Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to D Kraus.
Hypermobility of the atlanto-occipital joint can be seen following trauma or in a patient with congenital fusion of C1-C2 as a progressive problem. The lateral roentgenogram is the key to the diagnosis, and familiarity with the normal anatomy is necessary. In the trauma setting care should be taken not to increase the dislocation with traction. Treatment by a posterior craniocervical fusion has proved successful in both groups of patients.
This study investigates the associations between the different symptom dimensions of schizophrenia and neuropsychological performances. Globally, the results replicate previously described associations. The "negative" dimension correlates with impaired sustained attention and working memory, thus suggestive of dorsolateral frontal cortex dysfunction. "Disorganization" correlates with the ability to inhibit proactive interference. thus with ventromedial frontal dysfunction. The results also add support to the view that the "psychotic" dimension described in three-dimension models includes in fact two distinct dimensions, (1) "hallucinations," here associated to episodic memory measures, and (2) "delusions", here associated to visuospatial attention, thus suggestive of mediotemporal and posterior neocortical dysfunction, respectively.
Lymphatic mapping allows the surgeon to identify and remove the first draining (sentinel) lymph node from a primary melanoma with minimal morbidity. The procedure facilitates accurate staging and identification of patients in need of additional therapy. We used lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy in two children with melanoma. Both patients had evidence of metastatic melanoma in their sentinel lymph nodes and underwent regional lymphadenectomy. Malignant melanoma and atypical pigmented lesions in children remain diagnostically challenging for the pathologist and clinician. Misdiagnoses occur, and the correct interpretation of a melanocytic tumor is too often made only after recurrence or metastasis has occurred. The use of lymphatic mapping facilitates accurate staging and identifies children in whom additional therapy may be indicated. In addition, it can assist in the assessment of the biologic potential of a difficult lesion.
Spindle cell carcinoma is an unusual variant of squamous cell carcinoma. The histogenesis of these tumors is controversial, as is the prognosis for patients with spindle cell carcinoma of the head and neck when compared with all squamous cell carcinomas of these sites. Fifteen consecutive nondermal cases of spindle cell carcinoma of the head and neck were reviewed. Six patients had spindle cell carcinoma either in recurrent tumor or in neck metastases following treatment for squamous cell carcinoma where a spindle cell component was not initially noted. Despite aggressive management, 13 patients have died from their disease. The histogenesis and management of spindle cell carcinoma of the head and neck are discussed.