Predictive value of serum lactate dehydrogenase in head injury

Serum total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was estimated serially for up to 15 days in 110 patients with head injuries who had no extraneural injury. Increase in LDH activity generally indicated the degree of parenchymal brain damage. The prognostic value of LDH was established by correlating its activity with clinical criteria such as duration of unconsciousness and post-traumatic amnesia, type of brain damage, and quality of survival. A significant rise in LDH activity suggested severe brain damage and poor prognosis.

Haemorrhage into pituitary adenomas

Seventy cases of pituitary adenoma were analysed for evidence of haemorrhage. It was present in 18 cases. These are classified into four groups, acute, acute on chronic, chronic, and late sequelae of pituitary apoplexy, and an example of a patient in each group is given. The diagnosis and management are discussed.

A large cirsoid aneurysm of the scalp associated with epilepsy

A large cirsoid aneurysm of the scalp that was present since birth in a 1 1/2 year old baby is reported. For six months the patient had been suffering from generalized seizures and mental retardation. After excision of the aneurysm, the patient became seizure free.