[Three-dimensional correlation between auditory brainstem response and auditory tract in hypertensive pontine hematoma].

A three-dimensional reconstructed display using a microcomputer represents the spatial correlation between the nuclei of auditory tract and pontine hematoma. Stereotaxic evacuation of hematoma was performed on seven cases of pontine hemorrhage. By making a comparison between preoperative and postoperative findings of ABR and this display, we examined the effect of the surgical intervention on ABR findings. ABR was recorded according to the standard way (100 dBSL, 2000 click stimuli). Hematoma was drawn on the Atlas of the Human Brainstem and Cerebellar Nuclei by Farhad Afshar. The data plotted on digitizer was inputted and processed under our computer program that enables the brainstem and hematoma visualized and rotated three-dimensionally at our option. The results were as follows: a) ipsilateral dominance in human auditory tract in terms of the origin of ABR waves, b) delayed latency time of wave II which was supposed to be based on an influence upon the ipsilateral superior olivary nucleus, c) that of wave III upon the ipsilateral lateral lemniscus, d) four cases of them showed an improvement of I-III interpeak latency time, which suggested the decompressive effect on caudal aspect of pons.