Faculty Bibliography

Monoclonal and polyclonal antisera were used against 12 cases of neuroepithelial (colloid) cysts to determine the specific antigenic profile of the cyst epithelium. Intermediate filament markers (cytokeratin, vimentin, neurofilament, and glial fibrillary acidic protein) and epithelial markers (epithelial membrane antigen and monoclonal antibody lu-5) demonstrated that colloid cyst epithelium has a unique antigenic profile in contrast to that of choroid plexus or glial tissue. Theories raised to explain the etiology of colloid cysts have included derivation from the embryonic paraphysis, detachments of developing neuroepithelium from the tela choroidea, and remnants of respiratory epithelium; a more recent theory suggests that these cysts are products of developing choroid plexus or ependyma. The present study shows that colloid cyst epithelium is distinct from that of choroid plexus or ependyma and therefore does not represent a product of their formation, nor does it represent a form of immature glia. This finding supports the conclusion that colloid cysts in any ventricular location represent a developmental anomaly of primitive neuroectoderm in the embryo, which remains unique from other products of neuroectodermal derivation.

A neurotrauma assessment record has been designed to aid in data collection and clinical documentation of patients with multiple injuries. The record collects data concerning patient demography, trauma and medical history, neurological and systemic examinations, investigations, and treatment planning. It consists of two pages and the clinician need only circle listed choices, write focused comments, or draw on provided diagrams. It obviates the narrative record of the history and physical examination. We reviewed the written records of 100 consecutive polytraumatized patients seen in the Trauma Room before institution of the form, transcribing their information onto the form. These were compared to a second series of 100 consecutive patients who were evaluated following the introduction of the neurotrauma form as the initial assessment record. Seventy-seven of these patients were evaluated by the Neurosurgical service. Overall, the quality and completeness of recording improved dramatically. The neurotrauma assessment record ensures more complete recording of information during initial patient assessment, allows easy transfer to computerized databases, and may assist academic centres in performing clinical research