Posttraumatic spinal cord tethering

1993 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil R. Berrington
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Cord ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Tonsillar Herniation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bulbar Symptoms ◽  
Initial Injury ◽  
Spinal Cord Tethering ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A 53-year-old woman with a complete C-7 traumatic quadriplegia developed progressive neurological deterioration, including bulbar symptoms, 3 years after her initial injury. Magnetic resonance imaging showed tethering of the spinal cord at the level of her injury, with marked stretching of the cervical cord associated with medullary and tonsillar herniation. Following transection of the spinal cord, there was some improvement in her condition. Possible etiological factors accounting for this unique presentation are discussed.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine

1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Izumi Koyanagi ◽  
Yoshinobu Iwasaki ◽  
Kazutoshi Hida ◽  
Hiroyuki Imamura ◽  
Hiroshi Abe
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Posterior Longitudinal Ligament ◽  
Imaging Findings ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Disc Protrusion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Because of the lack of magnetic resonance (MR) signal from cortical bones, MR imaging is inadequate for diagnosing ossified lesions in the spinal canal. However, MR imaging provides important information on spinal cord morphology and associated soft-tissue abnormality. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of MR imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine. Methods. The authors reviewed MR imaging findings in 42 patients with cervical OPLL who were examined with a superconducting MR imaging system. The types of OPLL reviewed included eight cases of continuous, 21 cases of segmental, and 13 cases of the mixed type. All patients were treated surgically either by anterior (26 cases) or posterior decompression (16 cases). Conclusions. The T1-weighted images clearly demonstrated the spinal cord deformity caused by OPLL. Associated disc protrusion was found to be present at the maximum compression level in 60% of the patients in this series. The highest incidence of disc protrusion (81%) was found in patients with segmental OPLL. Intramedullary hyperintensity on T2*-weighted imaging was noted in 18 patients (43%). The neurological deficits observed in these 18 patients were significantly more severe than those observed in the other 24 patients. Postoperative MR imaging revealed improvement in the spinal cord deformity, although the intramedullary hyperintensity was still observed in most cases. The present study demonstrates the importance of associated disc protrusion in the development of myelopathy in patients with cervical OPLL. Magnetic resonance imaging findings may be used to help determine the actual levels of spinal cord compression and to suggest the method of surgical treatment.

Spinal intramedullary cavernoma: clinical presentation and surgical outcome

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harel Deutsch ◽  
George I. Jallo ◽  
Alina Faktorovich ◽  
Fred Epstein
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Acute Onset ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Posterior Laminectomy ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Improved neuroimaging techniques have led to an increase in the reported cases of intramedullary cavernomas. The purpose of this study was to define the spectrum of presenting signs and symptoms in patients with spinal intramedullary cavernomas and to analyze the role of surgery as a treatment for these lesions. Methods. The authors reviewed the charts of 16 patients who underwent surgery for spinal intramedullary cavernomas. All patients underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging studies. Cavernomas represented 14 (5.0%) of 280 intramedullary lesions found in adults and two (1.1%) of 181 intramedullary lesions found in pediatric cases. A posterior laminectomy and surgical resection of the malformation were performed in all 16 patients. Conclusions. Magnetic resonance imaging is virtually diagnostic for spinal cavernoma lesions. Patients with spinal intramedullary cavernomas presented with either an acute onset of neurological compromise or a slowly progressive neurological decline. Acute neurological decline occurs secondary to hemorrhage within the spinal cord. Chronic progressive myelopathy occurs due to microhemorrhages and the resulting gliotic reaction to hemorrhagic products. There is no evidence that cavernomas increase in size. The rate of rebleeding is unknown, but spinal cavernomas appear to be clinically more aggressive than cranial cavernomas, probably because the spinal cord is less tolerant of mass lesions. Complete surgical removal of the cavernoma was possible in 15 of 16 of the authors' cases.

Large intramedullary lipoma of the cervical cord and posterior fossa

1986 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 974-976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koreaki Mori ◽  
Yoshihiko Kamimura ◽  
Yasufumi Uchida ◽  
Masahiro Kurisaka ◽  
Sueo Eguchi
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Posterior Fossa ◽  
Cervical Cord ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A large intramedullary lipoma of the cervical cord extending into the posterior fossa is reported in a 7-year-old boy. Magnetic resonance imaging was very useful for delineation of the anatomy of the lipoma as an aid in planning the operation.

