scholarly journals Distal Cauda equina syndrome: A case report of lumbosacral disc pathology and review of literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Michael J. Benko ◽  
Aaron P. Danison ◽  
Eric A. Marvin ◽  
Brian F. Saway
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Fecal Incontinence ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Acute Onset ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Disc Space ◽  
Leg Strength ◽  
Timely Diagnosis ◽  
History Of ◽  
High Index Of Suspicion

Background: Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is an uncommon entity that presents acutely with all or some of the following symptoms; urinary incontinence from retention, fecal incontinence from loss of sphincter tone, saddle area hypoesthesia or anesthesia, and acute or progressive weakness in one or both lower extremities. The protean symptomatology is often mixed and is vulnerable to confounding comorbidities making the accurate and timely diagnosis of this syndrome uniquely challenging. Here, we present the case of a man who developed isolated sacral nerve dysfunction from CES in the midst of a diabetic crisis. Case Description: A 53-year-old male with a long history of uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes presented with acute-onset urinary and fecal incontinence, scrotal anesthesia, and a 3-day history of lower back pain with intermittent bilateral leg pain. This patient displayed no objective changes in leg strength, sensation, or reflexes. In addition, the patient tested positive for cocaine and had a blood glucose level of 800 mg/dL which confounded his clinical picture. The patient underwent bilateral laminectomies from L4–S1 with the removal of a large sequestered disc fragment from the S1–S2 disc space within 8 h of presentation with reasonable recovery. Conclusion: Highly variable presentations often confound the accurate and timely diagnosis of CES with severe implications on quality of life. Despite the limited functional recovery seen after surgical decompression, urgent or emergent intervention is paramount for treatment. Our patient’s presenting symptomatology and comorbidities highlight the need for practitioners to maintain a high index of suspicion in anyone with incontinence and back pain, regardless of distractors and even in the absence of other anticipated motor or sensory findings.

Just the facts: Risk stratifying nontraumatic back pain for Cauda Equina Syndrome in the emergency department

CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 652-654
Author(s):  
Zoe Polsky ◽  
Margriet Greidanus ◽  
Anjali Pandya ◽  
W. Bradley Jacobs
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Cauda Equina Syndrome ◽  
Bowel Movement ◽  
Chronic Back Pain ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Digital Rectal Examination ◽  
Acute Onset ◽  
Clinical Exam ◽  
History Of

A 43-year-old male, with a history of chronic back pain, presents to the emergency department (ED) with acute onset chronic pain. He states he “tweaked something” and has been debilitated by back pain, radiating down both his legs, for 24 hours. He has not had a bowel movement but denies noticing any “saddle anesthesia.” His clinical exam is limited by pain, and it is difficult to determine if he has objective weakness. His perineal sensation is intact, as is his sensation upon digital rectal examination. The patient has a post-void residual of 250 mL, but you are unsure how to interpret this value. As an emergency physician, when should you suspect, and how should you evaluate cauda equina syndrome?

Low Back Pain in a Child Associated With Acute Onset Cauda Equina Syndrome

2012 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Pretell-Mazzini ◽  
Kudakwashe R. Chikwava ◽  
John Paul Dormans
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Cauda Equina Syndrome ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Acute Onset ◽  
Low Back

scholarly journals Treatment of lumbar vertebra epithelioid hemangioma with radiation therapy: a case report

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldis P. Siltumens ◽  
Na L. Smith ◽  
Rosalind F. Sharain ◽  
Michael G. Haddock ◽  
W. Michael Hooten
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Bone Lesions ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Epithelioid Hemangioma ◽  
History Of ◽  
Effects Of Radiation

