The authors have presented 81 children with intraspinal tumors, all less than 16 years of age. The clinical features indicated that gait disturbance, pain, and sphincter disturbance are the most prominent complaints. Reflex changes, paralysis, and sensory impairment are the most frequent physical findings. Cerebrospinal fluid protein was recorded in 47 patients and was abnormal in 34. Spine radiography was abnormal in 58% of the patients. Seventy of the patients had myelography, and it was diagnostic in 67. Surgery was performed on 79 patients, with a 2.5% operative mortality (30 days postsurgery). Of the 49 patients who are alive, 91.5% are able to walk. Mean follow-up period was 8.5 years. The authors document the benign course of the intramedullary astrocytomas and suggest an approach to their treatment. They encourage an aggressive approach to metastatic intraspinal tumors. The latrogenic origin of some epidermoid tumors is noted. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment of the intraspinal tumors in children is emphasized.

The neurological complications secondary to embolism from atrial myxoma are reviewed. A patient with intracranial and skeletal metastases is described to emphasise the malignant potentiality of this tumour. A classification of atrial myxoma metastases is presented.

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.