Magnetic resonance imaging of spinal meningiomas and neurinomas

1987 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 695-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerhard Schroth ◽  
Armin Thron ◽  
Lothar Guhl ◽  
Karsten Voigt ◽  
Hans-Peter Niendorf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Spinal Tumors ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spinal Cord Diseases ◽  
Spinal Meningiomas ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
Fine Print

The detection and delineation of spinal tumors by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after intravenous administration of gadolinium (Gd)-diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid (DTPA) is demonstrated in eight cases of neurinoma or meningioma. The advantages of Gd-DTPA-enhanced MRI over other MRI techniques used in more than 100 cases of spinal cord diseases are described.

Direct convective delivery of macromolecules to the spinal cord

1998 ◽  
Vol 89 (4) ◽  
pp. 616-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russell R. Lonser ◽  
Nitin Gogate ◽  
Paul F. Morrison ◽  
J. David Wood ◽  
Edward H. Oldfield
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Histological Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Autoradiography ◽  
Homogeneous Distribution ◽  
Outer Diameter ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Because of the limited penetration of macromolecules across the blood—spinal cord barrier, numerous therapeutic compounds with potential for treating spinal cord disorders cannot be used effectively. The authors have developed a technique to deliver and distribute macromolecules regionally in the spinal cord by using convection in the interstitial space. Methods. The authors designed a delivery system connected to a “floating” silica cannula (inner diameter 100 µm, outer diameter 170 µm) that provides for constant volumetric inflow to the spinal cord. A solution containing albumin that was either unlabeled or labeled with carbon-14 or gadolinium was infused at various volumes (3, 6, 10, 20, 40, or 50 µl) at a rate of 0.1 µl/minute into the spinal cord dorsal columns of nine swine and into the lateral columns of three primates (Macaca mulatta). Volume of distribution (Vd), concentration homogeneity, and percentage of recovery were determined using scintillation analysis, kurtosis calculation (K), and quantitative autoradiography (six swine), magnetic resonance imaging (one swine and three primates), and histological analysis (all animals). Neurological function was observed for up to 3 days in four of the swine and up to 16 weeks in the three primates. The Vd of 14C-albumin was linearly proportional (R2 = 0.97) to the volume of infusion (Vi) (Vd/Vi = 4.4 ± 0.5; [mean ± standard deviation]). The increases in Vd resulting from increases in Vi were primarily in the longitudinal dimension (R2 = 0.83 in swine; R2 = 0.98 in primates), allowing large segments of spinal cord (up to 4.3 cm; Vi 50 µl) to be perfused with the macromolecule. The concentration across the area of distribution was homogeneous (K = −1.1). The mean recovery of infused albumin from the spinal cord was 85.5 ± 5.6%. Magnetic resonance imaging and histological analysis combined with quantitative autoradiography revealed the albumin infusate to be preferentially distributed along the white matter tracts. No animal exhibited a neurological deficit as a result of the infusion. Conclusions. Regional convective delivery provides reproducible, safe, region-specific, and homogeneous distribution of macromolecules over large longitudinal segments of the spinal cord. This delivery method overcomes many of the obstacles associated with current delivery techniques and provides for research into new treatments of various conditions of the spinal cord.

Myelopathy due to epidural varicose veins of the cervicothoracic junction

1988 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 940-941 ◽  
Author(s):  
Curtis A. Dickman ◽  
Joseph M. Zabramski ◽  
Volker K. H. Sonntag ◽  
Stephen Coons
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Varicose Veins ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Cervicothoracic Junction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spinal Epidural ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A 30-year-old man presented with a subacute course of myelopathic signs and symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an epidural mass lesion of the spinal canal at the cervicothoracic junction causing compression of the spinal cord. Laminectomy with resection of this lesion revealed a large varix with acute and chronic thrombus. Postoperatively, an improvement in neurological function occurred. Spinal epidural varicosities have been reported as an etiological factor in lumbar and sacral radiculopathies. This is the first reported case of spinal cord compression in association with spinal epidural varices. The diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management of this disorder are presented.

