No abstract

This is the first report of a fully documented case of an ossified mucin-producing benign choroid plexus tumor. This was a chance finding in a man who complained only of posttraumatic low back discomfort. The ossification of the tumor appears to have been therapeutic. Mucin production may be a defense mechanism. (Neurosurgery 29:130-132. 1991)

Computed tomographic (CT) scanning of the face and sinuses has improved markedly with modern equipment and methods. Expertise in facial and sinus anatomy as seen by CT is invaluable to the clinician. A review of normal CT anatomy is presented as a basis for diagnosing pathologic conditions.

A patient with severe bleeding due to carcinoma of the pharynx, uncontrollable by surgical intervention, was successfully treated by bilateral transcatheter embolization of the external carotid arteries using gel-foam. Although these lesions may appear hypovascular angiographically, this does not preclude embolization as a valuable therapeutic technique. Our experience with this patient indicates that transcatheter embolization is an especially appropriate approach to controlling bleeding in patients with extensive malignant disease when no other therapy is available.

This is the first report of a fully documented case of an ossified mucin-producing benign choroid plexus tumor. This was a chance finding in a man who complained only of posttraumatic low back discomfort. The ossification of the tumor appears to have been therapeutic. Mucin production may be a defense mechanism.