Abstract Background Although epithelioid hemangiomas involving bone have been described in previous case reports and case series, the effects of radiation therapy on vertebral epithelioid hemangioma has not been fully reported. Here we provide a case report of tumor response to radiation therapy in a young adult with a large epithelioid hemangioma involving the fourth lumbar vertebrae. Case presentation A 27-year-old Latino man with a past medical history of type 1 diabetes and a 3-year history of low back pain presented to a hospital emergency department following acute worsening of back pain. On transfer to our tertiary medical center, he described the pain as “shock-like” which originated at the lateral aspect of his right hip and radiated down to his right knee. Paresthesia was also reported along the medial aspect of his lower right leg. Imaging included a computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging which revealed fourth lumbar and right iliac lytic bone lesions. Image-guided biopsies of the lytic lesions were consistent with a diagnosis of epithelioid hemangioma and radiation therapy was recommended as the primary treatment. Our patient’s low back and leg pain were initially managed with acetaminophen, oxycodone, pregabalin, and lidocaine patch 5%. He noted improvement in pain after his third fraction of radiation. Pain intensity continued to decline and oxycodone was discontinued. Conclusions This case report demonstrates an unusual etiology of back and leg pain in a young man and elucidates the palliative effects of radiation therapy for epithelioid hemangioma involving the lumbar spine.

scholarly journals 1499 The Statistical Value of Different Clinical Characteristics in Evaluation of Suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
W Levitt ◽  
B Kamalakannan ◽  
Y Leung
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Cauda Equina Syndrome ◽  
Pain Sensitivity ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Statistical Association ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Leg Weakness ◽  
Red Flag ◽  
One Year

Abstract Introduction Cauda Equina Syndrome(CES) is a potentially disabling condition caused by compression of the thecal sac in the lumbar spine. Traditional teaching suggests red flags include back pain, sciatica, saddle anaesthesia and bladder disturbance. Current guidelines from the British Association of Spinal Surgeons recommend prompt investigation with MRI should these symptoms be present. Method A retrospective electronic case note review was undertaken from a one-year period to identify patients referred to the on call orthopaedic team with suspected CES and were investigated with MRI. Notes were reviewed for the presence of each clinical characteristic and correlated with MRI findings. Results 334 referrals underwent urgent MRI with 25 scans showing CES. Poor statistical association was observed with unilateral leg pain (sensitivity 0.28, specificity 0.48), back pain (sensitivity 0.92, specificity 0.13) and bladder dysfunction (sensitivity 0.72, specificity 0.36). Much closer statistical association was seen with bilateral leg pain (sensitivity 0.6, specificity 0.7, OR 5.03, 95% CI 2.16-11.68, p0.0002), leg weakness (sensitivity 0.68, specificity of 0.72, OR 5.35, 95% CI 2.23-12.85, p0.0002), leg sensory deficit (sensitivity 0.72, specificity 0.60, OR 3.79, 95% CI 1.54-9.36, p0.004) and altered perianal sensation (sensitivity 0.6, specificity 0.67, OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.31-6.99, p 0.009) Conclusions The diagnostic accuracy for some conventional red flag characteristics in CES is low. In our series back pain, unilateral sciatica and bladder disturbance showed low predictive value while bilateral sciatica, saddle anesthesia and lower limb sensorimotor deficits showed closer association and therefore should be closely evaluated for when reviewing such patients.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy for Treating Cauda Equina Syndrome Due To Lumbar Disc Herniation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hai-Chao He ◽  
Xiao-qiang LV ◽  
Yong-Jin Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Lumbar Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Cauda Equina Syndrome ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Lumbar Discectomy ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

Abstract Background In recent decades, endoscopic techniques to treat lumbar disc herniation (LDH) have gained popularity in clinical practice. However, there is little literature on the use of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) to treat cauda equina syndrome (CES) due to LDH. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of PELD for treating CES caused by disc herniation, and as well as to report some technical strategies. Methods Between October 2012 and April 2018, 15 patients with CES caused by LDH at the early and intermediate stages of Shi’s classification were selected as the subjects of study, and underwent PELD. All patients were followed up for at least two years. The patients’ back pain and leg pain were evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the MacNab outcome scale. Clinical outcomes were measured preoperatively and at 3 days, 3 months, 6 months and the last follow-up. Results The VAS score for back pain, leg pain and ODI score significantly decreased from preoperatively scores of 6.67 ± 1.05, 7.13 ± 1.19 and 62.0 ± 6.85 respectively, to postoperatively cores of 1.80 ± 0.41, 1.47 ± 0.52 and 12.93 ± 1.03 at the last follow-up postoperatively. These postoperative scores were all significantly different compared with preoperative scores (P < 0.01). According to the modified MacNab outcome scale, 86.67% of these patients had excellent and good outcomes at the final follow-up. Complications included one patient with cerebrospinal fluid leakage and one patient who developed recurrent herniation; the latter patient finally achieved satisfactory results after reoperation. Conclusion PELD could be used as an alternative surgical method for the treatment of CES due to LDH in properly selected cases and appropriate patient selection. However, the operator should pay attention to foraminoplasty to enlarge the working space.

