Dermoid tumors of the spinal cord

1970 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 676-681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian C. Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Complete Removal ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Conus Medullaris ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

✓ This is an analysis of 10 cases of dermoid tumor occurring in the spinal canal (8 lumbar and 2 thoracic). Low-back pain was the commonest presenting symptom, especially if the tumor was adherent to the conus medullaris. Other complaints included urinary dysfunction and motor and sensory disturbances of the legs. Clinical and radiological evidence of spina bifida was found in about half of the cases and suggested the diagnosis of a developmental type of tumor when patients presented with progressive spinal cord compression. At operation, the tumors were often found embedded in the conus medullaris or firmly adherent to the cauda equina, thus precluding complete removal. Evacuation of the cystic contents, however, gave lasting relief of the low-back pain and did not cause any deterioration in neurological function. In a follow-up study, ranging from 1 to 15 years, virtually no improvement in the neurological signs was observed. On the other hand, only one case has deteriorated due to recurrence of tumor growth.

scholarly journals Cauda equina and conus medullaris syndromes due to Spinal Cord Schistosomiasis: a case report

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Cardoso Siqueira Albernaz ◽  
Izabel Feitosa da Mata Leite ◽  
Guilherme de Aguiar Moraes ◽  
Adelina Mouta Moreira Neto ◽  
Matheus de Campos Medeiros
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Conus Medullaris ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Low Back

Context: Schistosomiasis is a prevalent disease in Brazil whose medullary form can be a serious and disabling condition. Diagnosis is clinical and laboratorial, based on neurological symptoms besides Schistosoma infection exams. Spinal Cord Schistosomiasis (SCS) can be associated with cauda equina syndrome (CES) adding “saddle” anesthesia and low back pain as symptoms. Case Report: A 22- year-old male presenting progressive bilateral and proximal pelvic weakness associated with urinary and fecal incontinence besides mild low back pain during 4 months. Patient reports daily swimming practice in rivers. Neurological examination revealed grade 3 weakness of the proximal muscles, patellar hyporeflexia, saddle anesthesia and hypotonia of the proximal muscles. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine showed conus medullaris fusiform enlargement, associated with T2 and STIR hyperintensity (edema), hyposignal in T1, findings suggestive of an inflammatory / infectious etiology. Laboratory tests revealed a complete blood count with mild leukocytosis and eosinophilia; positive IgG serology for schistosomiasis; increased protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid; stool analysis was normal. The diagnosis of CES and conus medullaris syndrome due to SCS was established and treatment with prednisone and praziquantel was initiated, with significant improvement in clinical symptoms. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and the initiation of appropriate therapy in order to prevent irreversible injuries in cases of CES and conus medullaris syndrome, both conditions of high morbidity that are often overlooked.

scholarly journals The many faces of primary cauda equina myxopapillary ependymoma: clinicoradiological manifestations of two cases and review of the literature

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 385-390
Author(s):  
Mohammad Zare Mehrjardi ◽  
Samira Mirzaei ◽  
Hamid Reza Haghighatkhah
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Conus Medullaris ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Myxopapillary Ependymoma ◽  
Low Back

Abstract Introduction: Myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is a benign and slow growing tumor that originates exclusively from the conus medullaris and cauda equina nervous tissue. It occurs more commonly in young patients. In addition, clinical presentations are non-specific and may mimic benign conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice for evaluating this tumor. We hereby report on two young patients with long-lasting non-specific symptoms, which were clinically attributed to benign conditions. However, cauda equina tumor was revealed on MRI in both patients. Case report: Two cases of cauda equina MPE, a 19-year-old female and a 38-year-old male, with different clinical manifestations are reported. The first patient presented with paresis and paresthesia of the lower limbs, and the second patient’s complaint was chronic low-back pain and urinary incontinence. In both cases, MRI detected a tumor originated from the cauda equina, and histopathologic examination was compatible with MPE. Conclusion: Cauda equina tumors should be considered as a differential diagnosis in the young patients presented with neurologic deficits in the lower limbs, sphincter or erectile dysfunction, and even a simple low-back pain (particularly when symptoms are long-lasting and/or progressive).

