scholarly journals The Role of Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1008-1015 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Paul Kolcun ◽  
Lee Onn Chieng ◽  
Karthik Madhavan ◽  
Michael Y. Wang
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
English Language ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Preoperative Evaluation ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Dynamic Mri ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Cervical Cord ◽  
Dynamic Changes

<p>Dynamic spinal cord compression has been investigated for several years, but until the advent of open MRI, the use of dynamic MRI (dMRI) did not gain popularity. Several publications have shown that cervical cord compression is both static and dynamic. On many occasions the evaluation of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is straightforward, but patients are frequently encountered with a significantly worse clinical examination than would be suggested by radiological images. In this paper, we present an extensive review of the literature in order to describe the importance of dMRI in various settings and applications. A detailed literature review was performed in the Medline and Pubmed databases using the terms “cervical spondylotic myelopathy”, “dynamic MRI”, “kinetic MRI”, and “myelomalalcia” for the period of 1980-2016. The study was limited to English language, human subjects, case series, retrospective studies, prospective reports, and clinical trials. Reviews, case reports, cadaveric studies, editorials, and commentaries were excluded. The literature search yielded 180 papers, 19 of which met inclusion criteria. However, each paper had evaluated results and outcomes in different ways. It was not possible to compile them for meta-analysis or pooled data evaluation. Instead, we evaluated individual studies and present them for discussion. We describe a number of parameters evaluated in 2661 total patients, including dynamic changes to spinal cord and canal dimensions, transient compression of the cord with changes in position, and the effects of position on the intervertebral disc. dMRI is a useful tool for understanding the development of CSM. It has found several applications in the diagnosis and preoperative evaluation of many patients, as well as certain congenital dysplasias and Hirayama disease. It is useful in correlating symptoms with the dynamic changes only noted on dMRI, and has reduced the incidence of misdiagnosis of myelopathy.</p>

Cilostazol, a selective Type III phosphodiesterase inhibitor: prevention of cervical myelopathy in a rat chronic compression model

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinji Yamamoto ◽  
Ryu Kurokawa ◽  
Phyo Kim
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Motor Neurons ◽  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Anterior Horn ◽  
Cervical Cord ◽  
Forced Running

Object Regional blood flow is decreased in experimental models of chronic spinal cord compression, and the alteration presumably contributes to the development of myelopathy. Cilostazol (Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Co.), a selective Type III phosphodiesterase inhibitor, has been shown to be neuroprotective in cerebral hypoperfusion animal models and clinically effective in preventing the recurrence of cerebral infarction. To investigate the neuroprotective effect of cilostazol on cervical spondylotic myelopathy, the preventive effect against progressive motor dysfunction and the loss of anterior horn motor neurons were assessed using a chronic cord compression model in rats. Methods To produce chronic cervical cord compression in male Wistar rats, thin polyurethane sheets (3 × 5 × 0.7 mm) that gradually expand over 48–72 hours by absorbing water were implanted under the C5–6 laminae. In sham operations, the sheets were momentarily placed and then immediately removed. This model has been shown to reproduce characteristic features of clinical cervical myelopathy, with progressive motor disturbances after a latency period and insidious neuronal loss preceding the onset of symptoms. In the treatment group, cilostazol (30 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to the rats once a day, starting the day after surgery and continuing through the entire observation period of 25 weeks. In the control group, vehicle solution was administered under the same protocol. Changes in motor function were monitored by measuring bilateral forepaw grip strength and the duration of forced running on a treadmill. Twenty-five weeks after surgery, cervical spinal cords were examined histopathologically. Results Cilostazol preserved both forepaw grip strength and forced running capability. The drug also preserved anterior horn motor neurons in the C5–6 spinal cord segment, which diminished in number in the untreated chronic compression group. The drug decreased the number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells. Conclusions These results indicate that cilostazol is neuroprotective in the chronically compressed cervical cord and is potentially useful in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

scholarly journals Impact of Anterior Spondylolisthesis and Kyphotic Alignment on Dynamic Changes in Spinal Cord Compression and Neurological Status in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Spine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽  
Author(s):  
Takuya Sakamoto ◽  
Masahiro Funaba ◽  
Yasuaki Imajo ◽  
Yuji Nagao ◽  
Hidenori Suzuki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Compression ◽  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
Neurological Status ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Dynamic Changes

scholarly journals Recommendations for Publishing Case Studies of Cell Transplantation for Spinal Cord Injury

