Thomas Joseph

Primary Ewing's sarcoma of the skull: a report of two cases

We report two cases of primary Ewings sarcoma of the skull. The literature contains previous reports of only four such cases.

Multicentric gliomas: two case reports and a review of the literature

Multicentric gliomas are among the rarest of multiple intracranial neoplasms. Two biopsy proven cases are described with a review of the literature. Both cases had supratentorial and posterior fossa lesions. Computed tomography was performed in both cases, open and stereotaxic biopsy was done in one case and open biopsy of both lesions in the other case. The major problem in multicentric gliomas is the management. The two cases were managed differently based on the clinical condition and the location of the lesions.

Primary Tuberculous Osteomyelitis of Skull: Report of two cases

Two cases of primary tuberculous osteomyelitis of skull confirmed by appropriate laboratory investigations are described here. Primary tuberculous osteomyelitis of skull is rare. Only two cases of chronic granulomatous osteomyelitis have been described so far in the literature.

Histopathological Appraisal of Carbon-dioxide Laser Dorsal Root Entry Zone (DREZ) Lesions in Primates

Dorsal Root Entry Zone (DREZ) thermocoagulation using radiofrequency has successfully been employed in the treatment of various deafferentation pain syndromes. The ability of surgical lasers to produce discrete lesions with precision has prompted their use in DREZ lesioning. The effects of carbon-dioxide laser induced DREZ lesions in the primate spinal cord were studied in the Bonnet monkey and the parameters necessary to produce a histologically ideal DREZ lesion were evaluated. Lesions were made with 10, 15 and 20 Watts power for pulse durations of 100 to 400 milliseconds at a constant beam spot size of 0.4 mm. It was found that histologically ideal lesions were produced with 20 Watts of power and a pulse duration of 300 milliseconds and with 15 Watts power and 400 millisecond pulse duration. The lesion lengths and widths at different parameters were also comparatively evaluated. The postulated mechanisms of deafferentation pain and the possible mode of action of DREZ lesions in management of pain are also reviewed.