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Sixteen former rayon viscose workers were investigated four years after the exposure to carbon disulfide was discontinued. Median age was 58 years (range 43-65 years), median exposure time was 17 years (range 10-35 years). Encephalopathy was diagnosed in altogether 14 workers. To further explore pathophysiological mechanisms, cerebrovascular investigations were employed. Doppler ultrasound examination of the precerebral vessels in 15 workers showed a slight stenosis of the left internal carotid artery in one. Regional cerebral blood flow investigation (rCBF) with single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) with Xenon-133 gas was performed in 14. There was no significant difference from a control group. Regional side-to-side asymmetries beyond reference limits were demonstrated in eight workers. The abnormalities were modest, but may indicate a tendency toward focal blood flow disturbances in workers with long-term exposure to carbon disulfide.

Background – In Norway, there are approximately 16000 strokes each year and 15% of these are caused by intracerebral hematomas. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) results from the rupture of blood vessels within the brain parenchyma. ICH occurs as a complication of several diseases, the most prevalent of which is chronic hypertension. When hemorrhage develops in the absence of a pre-existing vascular malformation or brain parenchymal lesion, it is denoted primary ICH. Secondary ICH refers to hemorrhage complicating a pre-existing lesion. Primary ICH is the most common type of hemorrhagic stroke, accounting for approximately 10% of all strokes. Despite aggressive management strategies, the 30-day mortality remains high, at almost 50%, with the majority of deaths occurring within the first 2 days. At 6 months, only 20–30% achieve independent status. Material and methods – This article is based on clinical experience, modern therapeutic guidelines for the treatment of intracerebral hematomas and up-to-date medical literature found in Medline. The article discusses the pathophysiology, clinical aspects, treatment, and the prognosis of intracerebral hematomas. Results and discussion – Advances in diagnosis, prognosis, pathophysiology, and treatment over the past few decades have significantly advanced our knowledge of ICH; however, much work still needs to be carried out. Future genetic and epidemiologic studies will help identify at-risk populations and hopefully allow for primary prevention. Randomized controlled studies focusing on novel therapeutics should help to minimize secondary injury and hopefully improve morbidity and mortality.

— Two patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) who experienced a delayed contralateral hemiparesis, the so-called crossed zoster syndrome, are described. Particular emphasis is paid to the cerebral blood flow (CBF) findings studied with the Xenon-133 inhalation technique using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). In a 40-year-old female with right-sided hemiparesis, angiography showed multiple segmental narrowings of the intracerebral arteries. Cerebral computer tomography (CT) scans were normal. The CBF studied 11 months after the HZO showed a generalized reduction of flow which, however, was more pronounced in the left hemisphere. On re-examination 8 months later both the mean hemispheric flow and regional CBF (rCBF) had increased to normal values. In a 66-year-old male with dysphasia and right-sided hemiparesis, cerebral CT scans demonstrated two small deep left-sided infarcts. CBF examination showed a generalized reduction of flow in the left hemisphere. The flow was slightly increased on re-examination 12 months later. These findings suggest that the Xenon-133 inhalation method represents a useful way to demonstrate the CBF pattern in this group of patients.