Delayed postoperative tethering of the cervical spinal cord

1994 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kris A. Smith ◽  
Harold L. Rekate
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Severe Headache ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Cervical Region ◽  
Cervical Cord ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Surgical Exploration ◽  
Spinal Cord Tethering

✓ Tethering of the spinal cord in the lumbar and sacral regions of children with congenital anomalies is a well-recognized problem; however, tethering in the cervical region has rarely been reported. A search of the literature revealed no reports of symptomatic postoperative cervical spinal cord tethering. The authors present five cases of delayed postoperative cervical spinal cord tethering and discuss the benefit of detethering in these patients. All five patients were young (16 to 42 years of age) at presentation. All had done well after an initial surgical procedure but returned between 1 and 31 years postoperatively with symptoms including severe headache, upper-extremity pain, and progressive neurological deficits. In each case, magnetic resonance imaging indicated dorsal tethering of the cord in the cervical region. Surgical exploration with microscopic sharp detethering of the cervical cord was performed on each patient with favorable results. To avoid retethering, wide Tutoplast duraplasty is recommended.

Intramedullary hemorrhage in spinal cord hemangioblastoma

1994 ◽  
Vol 81 (6) ◽  
pp. 937-940 ◽  
Author(s):  
John S. Yu ◽  
M. Priscilla Short ◽  
James Schumacher ◽  
Paul H. Chapman ◽  
Griffith R. Harsh
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Histopathological Examination ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Content Type ◽  
First Case ◽  
Surgical Evacuation ◽  
Acute Paraplegia ◽  
Spinal Hemangioblastoma ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The authors describe two cases of intramedullary hemorrhage caused by thoracic hemangioblastoma. Both patients presented with acute paraplegia. The lesion in the first case was diagnosed by myelography and in the second by magnetic resonance imaging. Emergency surgical evacuation of the intramedullary hematoma and tumor was performed in these patients. Hemangioblastoma was confirmed by histopathological examination in both cases. Both patients remain paraplegic after 7 and 1 years, respectively. Intramedullary hemorrhage is a rare and devastating effect of spinal hemangioblastoma.

Anomalous vertebral artery—induced cervical cord compression causing severe nape pain

2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 146-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kei Watanabe ◽  
Kazuhiro Hasegawa ◽  
Kou Takano
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Rare Case ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Cervical Cord ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cervical Cord Compression ◽  
Vertebral Arteries ◽  
Signal Void ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The authors describe a very rare case of cervical cord compression caused by anomalous bilateral vertebral arteries (VAs). A 65-year-old woman had been suffering from intractable nape pain and torticollis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a signal void region in which spinal cord compression was present. Angiography demonstrated anomalous bilateral VAs compressing the spinal cord. Microvascular decompressive surgery was successfully performed. Neuroradiological and intraoperative findings are presented.

Magnetic resonance imaging correlation in pediatric spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amos O. Dare ◽  
Mark S. Dias ◽  
Veetai Li
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Frankel Grade ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors conducted a study to determine correlations between clinical syndromes and early magnetic resonance (MR) imaging—documented findings in children with spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA). Methods. The authors retrospectively reviewed the records obtained in 20 patients who presented with SCIWORA to the Children's Hospital of Buffalo between 1992 and 1999. Initial neurological syndromes, subsequent hospital course and outcome, and early MR imaging findings obtained using conventional sequences on a 1.5-tesla unit were recorded. Neurological syndromes on presentation were complete (Frankel Grade A) in two patients (10%), severe partial (Frankel Grade C) in one patient (5%), and mild partial (Frankel Grade D) in 17 patients (85%). Partial neurological deficits resolved in 14 (78%) of 18 patients within 72 hours and lasted more than 72 hours in four patients (22%). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in both patients presenting with complete injuries and in 17 of 18 patients presenting with partial neurological deficits. The studies were obtained within 24 hours in 17 patients (85%). Neuroimaging revealed spinal cord swelling at the cervical level in one of the children with complete injury and cord edema with associated hemorrhage at cervical and thoracic levels in the other. Neural and extraneural elements were shown to be normal in all 17 patients with partial injuries who underwent MR imaging, including in the four patients with partial motor deficits lasting more than 72 hours. Conclusions. In this series, the predominant neurological presentation of SCIWORA was a mild, partial syndrome that resolved within 72 hours. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed abnormal features only in those patients with complete neurological deficits. These findings suggest that in the acute setting conventional MR imaging sequences may lack the sensitivity to demonstrate neural and extraneural abnormalities associated with partial or temporary neurological deficits of SCIWORA, even when those deficits persist beyond 72 hours.

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