scholarly journals Flexible endoscope visualization to assist in the removal of a string of 10 schwannomas at the cauda equina: technical case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 688-691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Cheng Ren ◽  
Bin-Jie Zhao ◽  
Zhi-Yi Xie ◽  
Guang-Yu Ying ◽  
Fang Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Spinal Canal ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Flexible Endoscope ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Invasive Technique ◽  
Invasive Approach ◽  
Postoperative Mri ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Relationship

Bead-like schwannomas at the cauda equina are rare but benign intraspinal tumors. They can involve multiple nerve roots and spread within the spinal canal, and open resection would cause significant trauma. The authors have successfully applied a novel minimally invasive technique for the total removal of such schwannomas. A 68-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of left waist and leg pain. MRI demonstrated multiple intraspinal lesions located from L1 to S1. The diagnosis was bead-like schwannomas at the cauda equina. Two incisions were made at the T12 and L5 levels. A flexible endoscope was introduced into the spinal canal following hemisemilaminectomy under a microscope to identify the relationship between the tumors and the carrying nerves. After dissecting both cranial and caudal ends of the carrying nerve, the string of bead-like tumors was gently pulled out from the caudal end as a whole. The endoscope was reintroduced into the spinal canal to ensure complete tumor removal. The patient recovered quickly, and no tumor residual was found at postoperative MRI. Flexible endoscope–assisted visualization plus microscopic hemisemilaminectomy via 2 incisions is a feasible minimally invasive approach for selected patients with bead-like schwannomas at the cauda equina.

scholarly journals Posterior epidural migration of a lumbar disc herniation

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Meryem Himmiche ◽  
Khalid Chakour ◽  
Mohammed El Faiz Chaoui ◽  
Mohammed Benzagmout
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Cauda Equina Syndrome ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Case Description ◽  
Disc Material ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
History Of

Background: Posterior epidural migration of a lumbar disc fragment (PEMLDF) refers to the dorsal migration of disc material around the thecal sac that can lead to radiculopathy and/or cause a cauda equina syndrome. It is rare and the diagnosis is often just established intraoperatively. Case Description: A 50-year-old male with a chronic history of low back pain and psychosis presented with PEMLDF originating at the L4–L5 level. Conclusion: Lumbar disc herniations rarely present as PEMLDF resulting in symptoms varying from radiculopathy to cauda equina syndrome. These should be included among the differential diagnostic considerations for dorsolateral epidural lesions.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

2000 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
Leon H. Ensalada
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Cauda Equina Syndrome ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Lower Extremity Function ◽  
Lower Extremity Weakness ◽  
Injury Model ◽  
History Of ◽  
Radicular Syndrome ◽  
Lumbar Spinal

Abstract The cauda equina is a collection of peripheral nerves in the common dural sheath within the lumbar spinal canal. Cauda equina syndrome, also known as bilateral acute radicular syndrome, usually is caused by a large, sequestered acute disc rupture at L3-4, L4-5, or L5-S1 that produces partial or complete lesions of the cauda equina–lower motor neuron lesions associated with flaccid paralysis, atrophy, and other conditions. Patients usually present with a history of back symptoms that have worsened precipitously. The syndrome includes back pain, bilateral leg pain, saddle anesthesia, bilateral lower extremity weakness, urinary bladder retention, and lax rectal tone. Cauda equina syndrome is rated using Diagnosis-related estimates (DRE) lumbosacral categories VI or VII. Category VI, Cauda Equina–like Syndrome Without Bowel or Bladder Signs, is used when there is permanent bilateral partial loss of lower extremity function but no bowel or bladder impairment. Category VII, Cauda Equina Syndrome with Bowel or Bladder Impairment, is similar to Category VI but also includes bowel or bladder impairment. The AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides) uses the term cauda equina syndrome with reference to both the thoracolumbar and cervicothoracic spine regions; this usage is unique to the AMA Guides but maintains the internal consistency of the Injury Model, which is the best approach to date for assessing spine impairment.

