An unusual arachnoid cyst of the thoracic spine is reported. The clinical and neuroradiological features are described.

No abstract

A case of multiple hydatid cysts of the brain is reported. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scanning revealed a thick and calcified pericystium. These findings allowed appropriate surgical planning, with a marked recovery of the neurological deficits and absence of relapse in the follow-up period.

The use of the intraventricular or subarachnoid administration of morphine in the treatment of intractable pain secondary to cancer is described. The drug, in doses ranging from 0.33 to 4.00 mg, was administered by the percutaneous injection of an Ommaya reservoir or by a spinal tap. The duration of analgesia ranged from 36 to 150 hours. The indications for and side effects of this type of therapy are considered.

The authors present a group of 23 patients with extradural spinal metastases who had undergone surgical treatment with different approaches, with reference to the anatomical site of the tumours. They report the results and discuss the criteria of the different surgical technical choices.