George J. Dohrmann

Central nervous system tumors in children cns tumors in children

Of 488 central nervous system neoplasms occurring in children over a 39‐year period, 467 were intracranial and 21 were intraspinal. The most common intracranial neoplasms were astrocytoma (28%), medulloblastoma (25%), ependymal neoplasm (9%), craniopharyngioma (9%), and glioblastoma multiforme (9%). The median age at diagnosis was 6 years with a male‐to‐female ratio of 1.3:1. Overall mean survival was 53.4 months and varied greatly relative to the type of tumor and the location. Of the intraspinal neoplasms the most frequently noted were the astrocytoma (47%) and the ependymal neoplasm (24%). The median age at diagnosis was 10 years with a male‐to‐female ratio of 1:1. The average survival from diagnosis (54.1 months) was comparable to that of intracranial neoplasms. Detailed analyses of each histological type of tumor relative to age at diagnosis, sex, anatomical location and survival from diagnosis are reported for both intracranial and intraspinal neoplasms. Cancer 40:3123‐3132, 1977.

Anaesthesia of the spinal cord-injured patient: cardiovascular problems and their management

An increased venous capacity and a decreased myocardial contractility can be expected in patients with an acute spinal cord lesion at or above T6. Both factors may contribute to a high incidence of arterial hypotension and pulmonary oedema in these patients especially during anaesthesia.We feel that the Swan-Ganz catheter provides valuable information concerning prevention, diagnosis and treatment of arterial hypotension and pulmonary oedema. Although there may be occasional difficulty in interpretation of measurements from the Swan-Ganz catheter if high airway pressures are used, it is a more sensitive monitor than C.V.P. measurement and is particularly useful in patients with a sympathectomy secondary to spinal cord trauma.

Intraspinal neoplasms in children.

Twenty-nine primary intraspinal neoplasms in children observed between 1936 and 1975 in Connecticut are reviewed. Most of them were gliomas: 45 per cent astrocytoma, 24 per cent ependymal neoplasm, 10 per cent glioblastoma multiforme and 7 per cent glioma. Symptoms, physical findings and therapy are reviewed.

Biomechanical quantification of experimental spinal cord trauma

Abstract An apparatus is described that produces experimental contusion of the spinal cord and completely defines the mechanical parameters of the trauma. The data provided includes a continuous record of the force, displacement, velocity of deformation, and acceleration of deformation of the spinal cord and the underlying thorax.

Norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in experimental spinal cord trauma: current status

This is a review on norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin with regard to their action following spinal cord injuries which reveals the controversies on this subject.

Combination of electron microscopy and the thioflavine S technique in studies of the spinal cord microvasculature

Abstract The thioflavine S technique for delineating blood flow patterns in central nervous system tissue has been reviewed. Electron microscopic studies of the microvasculature of the feline spinal cord after intravascular administration of the thioflavine S demonstrated no fine structural alterations in arterioles, capillaries, or venules. It is suggested that the thioflavine S technique could be used in conjunction with electron microscopic studies to enhance correlation of microvascular structure with function.