Trincia G

Chronic extradural haematomas

SummaryWe report 17 cases of chronic extradural haematoma out a total of 411 epidural haematomas treated at the Neurosurgical Department of Padua from 1954 to 1980.The definition, the variations in the presentation, and the CT scan features of chronic epidural haematomas are discussed.

Epidural haematoma at the vertex.

SummaryWe report 14 cases of vertex epidural haematomas among 478 cases of epidural haematomas that were hospitalized in the Neurosurgical Department of the University Hospital of Padova during the period 1953–1980.We discuss the clinical, diagnostic, and prognostic features. The mortality rate was 50%. In this type of traumatic haematoma prompt surgical treatment is not always followed by good recovery.

Traumatic primary brain stem haemorrhage. A clinical and experimental study.

SummaryWe report 36 cases of post-traumatic “primary brain stem haemorrhage” visualized by the CT scan and confirmed at autopsy.Clinical experience shows that many technical factors influence the inability to visualize brain stem haemorrhages. Experimental injection of fresh blood into the pons and midbrain of cadavers shows that lesions as small as 0.25 ml in volume may be visualized.The volume and the anatomical configuration of traumatic lesions of the brain stem extended over a rostro-caudal direction, and their proximity to bony structures at the base of the skull are obstacles to the visualization of brain stem haemorrhages.

Scanning electron microscopy (s.e.m.) of biopsy specimens of ruptured intracranial saccular aneurysms.

SummarySurgical specimens of 4 intracranial saccular aneurysms were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The internal surface of the aneurysms showed crater-like defects and cytoplasmic bridges. In some areas the endothelium was preserved, but its longitudinal convolutions were higher and thicker than those found in unchanged areas. On the damaged endothelial surface there was an increased number of blood cells. The adventitia resembled that of a normal cerebral artery. In conclusion the alterations observed are similar to those found in atherosclerosis and are most likely dut to the high wear and tear provoked by the blood streaming into the aneurysm. The results of this study are in agreement with the findings of a companion transmission electron microscopy study and emphasize the importance of degenerative changes on the development and rupture of intracranial saccular aneurysms.