Spontaneous haemorrhage in a cerebellar abscess: a unique complication.

A case of spontaneous haemorrhage in a cerebellar abscess is reported. Only two reports of this complication have been found in the literature. An incidental acoustic schwannoma was also found close to the abscess.

The treatment of childhood hydrocephalus by choroid plexus coagulation and artificial cerebrospinal fluid perfusion.

The authors report their experience in the treatment of childhood hydrocephalus by endoscopic choroid plexus coagulation and post-operative ventricular perfusion with artificial CSF. The procedure was carried out on 23 children without mortality. In 12 cases (52%) the procedure was successful in controlling the hydrocephalus.

Multiple neurological lesions due to vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia.

Four cases which presented with multiple neurological signs caused by vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia are reported. The pathology was revealed by CT, MRI and angiograms. In one case, hemifacial spasm and other neurological deficits were cured by microvascular facial nerve decompression.

Airgun injuries of the brain.

Brain injuries caused by airguns are serious. The optimal management is wound exploration, excision of contaminated tissues and removal of loose bone fragments. In addition, careful monitoring, prophylactic antibiotics and anticonvulsants are required.

The diagnosis of ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts.

We present a case of a spontaneous asymptomatic rupture of an intracranial dermoid cyst with CT and MR images. The literature on the subject is reviewed. The potential associated complications are discussed.

Misleading clinical syndromes of CSF shunt malfunction.

CSF shunt malfunction is nowadays a common emergency. It may occasionally simulate some more sinister underlying central nervous system disease. We describe three examples where simple mechanical revision of a faulty shunt reversed bizarre and misleading neurological syndromes.

Subdural haematoma caused by metastatic dural carcinomatosis.

A case of subdural haematoma caused by metastatic dural carcinomatosis is reported. The condition is a rare but distinct entity. It is usually due to vascular obstruction of the dural vessels by tumour cells.

Blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in heat stroke.

Blood coagulation and fibrinolysis were assessed in 55 cases of heat stroke who presented with or without bleeding tendencies during the Makkah pilgrimage of 1983. 17 patients were identified to have evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Bleeders with DIC had a higher incidence of shock and a higher mortality when compared to non-bleeders.