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 687-691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce H. Dobkin
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
English Language ◽  
Cellular Therapy ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Data Monitoring Committee ◽  
Fetal Tissue ◽  
Cord Injury

Background. Cellular transplantation for subacute and chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) continues to proceed around the world, but clinicians and patients have only 10 English language publications of case reports and self-serving Web page anecdotes to guide them. Methods. Recent publications about the use of olfactory ensheathing, bone marrow stromal, and fetal tissue stem cells in human subjects are examined to assess the adequacy of their designs, conclusions, and interpretation. Results. Case series reports to date reveal adverse responses to cellular therapy when clinicians look for these and no clear functional effects when a matched group that is not treated is compared. Rehabilitation that focuses on potential targets for sensorimotor and functional gains must precede a transplantation until a plateau of change is reached and then continue for at least 6 months if not a year. Conclusion. Criteria are listed as the minimum requirements for any further case series reports to be considered by journals in regard to cellular interventions for SCI. Based on available reports, the published interventions should not be given to additional patients. One or two of the strategies can be considered for testing in a randomized trial with blinded assessors and an independent data monitoring committee to examine for biological activity in patients with motor complete SCI of greater than 4 to 6 months duration.

scholarly journals Clinical value of 2-deoxy-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose positron emission tomography in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. E2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sven O. Eicker ◽  
Karl-Josef Langen ◽  
Norbert Galldiks ◽  
Gabriele Stoffels ◽  
Jörg Herdmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Cervical Cord ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Metabolic Pattern ◽  
Positron Emission ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Spinal Cord Disorders

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is one of the most common spinal cord disorders in the elderly. It is usually diagnosed by MRI, but in a significant number of patients the clinical course of CSM does not correlate with the extent of the spinal cord compression. Recent studies have suggested that a distinct metabolic pattern of the cervical cord, as assessed by PET with 2-deoxy-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose (18F-FDG) may predict a patient's clinical outcome after decompressive surgery for cervical spine stenosis. The authors provide an overview of the recent literature regarding the value of PET with 18F-FDG of the cervical cord in patients with CSM, paying attention to prognostic aspects and the potential role of inflammatory processes in the acute phase of the disease.

scholarly journals CERVICAL SPONDYLOTIC MYELOPATHY: CLINICAL CASES AND PHYSIOTHERAPY

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-80
Author(s):  
Rafael de Almeida Oliveira ◽  
Karime Fares ◽  
Daniela Schiavon ◽  
Pauliana Carolina Souza ◽  
Gustavo José Luvizutto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Progressive Degeneration ◽  
Clinical Presentations ◽  
Wide Variability ◽  
Spinal Condition

ABSTRACT The aims of this article are to present cervical spondylotic myelopathy, a spinal condition caused by bony, ligament and disc alterations that results in spinal cord compression leading to progressive degeneration of the spinal cord, and to describe the possible physiotherapeutic interventions. The pathology has different forms of progression and affected areas, which contributes to the diversity of clinical presentations. This work presents two evaluations of three patients diagnosed with this disease, at different times, to compare the severity, the affected regions, and the evolution of each one. Subsequently, it describes the most appropriate physiotherapeutic treatment for this illness, demonstrating its wide variability according to the signs and symptoms presented. Level of Evidence: IV. Case series.

scholarly journals Recurrent thoracic cord compression due to extramedullary haematopoiesis in thalassaemic patients–A case presentation and literature review

