Does chronic cervical myelopathy affect respiratory function?

2004 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiromitsu Toyoda ◽  
Hiroaki Nakamura ◽  
Sadahiko Konishi ◽  
Hidetomi Terai ◽  
Kunio Takaoka
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Respiratory Function ◽  
Vital Capacity ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Expiratory Flow ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Although respiratory function is often impaired by acute cervical spinal cord injury, changes in respiratory function in patients with chronic cervical myelopathy (CCM) are not well documented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the respiratory function of patients with CCM. Methods. Spirometric parameters were measured in 94 patients with CCM before they underwent expansive laminoplasty. These measurements were compared with those obtained in age- and sex-matched control group patients without myelopathy. The study patients were also subdivided into two groups: those with spinal compressive lesions above or below the C3–4 disc level were compared in terms of respiratory function. The vital capacity values measured in patients with CCM were significantly lower than those in the control group. In patients in whom spinal cord compression was present above C3–4, vital capacity values were lower than in patients in whom the compression level was below C3–4. The resting respiratory rate per minute was elevated in the CCM group. Peak expiratory flow rate was significantly decreased, and expiratory velocities at 50 and 25% of vital capacity were significantly increased in the CCM group. Conclusions. The results indicated that expiratory flow may be impaired or incomplete in patients with CCM. An underlying subclinical respiratory dysfunction appears to be associated with CCM.

Effect of experimental cervical spinal cord injury on respiratory function

1974 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoru Kadoya ◽  
Leo C. Massopust ◽  
L. R. Wolin ◽  
N. Taslitz ◽  
R. J. White
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Respiratory Function ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Pressure Effects ◽  
Spontaneous Respiration ◽  
Mechanical Trauma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Cord Lesion ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The effect on respiratory function of crushing the C-4 level of the cervical spinal cord was evaluated in monkeys. Spontaneous respiration ceased immediately after the crush due to direct mechanical trauma, but could be recovered provided a respirator was used and certain areas of the anterolateral columns remained intact. This acute respiratory paralysis occurred even in minimally damaged cords in which most of the anterolateral columns were spared, and led to death due to hypoxia if a respirator was not used. The delayed spinal cord swelling due to edema and centrifugal pressure from an expanding central cord lesion gradually caused delayed respiratory paralysis; durotomy relieved the pressure effects and markedly facilitated recovery.

Cruciate paralysis

1986 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Dumitru ◽  
James E. Lang
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Rare Case ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Motor Vehicle Accident ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Vehicle Accident ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A rare case of cruciate paralysis is reported in a 39-year-old man following a motor-vehicle accident. The differentiation of this syndrome from a central cervical spinal cord injury is delineated.

Olfactory glia transplantation into cervical spinal cord contusion injuries

2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 308-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge E. Collazos-Castro ◽  
Vilma C. Muñetón-Gómez ◽  
Manuel Nieto-Sampedro
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Axonal Growth ◽  
Cell Transplant ◽  
Tracer Injection ◽  
Neural Repair ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Contusion Injury ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The results of olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) transplantation have raised great expectations as a potential treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI). Its capacity to promote functional neural repair, however, remains unclear. The authors studied axonal growth and locomotor recovery after C-7 contusion injury and OEC transplantation in adult rats. Methods. Twenty-four male Wistar rats underwent a mild C-7 contusion injury that completely disrupted the dorsal corticospinal tract (DCST). In 14 rats OECs were transplanted into the lesion, and 10 were used as controls. At 3 months postcontusion, the kinematics of locomotion were assessed, and the CST was traced by injecting dextran tetramethylrhodamine bilaterally into the cerebral cortex. The animals were killed 2 weeks after tracer injection, and their spinal cords were studied immunohistochemically. Although the survival of transplanted cells varied, they were present in all cases. The authors observed neither OEC migration nor DCST axon regeneration in any of the cell transplant—treated rats. Corticospinal axons ended in retraction bulbs at the proximal edge of the lesion or, exceptionally, a few micrometers inside the transplant. The results of neurofilament immunohistochemical analysis provided evidence of neurites from systems other than the DCST growing into the transplant, but in some cases these neurites formed loops of pathological appearance. Contusion injury of C-7 caused chronic locomotor deficits that did not improve after OEC transplants. Conclusions. The findings in this study indicate that OEC transplants alone are not sufficient for neural repair and functional recovery after SCI. In addition, OECs can induce abnormal axonal growth, making further studies necessary before considering their clinical use.

Anomalous rib presenting as cervical myelopathy: a previously unreported variant of Klippel-Feil syndrome

1991 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 465-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack P. Rock ◽  
Eric M. Spickler
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A patient is reported with an anomalous rib that caused compression of the cervical spinal cord and presented with cervical myelopathy. This appears to be the first reported instance of this particular anomaly. The clinicoanatomical aspects of this case are discussed.

Tracheostomy placement in patients with complete cervical spinal cord injuries: American Spinal Injury Association Grade A

