Syrinx reduction due to spontaneous spinal cord tear: demonstration on 3 T MRI and review of the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. e246235
Author(s):  
Serena Staglianó ◽  
Elena Prodi ◽  
Barbara Goeggel Simonetti ◽  
Alessandro Cianfoni
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Paediatric Population ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Thoracic Level ◽  
High Resolution Mri ◽  
Upper Thoracic ◽  
Serial Mri

A holocord syringomyelia due to Chiari 1.5 malformation (CM) in a 12-year-old girl was serially imaged with 3 T MRI over 4 years. The serial MRI showed reduction in size of the syrinx, without any surgical intervention or CM improvement, but rather due to spontaneous spinal cord tear. The tear was clearly demonstrated by evidence of flow signal across the tear between syrinx and subarachnoid space at the upper thoracic level. The tear showed spontaneous closure at follow-up. A medullary tear has been described in the adult population as one of the putative causes of spontaneous syringomyelia reduction, but its clear demonstration with modern high-resolution MRI has not been reported in the paediatric population. Moreover, this is the first reported case of syrinx reduction due to spontaneous fissuration in a paediatric patient.

MR imaging of ventriculus terminalis of the conus medullaris: A report of two operated patients and review of the literature

2003 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 444-446
Author(s):  
R. Dullerud ◽  
A. Server ◽  
J. Berg-Johnsen
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Incidental Finding ◽  
Conus Medullaris ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Specific Symptoms ◽  
Work Up

We report on 2 patients in whom a cystic dilation of the conus medullaris was incidentally found at MR imaging carried out in the work-up for sciatica. The cysts were well circumscribed and had signal intensity identical to the CSF on both T1- and T2-weighted images. There was no evidence of contrast enhancement. None of the patients had specific symptoms related to the spinal cord. At surgery, no evidence of malignancy was seen in any of the patients. A benign cystic dilation, also called dilated ventriculus terminalis, occasionally can be seen in the conus medullaris as an incidental finding at thoracolumbar MR imaging. Unless the expansion per se indicates cyst drainage, these patients may be monitored by clinical and MR follow-up, avoiding surgery in a substantial number of cases.

Motor network recovery in patients with chronic spinal cord compression: a longitudinal study following decompression surgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 379-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayla Ryan ◽  
Sandy Goncalves ◽  
Robert Bartha ◽  
Neil Duggal
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Compression ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Blood Oxygen Level Dependent ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Decompression Surgery ◽  
Blood Oxygen Level ◽  
Motor Network ◽  
Dependent Signal

OBJECTIVEThe authors used functional MRI to assess cortical reorganization of the motor network after chronic spinal cord compression and to characterize the plasticity that occurs following surgical intervention.METHODSA 3-T MRI scanner was used to acquire functional images of the brain in 22 patients with reversible cervical spinal cord compression and 10 control subjects. Controls performed a finger-tapping task on 3 different occasions (baseline, 6-week follow-up, and 6-month follow-up), whereas patients performed the identical task before surgery and again 6 weeks and 6 months after spinal decompression surgery.RESULTSAfter surgical intervention, an increased percentage blood oxygen level–dependent signal and volume of activation was observed within the contralateral and ipsilateral motor network. The volume of activation of the contralateral primary motor cortex was associated with functional measures both at baseline (r = 0.55, p < 0.01) and 6 months after surgery (r = 0.55, p < 0.01). The percentage blood oxygen level–dependent signal of the ipsilateral supplementary motor area 6 months after surgery was associated with increased function 6 months after surgery (r = 0.48, p < 0.01).CONCLUSIONSPlasticity of the contralateral and ipsilateral motor network plays complementary roles in maintaining neurological function in patients with spinal cord compression and may be critical in the recovery phase following surgery.

Spinal Cord Intradural Arteriovenous Fistulae: Anatomic, Clinical, and Therapeutic Considerations in a Series of 32 Consecutive Patients Seen between 1981 and 2000 with Emphasis on Endovascular Therapy

Neurosurgery ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 973-983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georges Rodesch ◽  
Michel Hurth ◽  
Hortensia Alvarez ◽  
Marc Tadie ◽  
Pierre Lasjaunias
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Cervical Cord ◽  
Karnofsky Performance Scale ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Arteriovenous Shunts ◽  
Thoracolumbar Region

