用高压氧治疗脊髓损伤伴截瘫患者１２例，肢体慢性溃疡８例。将患者置于２个大气压的单人氧舱内，每次９０ｍｉｎ。前者疗程为１周，每日２次。后者疗程为２周，每日１次。治疗结果：脊髓损伤伴截瘫患者中８例有明显而有意义的功能恢复，占６６．６％。慢性溃疡患者中有３例愈合，４例好转，有效率为８５％。作者认为：早期使用高压氧是治疗急性截瘫，尤其是不完全性截瘫的一种安全有效的方法。高压氧治疗可加速慢性溃疡创面的愈合，但不能取代溃疡面的局部处理。     

Radiologic features compared to clinical findings in a prospective study of 153 patients with metastatic spinal cord compression treated by radiotherapy

Summary Plain radiography, myelography and post-myelographic CT-scan are described and related to clinical findings in a prospective study of 153 consecutive patients with myelographic signs of spinal cord compression. The majority of the metastatic tumours arise in the vertebral body or the pedicles. In 80% of the patients with total blockage to the contrast medium on myelography the post-myelographic-CT showed passage of the contrast medium. Ambulatory function at time of diagnosis was correlated to the degree and the localization of the epidural block. In 64 patients who underwent a second myelography, the post-treatment findings of sensory function were correlated to radiological regression.     

Delayed pain response after lumbar discography

Summary The delayed onset of symptomatic pain following lumbar discography (with no immediate pain response) is described in six patients, five with a minimum 2-year follow-up. It is usually seen in patients with nearly normal disc morphology who have incomplete or discrete annular tears that are not filled at the time of injection. Later (2–12 h in this study), dye leakage occurs through these lesions, thereby precipitating the discogenic pain This phenomenon may be missed and is probably more common than previously believed due to early discharge from the hospital, the patient expecting discomfort after the invasive study (hence no complaint is made), and the clinician being unaware of this delayed symptom, thereby not asking about it in follow-up. Close patient questioning regarding a delayed onset of symptomatic pain after discography is, therefore, an essential element in diagnostic information following this study.     

Magnetic resonance imaging and single-photon emission computed tomography changes in hypoglycemia-induced chorea.

We present two case studies, one of generalized chorea and one of hemichorea, both after severe hypoglycemia episodes. Both cases showed hyperperfusion in their SPECT scans. The MRI and SPECT findings serve as clues regarding the role of basal ganglion dysfunction associated with chorea.     

大剂量甲基强的松龙冲击治疗急性脊髓损伤疗效分析

目的研究大剂量甲基强的松龙(MP)治疗急性脊髓损伤的临床效果.方法对87例急性脊髓损伤患者进行回顾性研究,根据伤后时间并按自愿选择用药原则分为应用MP治疗组(MP组,45例)和未应用MP治疗组(对照组,42例),以ASIA分级标准进行分级,并比较疗效和并发症.结果两组患者在治疗前后感觉及运动功能均有明显改善(P＜0.05).但MP组的感觉及运动功能恢复均优于对照组(P＜0.05).MP治疗组中24h治疗组(A组)与48h治疗组(B组)并发症发生率比较无显著性差异(P＞0.05),而MP组与对照组比较并发症的发生率明显增加,有显著性差异(P＜0.05).结论早期应用MP大剂量冲击治疗急性脊髓损伤是一项有效措施,但会显著增加患者治疗中并发症的发生率.     

前路减压Z-plate内固定治疗胸腰段爆裂性骨折伴不全性截瘫

目的 探讨胸腰段爆裂性骨折伴不全瘫前路减压内固定优越性以及Z-plate系统的优点。方法 采用前路减压Z-plate内固定治疗胸腰段爆裂性骨折伴不全瘫25例。结果 全部病例均获随访，随访时间6～24个月，平均17个月。按Frankel分级评定有1～3级恢复，随访期间无后凸加重及内固定松动，植骨融合。结论 前路减压Z-plate内固定是治疗胸腰段爆裂性骨折的较好方法。     

脊髓前动脉损伤致脊髓缺血性损伤模型的MRI评价

目的：研究经脊髓前动脉损伤，致脊髓缺血性损伤模型的高场强MRI信号表现特征。方法：选用12只家犬经颈前手术入路，切断脊髓前动脉，经高场强MRI扫描，对照病理分析脊髓前动脉损伤后脊髓的MRI信号变化特征。结果：脊髓前动脉损伤后脊髓MRI表现出异常T2WI高信号，且出现在脊髓前动脉损伤节段的前2／3，多表现为一例受累及或偏向一例。结论：MRI能确定脊髓缺血性损伤的部位及信号特征。     

Occult spinal dysraphism in children: need for early neurosurgical referral

The natural history of occult spinal dysraphism in children is one of progressive and unpredictable neurological deficit. The modern role of neurosurgery is in the prevention of deterioration rather than correction of established disability. A prospective study was carried out on 40 consecutive patients to analyse the referral pattern of children with this condition. The age, reason for referral, clinical history and source of referral was recorded in each case. The reason for referral varied with age. Of the 40 patients studied, only 12 were found to be without neurological deficit at the time of referral. The incidence of progressive neurological deterioration increased with increasing age. The referral source in different age groups varied, but in all age groups relatively few were referred by the general paediatricians or paediatric neurologists. For optimum surgical results, early referral and treatment is desirable and should become our objective.