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Biomedical subjects

C K Whittaker

Publications and source records attributed to C K Whittaker.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Cerebellar astrocytomas in elderly patients with very long preoperative histories: report of three cases.

Three patients, ages 69, 67, and 74 years, respectively, underwent surgical removal of cystic cerebellar astrocytomas. All three had past histories pointing to the existence of a cerebellar lesion for many decades prior to surgery: Patient 1 had had nystagmus on lateral gaze on the side of the tumor since early childhood; Patient 2 had had sensorineural hearing loss on the side of her neoplasm for 38 years preceding the operation; and Patient 3 was diagnosed as having a brain tumor 51 years before the operation. (He has been blind because of pressure hydrocephalus for half a century, but otherwise managed to live a productive farming and family life until he sustained a head injury in a car accident, which forced him to undergo removal of his cerebellar tumor.) The neoplasms in all three instances were found by histological examination to be low-grade astrocytomas. These cases indicate that low-grade cerebellar astrocytomas, which are well known for their characteristically long postoperative courses, may at times manifest a slow growth potential with an exceptionally long preoperative course.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

Standardization in reporting results of acoustic tumor surgery.

The number of surgical reports from acoustic tumor removal has increased as the competency level of surgeons has increased. Proposed for acceptance as standards in reporting are 1) maximum diameter of the tumor as judged by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging in millimeters or centimeters, 2) presence or absence of IV ventricle displacement, indentation, or deformation, 3) preoperative and postoperative speech audiometry, 4) specific nomenclature as to the anatomic surgical approach with total or partial removals, 5) specific description of anatomic preservation of the facial nerve, specifying immediate postoperative function, and 6) use of the John House facial nerve function grading system. These guidelines were adopted by the authors for standardizing reporting results in 110 consecutive operations for acoustic tumors performed between 1976 and 1986.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Intraocular extension of optic nerve meningioma in a case of neurofibromatosis.

A case of intraocular extension of primary optic nerve meningioma occurred in a 13-year-old girl with neurofibromatosis. An anomalous disc in the involved blind eye was diagnosed as optic nerve glioma at 2 1/2 years of age. The aggressive nature of meningiomas in the young and the long time period involved account for this rare occurrence of direct intraocular extension.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Acoustic tumors: preoperative measurement and correlation with postoperative facial nerve function.

The cases of 67 patients consecutively operated on for acoustic tumors are reported. Preoperative records consist of tumor size and the position of the fourth ventricle on computerized tomography (CT) scans. An analysis is made of the immediate postoperative and current function of the facial nerves. There is a statistically significant relationship between the number of weak or paralyzed seventh nerves and displacement of the fourth ventricle (P less than .05). It is now possible to accurately measure acoustic tumors on preoperative CT scans. The position of the fourth ventricle can also be clearly seen. The current standard of diagnosis and management of acoustic tumors should include a cursor measurement of tumor size on CT scan and a notation of the position of the fourth ventricle. Adoption of this method of reporting will permit meaningful evaluation of treatment for acoustic tumors. This analysis illustrates the importance of accurate measurements in reporting and evaluating surgical results.

Facial Nerve↗
PubMed1985

Translabyrinthine removal of large acoustic tumors.

The translabyrinthine technique was used to remove tumors of various sizes in 50 cases. Outcome is presented stressing immediate and eventual facial function, for tumors measuring 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 mm. Immediate facial function is a good predictor of permanent facial activity; regeneration of the facial nerve gives good but never perfect function. Except for preservation of hearing, translabyrinthine surgery gives equally good and probably better results than other techniques.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Histological acoustic tumor involvement of the VIIth nerve and multicentric origin in the VIIIth nerve.

The surgical plane between the VIIth nerve and acoustic tumor is often elusive. This histological relationship was reviewed in three patients who underwent VII-VII neuroanastomosis at tumor removal disclosing an inseparable surgical plane in two. In the third patient, tissue sections did not accurately show the relationship. In all three, surgical planes were not apparent at tumor removal. Another patient had a second, isolated tumor in the same VIIIth nerve proximally at the brain stem root entry zone. This was seen only on permanent section. In considering "total" tumor removal by microsurgical standards, these histological findings should be kept in mind. We advocate removal of the entire VIIIth nerve to the brain stem root entry zone along with smaller tumors.

Adult↗