Search

We present an unusual case of ruptured infantile cerebral aneurysm. An eight-month-old infant was delivered to the hospital in poor condition, after convulsions, with no history of trauma. His emergent CT study revealed acute subdural hematoma. The clinical and radiological picture evoked suspicion that the hematoma was of aneurysmal origin. The infant was operated with special preparations and precautions appropriate for aneurysmal surgery, and has shown a good recovery. It is important to consider the possibility of vascular accident in infants with subdural hematoma of nontraumatic origin. A good outcome may be achieved when appropriate preparations are made prior to surgery.

BACKGROUND Amyloidoma (tumoral amyloidosis) is the rarest form of central nervous system (CNS) amyloidosis. CASE A 51-year-old woman presented with recurrent right-sided otitis media and hearing loss. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass in the right temporal lobe. Cytologic findings at the time of stereotactic biopsy for suspected glioma were compatible with amyloidoma. Subsequent histologic and electron microscopic findings confirmed the diagnosis of amyloidoma. Auxiliary testing ruled out systemic amyloidosis and plasma cell dyscrasia. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first report on the cytologic findings in a case of CNS amyloidoma.

Pituitary abscesses are rare. Occasionally they will arise in pre-existing pituitary pathology. We report such an occurrence within a Rathke’s cleft cyst. On the basis of history and imaging, this was indistinguishable from more commonly encountered pituitary pathology.

A case of thoracic hematomyelia secondary to anticoagulant therapy is presented. Clinical features, similar to 2 other previously reported cases, are discussed. A high index of suspicion may lead to a quick diagnostic procedure and successful decompressive surgery.