2004 ◽  
Vol 100 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
James S. Harrop ◽  
Ashwini D. Sharan ◽  
Edward H. Scheid ◽  
Alexander R. Vaccaro ◽  
Gregory J. Przybylski
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Injury ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Acute Injury ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
American Spinal Injury Association ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors sought to identify variables that predispose patients with acute American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Grade A cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) to require tracheostomies for ventilator support or airway protection. Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed of 178 consecutive patients with a cervical ASIA Grade A SCI who were admitted through the Delaware Valley SCI Center at Thomas Jefferson Hospital during a 6-year period. Exclusion criteria included injury occurring more than 48 hours prior to admission, death within 14 days of admission or nontraumatic SCI. Twenty-two patients were excluded based on these criteria. Parameters evaluated in the remaining population (156 patients) included demographics, cervical vertebral ASIA level, tracheostomy placement, pneumonia, premorbid pulmonary disease, smoking history, evidence of direct thoracic/lung trauma, operative intervention, associated appendicular trauma, and preexisting medical comorbidities. The ASIA classification of the 156 patients included in this analysis were C-2 (eight), C-3 (11), C-4 (64), C-5 (36), C-6 (20), C-7 (13), and C-8 (four). Tracheostomies were performed in 107 of these 156 patients. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between tracheostomy and patient age (p = 0.0048), preexisting medical conditions (p = 0.0417), premorbid lung disease (p = 0.0177), higher cervical ASIA level (p < 0.0001), and the presence of pneumonia (p < 0.0001). No patient with a C-8 ASIA A injury required tracheostomy, whereas all C-2 and C-3 ASIA A—injured patients underwent tracheostomies. Patients older than 45 years of age with ASIA A levels between C-4 and C-7 more commonly required tracheostomy (p < 0.005) than patients younger than 45 years of age. Conclusions. Several risk factors were identified that corresponded to the frequent tracheostomy placement in the acute injury phase after complete cervical SCI. Early tracheostomy may be considered in patients with multiple risk factors to reduce duration of stay in the intensive care unit and facilitate ventilatory weaning.

Alternating Horner's syndrome and hyperhidrosis due to dural adhesions following cervical spinal cord injury

1980 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michinori Ottomo ◽  
Robert F. Heimburger
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Dura Mater ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Horner’S Syndrome ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Intramedullary Cyst ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Alternating Horner's sign and hyperhidrosis appeared in this patient 8 years after a spinal cord injury at C6–7. An intramedullary cyst was suspected but was not found at operation. There was a striking improvement in both symptoms after adhesions between the spinal cord and the dura mater were freed.

The syndrome of acute central cervical spinal cord injury after a gunshot lesion

1977 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 290-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolf I. Steudel ◽  
William Ingunza
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Spinal Canal ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Unique Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The authors describe a unique case in which a bullet was lodged in the spinal canal at the C2–3 level. The patient exhibited clinically the syndrome of acute central cervical spinal cord injury. The pathogenesis is discussed with reference to three similar cases in the literature.

Mechanism of the spinal cord injury and the cervical spondylotic myelopathy: new approach based on the mechanical features of the spinal cord white and gray matter

2003 ◽  
Vol 99 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuhiko Ichihara ◽  
Toshihiko Taguchi ◽  
Itsuo Sakuramoto ◽  
Shunichi Kawano ◽  
Shinya Kawai
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Stress Distribution ◽  
Gray Matter ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Cervical Spinal Cord ◽  
Strain Rates ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors have previously investigated the mechanical properties of the white and gray matter in the bovine cervical spinal cord, demonstrating that the gray matter is more rigid, although more fragile, than the white matter. In the present study they conducted additional tensile tests on the bovine cervical spinal cord by changing strain levels and strain rates applied to the white and gray matter. Methods. Based on their testing, the authors found the following: 1) Stress within the spinal cord relaxes over time. 2) Intracord stress is related to the strain rates or levels. The finite element method was used to compute the stress distribution within the spinal cord under three compressive loading conditions. Results from the computations showed a different stress distribution in the white and gray matter, where the distribution of stress varied with strain rate, compression volume, and the position of compression. Conclusions. These differences in mechanical properties between the white and gray matter constitute different mechanisms contributing to the development of tissue damage and clinical symptoms.

Innervation of caudal denervated ventral roots and their target muscles by the rostral spinal motoneurons after implanting a nerve autograft in spinal cord—injured adult marmosets

2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Song Liu ◽  
Nozar Aghakhani ◽  
Nazaire Boisset ◽  
Gérard Said ◽  
Marc Tadie
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Nerve Roots ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Axonal Regrowth ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Ventral Roots ◽  
Nerve Autograft ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors conducted a study to determine the effects of using a nerve autograft (NAG) to promote and guide axonal regrowth from the rostral spinal cord to the caudal lumbar ventral nerve roots to restore hindlimb motor function in adult marmosets after lower thoracic cord injury. Methods. Nine animals underwent a left-sided hemisection of the spinal cord at T-12 via left-sided T9—L3 hemilaminectomy, with section of all ipsilateral lumbrosacral ventral nerve roots. In the experimental group (five animals), an NAG obtained from the right peroneal nerve was anastomosed with the sectioned and electrophysiologically selected lumbar ventral roots (left L-3 and L-4) controlling the left quadriceps muscle and then implanted into the left ventrolateral T-10 cord. In the control group (four animals), the sectioned/selected lumbar ventral roots were only ligated. After surgery, all marmosets immediately suffered from complete paralysis of their left hindlimb. Five months later, some clinical signs of reinnervation such as tension and resistance began to appear in the paralyzed quadriceps of all experimental animals that received autografts. Nine months postoperatively, three of the five experimental marmosets could maintain their lesioned hindlimb in hip flexion. Muscle action potentials and motor evoked potentials were recorded from the target quadriceps in all experimental marmosets, but these potentials were absent in the control animals. Horseradish peroxidase retrograde labeling from the distal sectioned/reconnected lumbar ventral roots traced 234 ± 178 labeled neurons in the ipsilateral T8–10 ventral horn, mainly close to the NAG tip. Histological analysis showed numerous regenerating axons in this denervated/reconnected nerve root pathway, as well as newly formed motor endplates in the denervated/reinnervated quadriceps. No axonal regeneration was detected in the control animals. Conclusions. These data indicate that the rostral spinal neurons can regrow into the caudal ventral roots through an NAG, thereby innervating the target muscle in adult marmosets after spinal cord injury.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document