Yokota J

Computed tomographic imaging of the brain in after hypoglycemia coma

SummaryA case of severe hypoglycemic coma was studied by sequential Computed Tomographic Imaging (CT) of the brain. The CT 1) was normal in the early stage, 2) subsequently showed a low density area, which was enhanced by the contrast medium, in the cerebral cortex and the boundary zone between the major cerebral arteries, and 3) revealed marked enhancement in the entire cortical region and hypodensity in the periventricular region in the late stage. These CT findings, representing the course of neural cell damage by severe hypoglycemia, are discussed from the pathophysiological viewpoint.

Long-term continuous spinal anesthesia in severe tetanus with autonomic disturbance.

SummaryThe mortality rate from tetanus is still high if the disease is accompanied by signs of autonomic nervous system dysfunction. We treated a 75-year-old woman with tetanus and autonomic dysfunction with continuous high spinal anesthesia for 23 days. She recovered. Spinal anesthesia may be a useful adjunct for the treatment of severe tetanus.