Tuberculoma of pineal area. Case report.

A case of pineal area tuberculoma revealed by grand mal seizures and deterioration of vision is presented. A surgical biopsy and chemotherapy produced good results. This unusual site of tuberculoma demonstrates the usefulness of a direct approach to pineal area masses.

Effect of radiologic contrast media and local anaesthetics on the blood-brain barrier and on the leptomeninges.

The leptomeninges of cats were exposed to lidocaine, metrizamide and methiodal sodium and compared with control brains exposed to Ringer's solution. As a sign of blood-brain barrier damage, an increased extravasation of albumin into the cerebral cortex was recorded after exposure to methiodal sodium; lidocaine or metrizamide did not produce such damage. Scanning electron microscopy revealed minor cellular reactions in the mesothelial cells of the leptomeninges after application of metrizamide, lidocaine and Ringer's solution.

Mesothelial cell integrity of the subdural and arachnoid surfaces of the cat brain after exposure to neurosurgical irrigation fluids and air: a scanning electron microscopic study.

The mesothelial cell integrity of the subdural and arachnoid surfaces in the cat was investigated by scanning electron microscopy after exposure to different irrigation fluids used in neurosurgery, as well as after drying by air. Irrigation for 3 hours with Elliott's Solution B and Ringer's solution retained the morphology of the cells. After exposure to saline for the same time, the mesothelial cells appeared perforated and were sometimes detached from the underlying connective tissue.