Single Photon Emission Tomography of the Pituitary: Preliminary Communication

A specific application of single photon emission tomography to the relative quantitation of the pituitary region is described together with the results obtained in 19 patients with pituitary adenoma proven by air encephalography. These are compared with those obtained by X-ray computer tomography and conventional brain imaging and a superiority of single photon emission tomography is demonstrated in this small series.

Compartmentalization of the cerebral ventricles as a sequela of neonatal meningitis

✓ Thirteen infants with compartmentalization of the lateral ventricles diagnosed by air encephalography, computerized tomography, or autopsy are reported. In each case, the body of one or both lateral ventricles was completely divided by a membrane posterior to the foramen of Monro. Recognition of this entity is important from both therapeutic and prognostic standpoints.

Computerized Axial Tomography in Neurologic Disorders of Children

Computerized axial tomography offers major advantages over air encephalography and angiography for studies of neurologic disorders in children. The low morbidity and the ease of the procedure permit the accurate diagnosis of intracranial pathology in situations where more invasive procedures would not be undertaken. The techniques of the procedure and its uses and limitations are emphasized in a number of neurologic problems of children.

Computerised transverse axial tomography of the brain

The computerised transverse axial x-ray tomography system (CAT) developed by EMI has improved the accuracy of diagnosing intracranial lesions, and has made potentially risky and unpleasant invasive techniques such as arteriography and air encephalography less necessary.1 The management of patients is therefore easier.

Alcoholic Brain Damage: Implications for Sentencing Policy (With a Note on the Air-Encephalogram)

Alcoholic brain damage is often overlooked as a factor in criminal behaviour. Air-encephalography is necessary to demonstrate it. In the case reported, visual evidence of brain damage during the trial of a drunken driver enabled the court to avoid an otherwise mandatory prison sentence and permit medical management instead. The importance of full neuro-psychiatric investigation of potentially brain-damaged offenders is stressed.

Transcallosal removal of craniopharyngiomas within the third ventricle

✓ Six cases of craniopharyngioma located wholly, or largely, within the third ventricle are described; these include four adults with tumors completely within the ventricular system and two children with recurrent tumors primarily within the third ventricle. Four of these patients were operated on by a transcallosal approach. Gross total removal was possible in all patients, but two have suffered recurrence and only one is alive and tumor-free. There were no signs or symptoms present preoperatively that allowed the intraventricular nature of the neoplasm to be correctly diagnosed. Air encephalography provided definitive tumor localization in each case. Three patients died of massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the immediate postoperative period. The surgical technique of transcallosal approach for removal of these neoplasms is described in detail.

Cortical atrophy and air encephalography: a clinical and radiological study

SYNOPSISForty-nine patients with radiological evidence of cortical atrophy were followed up five to 10 years after their radiographic examination. The survivors were examined personally. The original radiographs were then reassessed to establish features indicating a good and poor prognosis. Dimensions of the body of the lateral ventricle distinguished good and poor prognosis, whereas the appearance of the cortical surface did not.