Shuji Kamano

Cerebellar Abscess Due to Penetrating Orbital Wound

A cerebellar abscess developed in a child with a penetrating transorbital wound extending deep into the cerebellum. The computed tomographic (CT) scans at first demonstrated the image of the residual foreign body as a sharp, low density track. This changed to high density with suggestion of granulation along the lesion. The cerebellar abscess developed at the tip of the track with CT ring enhancement. Antibiotic treatment reduced the size and density of the abscess.

Steroids and the Blood-Brain Barrier with Special Reference to Astrocytic Cells

Effects of corticosteroids in different doses on the blood-brain barrier in oil emboli-induced cerebral edema were studied by means of RISA. Initial doses of hydrocortisone and prednisolone should be about 10 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg respectively to protect or repair the blood-brain barrier which is impaired in case of cerebral edema, and smaller doses may not exhibit significant effect. Effects of prednisolone on the cellular membrane were examined by employing cultured astrocytoma cells. Swelling and vacuole-formation of astrocytoma cells in media of low osmolarity were prevented by addition of prednisolone to that medium. It is suggested that steroids are concerned with permeability of the cellular membrane, thus exerting protective effects upon the blood-brain barrier.