Friedreich's paralysis / by T. Duncan Greenlees and G. Carrington Purvis.

  • Greenlees, T. Duncan.
Date:
1901
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Friedreich's paralysis / by T. Duncan Greenlees and G. Carrington Purvis. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    19/28 (page 9)
    (2) Sclerosis of the posterior external tract (Burdach’s tract) external to the comma tract. (3) Sclerosis of the ascending antero-lateral tract (Gowers’ tract). This occurs as a small patch of sclerosis just where the anterior nerve-roots leave the cord. (4) Sclerosis of the direct cerebellar (lateral) tract. This occurs on both sides of the cord to a marked extent, nearly all the nerve-fibres being replaced by fibrous tissue. (5) In Clarke’s column the cells were few in number, markedly atrophied, took the stain badly, and the inter¬ cellular tissue was much broken down. (6) Lissauer’s tract, with the exception of a small portion adjoining the direct cerebellar tract, was healthy, as also was the crossed pyramidal tract. Dorsal region at the level of the second dorsal vertebra The lesions described as occurring in the cervical region were evident, but not to so marked an extent. The sclerosis of the posterior portion of the direct cerebellar (lateral) tract was, however, even more marked, and occurred as a dis¬ tinct patch, under a low power, of lighter hue than the surrounding healthy nerve-fibres, and this condition was equally marked on both sides of the section (fig. 7). Clarke’s column was affected to a similar extent as existed in the cervical region ; its cells and fibres were both affected extensively. Lumbar region at the level of the third lumbar vertebra :— In this portion of the cord the sclerosis was very evident, and quite localised to a patch on either side of the posterior median fissure, embracing Bruce’s and the comma tract, but leaving the free edge of the fissure healthy. A small patch of sclerosis likewise existed on either side of the posterior fissure more centrally situated and close to the commissure. The degenerative changes in the lateral and anterior columns, although present, were not so evident as they were in the cervical region of the cord (figs. 8 and 9). When a higher power was employed it was noted that, in some parts of the diseased portions of the cord, the nerve sheath appeared simply empty of its axis-cylinders. In other portions the axis was either shrivelled or else swollen.