Nonsurgically managed patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis: a 10- to 18-year follow-up study

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (2) ◽  
pp. 194-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shunji Matsunaga ◽  
Kosei Ijiri ◽  
Kyoji Hayashi
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Indications For Surgery ◽  
Initial Examination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Controversy exists concerning the indications for surgery and choice of surgical procedure for patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis. The goals of this study were to determine the clinical course of nonsurgically managed patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis as well as the indications for surgery. Methods. A total of 145 nonsurgically managed patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis were examined annually for a minimum of 10 years follow-up evaluation. Radiographic changes, changes in clinical symptoms, and functional prognosis were surveyed. Progressive spondylolisthesis was observed in 49 patients (34%). There was no correlation between changes in clinical symptoms and progression of spondylolisthesis. The intervertebral spaces of the slipped segments were decreased significantly in size during follow-up examination in patients in whom no progression was found. Low-back pain improved following a decrease in the total intervertebral space size. A total of 84 (76%) of 110 patients who had no neurological deficits at initial examination remained without neurological deficit after 10 years of follow up. Twenty-nine (83%) of the 35 patients who had neurological symptoms, such as intermittent claudication or vesicorectal disorder, at initial examination and refused surgery experienced neurological deterioration. The final prognosis for these patients was very poor. Conclusions. Low-back pain was improved by restabilization. Conservative treatment is useful for patients who have low-back pain with or without pain in the lower extremities. Surgical intervention is indicated for patients with neurological symptoms including intermittent claudication or vesicorectal disorder, provided that a good functional outcome can be achieved.

Rapid arteriovenous shunting in a spinal cord ependymoma

1976 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 744-747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric T. Yuhl ◽  
John R. Bentson
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Conus Medullaris ◽  
Spinal Angiography ◽  
Arteriovenous Shunting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spinal Cord Ependymoma ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A case of ependymoma of the conus medullaris and cauda equina is described in which spinal angiography demonstrated rapid arteriovenous shunting, an angiographic sign which is typical of arteriovenous malformations and which has not been previously reported to occur with ependymomas.

Syndromes associated with protrusion of upper lumbar intervertebral discs

1973 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 499-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Gutterman ◽  
Henry A. Shenkin
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Intervertebral Discs ◽  
Thigh Pain ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Good Recovery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Anterior Thigh ◽  
Acute Paraplegia ◽  
Fine Print

✓ This report reviews a series of 69 patients operated on for herniations of upper lumbar intervertebral discs and identifies four syndromes related to the principal complaint. These are, in order of frequency, anterior thigh pain, low-back pain only, sciatica, and acute paraplegia. Overall, 78% had satisfactory relief of pain and 93% were improved following laminectomy. Satisfactory results were more common with protrusions at L3–4 than at L2–3. Patients in whom the onset was sciatica had a higher percentage of satisfactory results (94%) than those with anterior thigh pain (70%) or low-back pain alone (80%). Neither of the patients with a paraplegic onset had a good recovery even after removal of the extruded disc.

Percutaneous endoscopic discectomy: surgical technique and preliminary results compared to microsurgical discectomy

1993 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Michael Mayer ◽  
Mario Brock
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Motor Deficits ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sensory Deficits ◽  
Endoscopic Discectomy ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Percutaneous endoscopic discectomy is a new technique for removing “contained” lumbar disc herniations (those in which the outer border of the anulus fibrosus is intact) and small “noncontained” lumbar disc herniations (those at the level of the disc space and occupying less than one-third of the sagittal diameter of the spinal canal) through a posterolateral approach with the aid of specially developed instruments. The technique combines rigid straight, angled, and flexible forceps with automated high-power suction shaver and cutter systems. Access can thus be gained to the dorsal parts of the intervertebral space where the disc herniation is located. Percutaneous endoscopic discectomy is monitored using an endoscope angled to 70° coupled with a television and video unit and is performed with the patient under local anesthesia and an anesthesiologist available if needed. Its indication is restricted to discogenic root compression with a minor neurological deficit. Two groups of patients with contained or small noncontained disc herniations were treated by either percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (20 cases) or microdiscectomy (20 cases). Both groups were investigated in a prospective randomized study in order to compare the efficacy of the two methods. The disc herniations were located at L2–3 (one patient), L3–4 (two patients), or L4–5 (37 patients). There were no significant differences between the two groups concerning age and sex distribution, preoperative evolution of complaints, prior conservative therapy, patient's occupation, preoperative disability, and clinical symptomatology. Two years after percutaneous endoscopic discectomy, sciatica had disappeared in 80% (16 of 20 patients), low-back pain in 47% (nine of 19 patients), sensory deficits in 92.3% (12 of 13 patients), and motor deficits in the one patient affected. Two years after microdiscectomy, sciatica had disappeared in 65% (13 of 20 patients), low-back pain in 25% (five of 20 patients), sensory deficits in 68.8% (11 of 16 patients), and motor deficits in all patients so affected. Only 72.2% of the patients in the microdiscectomy group had returned to their previous occupation versus 95% in the percutaneous endoscopic discectomy group. Percutaneous endoscopic discectomy appears to offer an alternative to microdiscectomy for patients with “contained” and small subligamentous lumbar disc herniations.

