[Micro anatomy of the cavernous sinus].

Purpose: The surgical anatomy of the human cavernous sinus has been described by several authors. A clearer understanding of the anatomy of the cavernous sinus has resulted in an increased interest in surgical approaches to this region. Regarding the anatomical concept of the cavernous sinus previous descriptions should be revised.

Mutations in the lysyl oxidase gene not associated with intracranial aneurysm in central European families.

Background: Lysyl oxidase is a promising candidate gene for a mutation search in intracranial aneurysm families because (a) it controls the processing, cross-linking and maturation of collagen and elastin fibers in the blood vessel wall, (b) its expression levels and activity are altered in different animal models of aneurysm pathogenesis, and (c) it is encoded within the chromosome 5q22-31 region of suggestive linkage to intracranial aneurysms.

Methods: We have performed genomic sequencing of all 7 exons including the intron-exon splice sites and of the putative promoter region for lysyl oxidase in 25 patients from intracranial aneurysm multiplex families resident in Central Europe.

Results: We observed 4 genetic variants including 2 novel polymorphisms, 1 in the noncoding sequence of exon 7 and the other upstream from the lysyl oxidase promoter.

Pattern of recurrence following local chemotherapy with biodegradable carmustine (BCNU) implants in patients with glioblastoma.

Objective: Recently a randomized placebo-controlled phase III trial of biodegradable polymers containing carmustine has demonstrated a significant survival benefit for patients treated with local chemotherapy. A local chemotherapy applied directly to the resection cavity may act directly on residual tumor cells in adjacent brain possibly leading to a local control of the tumor and increased survival.

Methods: We have analyzed the pattern of recurrence using serial MRI studies of 24 patients treated with GLIADEL Wafers or placebo wafers following resection of glioblastomas.

Elastin polymorphism haplotype and intracranial aneurysms are not associated in Central Europe.

Background And Purpose: The occurrence of intracranial aneurysms and of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are influenced by genetic factors. Recent genomic studies in Japan have defined 3 chromosomal loci and 1 haplotype of elastin polymorphisms as important risk factors, both for affected sib pairs and sporadic patients.

Methods: We have genotyped 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the elastin gene and evaluated their allelic association with intracranial aneurysm in a Central European sample of 30 familial and 175 sporadic patients and 235 population controls.