Hugh S. Wisoff

An epithelial cyst of the spinal cord. An electron microscopic study.

SummaryThe fine structure of an intradural and extramedullary cyst compressing the spinal cord was examined. The cyst was lined by a single epithelial layer of both ciliated and non-ciliated cells. The non-ciliated cells differ from the former by the presence of secretory granules and a surface coating as well as other characteristics. The epithelial layer was bordered by a basement membrane and prominent interdigitation was found along the lateral borders. The origin of these cells is unknown but the similarity between them and the epithelium of the respiratory tract is noted.

Ependymal cyst of the spinal cord: case report

A subarachnoid ependymal cyst of the spinal cord is rarely reported. A 44 year old man with a cyst compressing the lower spinal cord and conus medullaris is described. Excellent functional recovery followed excision of the lesion. The cells lining the cyst were histologically indistinguishable from normal ependymal cells, but, unlike the normal ependymal cells which are related to subependymal glial tissue, the cells lining the cyst abutted directly on the connective tissue forming the cyst wall. This is in contrast with ependymal lined cysts occurring within the conus medullaris, and intradural teratomatous cysts which consistently contain intracytoplasmic mucinous material. It is postulated that an ependymal cyst could result from isolation of ependymal cells from either the roof or floor plates during embryogenesis of the neural tube.

Estimation of Intracranial Pressure by CT Scan in Closed Head Trauma

The predictive values of certain features of computerized tomographic (CT) scans in estimating intracranial pressure (ICP) were investigated in 40 patients following closed head injuries. The various features of CT scans selected for study included ventricular compression, the size of the parenchymal mass lesion, midline shift, and an intraventricular clot. All patients with intraventricular clot exhibited severe elevation of pressure. Ventricular compression correlated well with the level of intracranial pressure. Size of the mass was found to be suggestive of pressure elevation but did not reach statistical significance. Midline shift showed no correlation with the intracranial pressure.

Glioblastoma multiforme of the cerebellum five decades after irradiation of a cerebellar tumor.

A 70-year-old woman is reported who had glioblastoma multiforme of the cerebellum 52 years after radiation therapy to a midline cerebellar tumor. Seven similar reported cases are reviewed. Dedifferentiation of astrocytoma to glioblastoma and the role of radiation therapy are discussed.

Fracture of the dens in the aged

Six elderly patients with fractures through the base of the dens are presented. Early posterior fusion with wire and acrylic is recommended after reduction and maintenance of alignment with skeletal traction and treatment of coexistent injuries and illnesses. Uncommon problems and associated injuries complicating treatment in this group of patients are discussed. Some patients in this age group may best be treated with a collar because of concurrent cardiopulmonary disease.

Case Report: Vertebral Osteomyelitis Caused by Streptococcus bovis

The association of Streptococcus bovis septicemia with abnominal neoplasms has been well-documented. The case of a man who presented with vertebral osteomyelitis due to S. bovis is reported; he was subsequently found to have bacteremia and colonic polyps. It is recommended that patients who present with localized as well as generalized S. bovis infections undergo yearly colonoscopy.

Leo Max Davidoff: his formative years and participation in the MacMillan Arctic Expedition

Leo Max Davidoff was one of the outstanding students of Harvey Cushing, who helped create the discipline of modern neurological surgery. In his own right, Dr. Davidoff was a pioneer who made significant contributions both in neurosurgery and neuroradiology. He also helped to found the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. This paper describes his early life and education, together with his participation in the MacMillan Arctic Expedition of 1925.