Extradural lipomatosis simulating an acute herniated nucleus pulposus

1982 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 559-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol R. Archer ◽  
Kenneth R. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Acute Exacerbation ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
History Of ◽  
Herniated Nucleus Pulposus ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A 48-year-old laborer presented with a 1-year history of low-back pain radiating into the posterior aspects of both thighs. Two weeks before admission, acute exacerbation resulted in signs and symptoms of compressive radiculopathy at L-5. Myelography revealed concentric constriction of the lower thecal sac due to abundant fat, as shown by computerized tomography. Laminectomy produced immediate relief of pain. The significance of these findings and a review of the literature are presented.

Paraspinal myxoma with spinal cord compression

1981 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 542-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Tahmouresie ◽  
Peter M. Farmer ◽  
Norman Stokes
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Spinal Cord Compression ◽  
Marked Improvement ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Paraspinal Muscle ◽  
Content Type ◽  
History Of ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A patient with thoracolumbar paraspinal muscle myxoma with spinal cord compression presented with a long history of back pain and recent paraparesis. Removal of the tumor and decompression of the spinal cord provided marked improvement of the weakness.

Unilateral removal of pars interarticularis

2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel C. Tender ◽  
Richard V. Baratta ◽  
Rand M. Voorhies
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Mcgill Pain Questionnaire ◽  
Foraminal Stenosis ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pars Interarticularis ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Lumbar radiculopathy secondary to foraminal entrapment can be treated by unilateral removal of the overlying pars interarticularis. The authors prospectively evaluated the outcome after this procedure. Methods. Thirty-six consecutive patients underwent unilateral resection of the pars interarticularis between August 1999 and July 2002. In 18 patients acute foraminal disc herniations compressed the nerve root against the superior pedicle; in the other 18 foraminal stenosis was secondary to degenerative changes. All patients, at each visit, completed the following questionnaires: visual analog scale for overall, leg, and back pain; the Prolo Functional Economic Rating scale; and the Pain Rating Index (PRI) of the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire. At 1 year, leg pain improved in 33 patients (91%). Low-back pain appeared or worsened in eight patients (22%; one in the acute herniation group and seven in the chronic degenerative group). Only one patient required lumbar fusion for pain. The Prolo economic and function scores improved in 21 (58%) and 27 (75%) patients, respectively. The PRI scores improved in 30 cases (83%). No spondylolisthesis was observed at any level at which resection had been performed. Conclusions. Unilateral removal of the pars interarticularis is effective in relieving lumbar radicular symptoms in patients with intraforaminal entrapment. The incidence of low-back pain in patients with acute foraminal disc herniations does not increase as a result of this procedure. In patients with degenerative foraminal stenosis, unilateral resection of the pars interarticularis may be a better alternative to facetectomy and segmental fusion. This procedure may be a useful tool in spine surgery.

Treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis by extensive unilateral decompression and contralateral autologous bone fusion: operative technique and results

1996 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles G. diPierro ◽  
Gregory A. Helm ◽  
Christopher I. Shaffrey ◽  
James B. Chadduck ◽  
Scott L. Henson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Neurogenic Claudication ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bone Fusion ◽  
Autologous Bone ◽  
Lumbar Spinal ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A new surgical technique for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis features extensive unilateral decompression with undercutting of the spinous process and, to preserve stability, uses contralateral autologous bone fusion of the spinous processes, laminae, and facets. The operation was performed in 29 patients over a 19-month period ending in December of 1991. All individuals had been unresponsive to conservative treatment and presented with low-back pain in addition to signs and symptoms consistent with neurogenic claudication or radiculopathy. Nine had undergone previous lumbar decompressive surgery. The minimum and mean postoperative follow-up times were 2 and 2 1/2 years, respectively. The mean patient age was 64 years; only two patients were younger than 50 years of age. Of the patients with neurogenic claudication, 69% reported complete pain relief at follow-up review. Of those with radicular symptoms, 41% had complete relief and 23% had mild residual pain that was rated 3 or less on a pain—functionality scale of 0 to 10. For the entire sample, this surgery decreased pain from 9.2 to 3.3 (p < 0.0001) on the scale. Sixty-nine percent of patients were satisfied with surgery. Low-back pain was significantly relieved in 62% of all patients (p < 0.0001). Low-back pain relief correlated negatively with number of levels decompressed (p < 0.05). To assess fusion, follow-up flexion/extension radiographs were obtained, and no motion was detected at the surgically treated levels in any patient. The results suggest that this decompression procedure safely and successfully treats not only the radicular symptoms caused by lateral stenosis but also the neurogenic claudication symptoms associated with central stenosis. In addition, the procedure, by using contralateral autologous bone fusion along the laminae and spinous processes, can preserve stability without instrumentation.

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