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To review our series of intradural spinal cord arteriovenous fistulas (SCAVFs), analyzing symptoms and related angioarchitecture, and to study the morphological and clinical results of embolization. METHODS: Thirty-two SCAVFs (in 22 adults and 10 children) were treated between 1981 and 2000. These lesions were classified as microarteriovenous fistulas (mAVFs) or macroarteriovenous fistulas (MAVFs) according to shunt morphology. Location, architecture, presenting symptoms, and age group were detailed. The selection of patients for endovascular versus surgical treatments was analyzed, as were the anatomic and clinical results obtained by embolization with n-butylcyanoacrylate. Clinical status was evaluated according to the Karnofsky Performance Scale score. RESULTS: Ten SCAVFs were found in the pediatric population (four mAVFs and six MAVFs). All four mAVFs presented with acute symptoms. Three mAVFs (two cervical and one thoracic) presented hematomyelia; in one patient with a thoracic AVF, subarachnoid hemorrhage was suspected. All six MAVFs were located in the thoracolumbar cord (five associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasias). Four of the six MAVFs presented with hemorrhage. In the adult population, there were 21 mAVFS (95%) and one MAVF (5%). Only two mAVFs were found in the cervical cord, all other shunts affecting the thoracolumbar region. Hemorrhage was present in 6 of the 22 cases seen in adults (27%). The symptoms of SCAVFs did not differ from those found in spinal cord arteriovenous shunts of nidus type. Pial venous reflux and congestion were the most frequently encountered features in both the adult and pediatric groups. Arterial aneurysms (different from false aneurysms) were not found in association with hemorrhagic presentation of SCAVFs. Mean follow-up in our series was 3.3 years. Of the MAVFs, 86% were embolized, with 67% cured. The others had more than 75% occlusion. All patients followed up improved significantly. Of the mAVFs, 48% were treated endovascularly. Successful embolization was performed in 75% of patients. One patient was not embolized because of vasospasm, whereas 67% percent of mAVFs were completely occluded, 22% were more than 90% occluded, and 11% were 75% occluded. Complementary surgery was deemed unnecessary. All patients with mAVFs improved significantly at follow-up. Transient complications occurred in 22% of all patients, with no permanent morbidity or mortality. No patient bled or rebled after embolization. Thirty-six percent of mAVFs were operated on because of anticipated technical difficulties for endovascular approach or distal localization of the shunt. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of SCAVFs stabilizes, normalizes, or improves neurological symptoms in all patients at long-term follow-up, with no bleeds or rebleeds. Embolization of SCAVFs with glue is a safe treatment that compares favorably with other approaches and significantly improves the poor natural history of the disease.

La RM nelle sequele dei traumi spinali

1997 ◽  
Vol 10 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. 192-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Pellicanò ◽  
G. Caracchini ◽  
M. D'Andrea ◽  
M. Bartolucci ◽  
I. Del Seppia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Acute Phase ◽  
Vertebral Body ◽  
Neurological Symptoms ◽  
Spinal Cord Lesions ◽  
Guided Surgery ◽  
Thoracic Level ◽  
Post Traumatic

From January 1990 to April 1997 we retrospectively evaluated 90 patients with MR examinations at our Spine Unit. The following post-traumatic spinal cord lesions were diagnosed: atrophy (47 pts), myelomalacia (40 pts), cysts (14), syrinx (14) and medullary transection with adhesion(4 pts). MR was very useful to identify atrophy more frequently found at the cervical-thoracic level (C6-D3). Myelomalcia was found in a patient with severe vertebral body trauma with chronic compression of the spinal cord. Intramedullary cysts were found in patients with hematomyelia in acute phase and were stable lesions. Post-traumatic syringomyelia is the most important sequela due to the fact that is often correlated with symptoms. MR not only detected the lesion but also identified intramedullary cavities without new neurological symptoms and guided surgery and follow-up. MR is the examination of choice not only for diagnosis of chronic spinal cord lesions but also to evaluate the possibility of surgical treatment.

Intramedullary spinal cord tumors in patients older than 50 years of age: management and outcome analysis

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raj K. Shrivastava ◽  
Fred J. Epstein ◽  
Noel I. Perin ◽  
Kalmon D. Post ◽  
George I. Jallo
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Spinal Cord Tumors ◽  
Intramedullary Spinal Cord ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Older Adult Population ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) in the older-age adult population pose complex management issues regarding the extent of resection and functional outcome, especially in terms of quality of life. Historically, IMSCTs in the older adult population were treated with irradiation alone because it was assumed that functional recovery would be poor. The authors examined their IMSCT database and report the first large series of IMSCTs in patients older than 50 years of age. Methods. In this retrospective clinical and chart review there were 30 cases meeting inclusion criteria drawn from databases at three different institutions. A modified McCormick Scale was used to assess functional levels in all 30 patients pre- and postoperatively. The mean age of patients in this cohort was 59.8 years (range 50–78 years), and the mean follow- up period was 10.6 years (range 2–16 years). Ependymoma was the most common tumor (83%), and 55% were located in the thoracic spine. The most common presenting symptom was sensory dysesthesia, with rare motor loss. The prodromal period to treatment was 19.4 months. Based on the McCormick Scale score at last follow-up examination 67% of patients were clinically functionally the same, 9% were worse, and 24% were improved after surgery. There were two deaths due tumor progression (both malignant tumors) and one recurrence (anaplastic astrocytoma). All three patients in whom malignant astrocytomas were diagnosed underwent postoperative radiation therapy. Conclusions. In the population of patients older than age 50 years, thoracic ependymomas are the most common IMSCTs that present characteristically with sensory symptoms. The longer prodromal period in the older adult population may reflect the fact that their diagnosis and workup is inadequate. There was no significant increase in the length of stay in the neurosurgical ward. The authors recommend motor evoked potential-guided aggressive microsurgical resection, because the long-term outcome of benign lesions is excellent (good functional recovery and no tumor recurrence).

