Abstract: ✓ Pituitary tumors caused ocular paresis in nine of 64 patients studied. Most commonly affected of the ocular motor nerves was the third cranial nerve. The third nerve defect was total in three patients and partial in four. The levator palpebral superioris was the most commonly affected, causing either a partial or complete ptosis. Four of the seven patients with third cranial nerve paresis had normal pupillary function, two had sixth nerve paresis; one fourth nerve involvement, and in one, all three nerves to the ocular muscles were affected. Two patients had isolated sixth cranial nerve paralysis without involvement of the third cranial nerve. Seven of the nine patients reviewed had full return of eye movement after intracranial surgical removal of the pituitary tumor.

Abstract: A dural arterio-venous shunt in the wall of the cavernous sinus was successfully treated by embolic occlusion of the middle meningeal artery, from which its main arterial supply was derived. The advantages of this method of treatment in selected cases are discussed.

Abstract: Closure of a carotid cavernous sinus fistula occurred following angiography. Although previous reports of similar events have suggested that carotid artery compression, irritating and vasoconstrictor effects of radiopaque media, or embolization might explain the closure, these mechanisms seemed unlikely here. There is a possibility that hypotension was the primary cause for closure.

Abstract: Study of the venous phase of carotid arteriograms in all lesions at the base of the skull provides important additional information, with or without the use of direct intracranial venography

Abstract: A method is described to obtain coronal tomographic sections of the contrast filled cavernous sinuses. This aids in the assessment of lateral displacement of the cavernous sinuses by intra-sellar masses.

Abstract: The Tolosa-Hunt syndrome consists of recurrent, unilateral painful ophthalmoplegia which responds dramatically to systemic steroid therapy. The etiology appears to be a nonspecific inflammation in the cavernous sinus and superior orbital fissure. We reviewed 14 previously reported cases and describe 3 additional patients. Orbital venography, performed for the first time in these patients, demonstrated complete .ipsilateral occlusion of the superior ophthalmic vein and at least partial obliteration of the cavernous sinus. Although these venographic abnormalities are not specific, the diagnosis of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome should be suggested when they are found in patients with painful ophthalmoplegia alleviated by steroids.

Abstract: In owl monkeys, controlled elevation of subarachnoid pressure was produced either intracranially, in the optic nerve sheath, or in both. When intracranial pressure was elevated, orbital venous pressure became elevated, but it did not keep pace with intracranial pressure elevation, because orbital veins have anastomoses to facial veins and need not depend entirely on cavernous sinus for drainage. The central retinal vein pressure is additionally affected by pressure in optic nerve sheaths, and keeps pace with vaginal sheath pressure elevation, because anastomotic connections at the optic disc between central retinal vein and vortex vein were not sufficient to relieve fully pressure in the central retinal vein. Intraocular blood flow was slowed in regions drained by central retinal vein (retina and disc). The choroidal flow, which drains via vortex veins into orbital veins, was affected less.