scholarly journals Ectopic ganglion in cauda equina: case report

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 937-940
Author(s):  
Andrew K. Conner ◽  
Kar-Ming Fung ◽  
Jo Elle G. Peterson ◽  
Chad A. Glenn ◽  
Michael D. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Incontinence ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Spinal Dysraphism ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Pathological Finding ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Open Biopsy ◽  
History Of ◽  
Space Occupying Lesion

Macroscopic ectopic or heterotopic ganglionic tissue within the cauda equina is a very rare pathological finding and is usually associated with spinal dysraphism. However, it may mimic genuine neoplasms of the cauda equina. The authors describe a 29-year-old woman with a history of back pain, right leg pain, and urinary incontinence in whom imaging demonstrated an enhancing mass located in the cauda equina at the L1–2 interspace. The patient subsequently underwent biopsy and was found to have a focus of ectopic ganglionic tissue that was 1.3 cm in greatest dimension. To the authors' knowledge, ectopic or heterotopic ganglionic tissue within the cauda equina in a patient without evidence of spinal dysraphism has never been reported. This patient presented with imaging and clinical findings suggestive of a neoplasm, and an open biopsy proved the lesion to be ectopic ganglionic tissue. The authors suggest that ectopic ganglionic tissue be added to the list of differential diagnoses of a space-occupying lesion arising from the cauda equina.

scholarly journals Clinical and radiographically/neuroimaging documented outcome in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
John K. Houten ◽  
Nicholas H. Post ◽  
Joseph W. Dryer ◽  
Thomas J. Errico
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion ◽  
Leg Pain ◽  
Sensory Loss ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Lumbar Interbody Fusion ◽  
Disc Space ◽  
Recurrent Disc Herniation

Object Although transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is an increasingly popular surgical technique, there are a limited number of studies in which investigators have stratified outcome data with respect to surgical indications or documented radiographically proven and clinical results with respect to disc space height (DSH). The authors conducted a study to evaluate the long-term outcomes after TLIF with respect to surgical indication and radiographic/neuroimaging results. Methods Thirty-three consecutive TLIF-treated patients underwent follow-up investigation for a mean of 37 months. Isthmic spondylolysis was present in eight patients, recurrent disc herniation in 14, and degenerative disc disease (DDD) in 11. The operative technique involved the placement of interbody structural allograft, pedicle screw instrumentation, and morcellized autograft in the anterior interbody space and the contralateral intertransverse gutter. Surgery was performed at L4–5 in 16 patients, L5–S1 in 14, L3–4 in two, and both L4–5 and L5–S1 in one patient. Preoperative symptoms were back pain (in 91% of cases), leg pain (in 94%), sensory loss (in 67%), and motor deficits (in 30%). Postoperatively, back pain was improved in 67% of the patients, unchanged in 27%, and worsened in 7%. Leg pain improved in 80% of patients, was unchanged in 10%, and worsened in 10%. Outcome, as measured using the Prolo Functional and Economic Scales, improved from a score of 4.9 to 7. In patients with spondylolysis and recurrent disc herniation outcomes were better than in those with DDD only. There was no correlation of outcome with symptom duration, patient age, or level of surgery. In an independent review of pre- and late postoperative radiographs no significant differences in lordosis angles, Cobb angles, or DSHs were found. Fusion occurred in all cases. Conclusions The TLIF procedure was associated with good clinical outcomes and a high fusion rate but no change in the DSH. Patients who present with spondylolysis and recurrent herniations experience better outcome than those with degenerative disease alone.

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