Cervicosternotomy as an anterior approach to the upper thoracic and cervicothoracic spinal junction

2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphane Fuentes ◽  
Sergueï Malikov ◽  
Benjamin Blondel ◽  
Philippe Métellus ◽  
Henry Dufour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Median Sternotomy ◽  
Specific Area ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Cervicothoracic Junction ◽  
Duration Of Surgery ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Difficult Area ◽  
Upper Thoracic

Object The cervicothoracic junction is always a difficult area to approach. When operating on this specific area (for tumor or trauma), the aim is generally to decompress and stabilize the spine. The authors describe an improved median sternotomy method for reaching the anterior aspect of the spine down to T-5. Methods Seven patients with a mean age of 40 years (range 17–68 years) were included in this study. The vertebral lesion was due to trauma in 4 cases and tumor in the other 3. A single vertebral body was involved in 2 cases, 2 in 3 cases, and 3 in 2 cases. The vertebra most often involved was T-3 (6 cases), although T-4 was involved in 2 cases, T-5 in 2 cases, and T-1 and T-2 in 1 case each. All patients underwent the same preoperative workup: CT scanning, MR imaging, and CT angiography of the aortic arch. Results The median sternotomy made it possible to effectively decompress and stabilize the spinal cord. An anterior screw plate was used in 5 cases. The plate extended from T-2 to T-5 in 3 cases, from T-2 to T-4 in 2 cases, and from C-7 to T-4 in 1 case. The mean duration of surgery was 195 minutes (range 180–240 minutes). No neurological deterioration occurred. The mean hospital stay was 8 days (range 6–15 days). In 2 cases (28.6%), recurrent left nerve palsy was observed postoperatively; the palsy was transient in both of these cases, and full recovery occurred within 3 months. The mean follow-up among this series of patients was 29 months (range 22–38 months). Conclusions The median sternotomy provided a good means of reaching the upper thoracic spine (T2–5) and cervicothoracic junction. It enables surgeons to decompress the spinal cord and stabilize the spine.

Just the Tip: Resection of a Narcotic Catheter-Tip Granuloma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. E52-E52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Elizabeth Gernsback ◽  
John Paul G Kolcun ◽  
Glen Manzano
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Inflammatory Mass ◽  
Opioid Dose ◽  
Neurologic Deficits ◽  
Minimal Improvement ◽  
Catheter Tip ◽  
Catheter Replacement

Abstract The catheter tip “granuloma” is a rare inflammatory mass that forms in about 3% of patients with an intradural catheter, most commonly from a morphine pump. It has also been seen with other narcotic pumps, narcotic-non-narcotic combinations, and baclofen pumps. Mass formation is associated with increased opioid dose and concentration. It typically presents with increasing pain requiring increasing doses of medication, with minimal improvement, although it may present with neurologic deficits or be asymptomatic. On MRI, it appears as a round, rim-enhancing lesion that is low intensity with a hypointense rim on both T1 and T2. In the absence of neurologic deficits, there are many treatment options, ranging from a temporary stopping of the pump to catheter replacement. When the lesion presents with neurologic deficits, surgical intervention, beyond catheter replacement or repositioning, is indicated. A laminectomy is performed, with intradural exploration and careful resection of the mass, which is likely adherent to the spinal cord. Postoperative worsening of symptoms is common due to the mass being densely adherent to the spinal cord, requiring spinal cord manipulation. This worsening is usually temporary, and many patients make excellent recoveries. We present a case of a hydromorphone pump inflammatory mass, which initially presented with increasing pain, then progressive neurologic deficits, requiring referral and mass resection. We achieved only a partial resection due to the lesion's adherent nature. This surgical video demonstrates our intradural technique for resection of this rare and technically difficult mass, with 6-mo patient follow-up. The patient has consented to this case report.

scholarly journals Intradural Extramedullary Capillary Hemangioma in the Upper Thoracic Spine: A Review of the Literature

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoichiro Takata ◽  
Toshinori Sakai ◽  
Kosaku Higashino ◽  
Yuichiro Goda ◽  
Fumitake Tezuka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Thoracic Spine ◽  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Capillary Hemangioma ◽  
Benign Tumors ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Extramedullary Tumor ◽  
Intradural Extramedullary ◽  
Upper Thoracic

Capillary hemangiomas are benign tumors found in the skin and soft tissues in younger people. They occur in the central nervous system only rarely, and intradural occurrence is extremely rare. We report here a 60-year-old man presenting with thoracic girdle pain and progressive gait disturbance. Magnetic resonance images of the thoracic spine showed a12×8×20 mm, well-defined intradural mass at the T2 level, compressing the spinal cord laterally. Relative to the spinal cord, the mass was hypo- to isointense on T1-weighted images and relatively hyperintense on T2-weighted images, with strong enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. The patient underwent T1-2 hemilaminectomy with resection of the intradural extramedullary tumor, which showed characteristics of a capillary hemangioma on histologic examination. The patient’s symptoms improved following the surgery and no clinical or radiological evidence of recurrence was noted at the 2-year follow-up. We present this case with a review of the literature, highlighting features for differential diagnosis.

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