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-47
Author(s):  
Athena Cheuk Yiu Au ◽  
Chun Kong Wong ◽  
Ka Kin Li
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Spinal Cord Compression ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Surgical Decompression ◽  
Thoracic Spinal Cord ◽  
Thoracic Spinal ◽  
Anaemia Management

Extramedullary haematopoesis (EMH) in thalassaemic patients to result in spinal cord compression is a rare phenomenon. EMH occurs as compensatory sequelae in those with chronic anaemia such as thalassaemia, other congenital haemolytic anaemia, haemoglobinopathies, and myelofibrosis. Common sites of EMH include liver, spleen, kidneys and lymph nodes, but rarely the paravertebral and spinal cord regions. In our literature review, it was found that only case reports and case series have been published. We present a case of recurrent thoracic spinal cord compression caused by EMH in a 32-year-old thalassaemic Chinese man treated with surgical decompression and spinal stabilisation. The key to successful treatment is prompt diagnosis with early clinical suspicion, magnetic resonance imaging and individualised treatment for each patient. Surgical decompression provides immediate neural decompression while subsequent anaemia management may reduce the risk of recurrence. In the present case, a combination therapy of blood transfusion, surgical decompression and radiotherapy has been shown to deliver successful outcomes in such cases.

Congenital Zika Virus Infection Paradigm: What is in the Wardrobe? A Narrative Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-56
Author(s):  
Mariam M. Mirambo ◽  
Lucas Matemba ◽  
Mtebe Majigo ◽  
Stephen E. Mshana
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
English Language ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Ocular Manifestations ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
N 93

Background: Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been recently associated with congenital microcephaly and other severe neural tube defects. However, the magnitude of confirmed cases and the scope of these anomalies have not been extensively documented. This review focuses on the magnitude of laboratory-confirmed congenital Zika virus cases among probable cases and describing the patterns of congenital anomalies allegedly caused by the Zika virus, information which will inform further research in this area. Methods: We conducted a literature search for English-language articles about congenital Zika virus infection using online electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, POPLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and Web of Knowledge). The search terms used were, “zika”, “pregnancy”, [year], “microcephaly”, “infants”, “children”, “neonates”, “foetuses”, “neural tube defect”, and “CNS manifestations” in different combinations. All articles reporting cases or case series between January 2015 and December 2016 were included. Data were entered into a Microsoft Excel database and analysed to obtain proportions of the confirmed cases and patterns of anomalies. Results: A total of 24 articles (11 case series, 9 case reports, and 4 others) were found to be eligible and included in this review. These articles reported 919 cases, with or without microcephaly, presumed to have congenital Zika virus infection. Of these cases, 884 (96.2%) had microcephaly. Of the 884 cases of microcephaly, 783 (88.6%) were tested for Zika virus infection, and 216 (27.6%; 95% confidence interval, 24.5% to 30.8%) were confirmed to be Zika virus-positive. In addition to microcephaly, other common abnormalities reported – out of 442 cases investigated – were calcifications of brain tissue (n=240, 54.3%), ventriculomegaly (n=93, 20.8%), cerebellar hypoplasia (n=52, 11.7%), and ocular manifestations (n=46, 10.4%). Conclusion: Based on the available literature, Zika virus infection during pregnancy might lead to a wide array of outcomes other than microcephaly. There is a need for more epidemiological studies in Zika-endemic areas, particularly in Africa, to ascertain the role of Zika virus in causing congenital neurological defects.

Congenital Zika Virus Infection Paradigm: What is in the Wardrobe? A Narrative Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-56
Author(s):  
Mariam M. Mirambo ◽  
Lucas Matemba ◽  
Mtebe Majigo ◽  
Stephen E. Mshana
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
English Language ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Ocular Manifestations ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
N 93

Background: Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been recently associated with congenital microcephaly and other severe neural tube defects. However, the magnitude of confirmed cases and the scope of these anomalies have not been extensively documented. This review focuses on the magnitude of laboratory-confirmed congenital Zika virus cases among probable cases and describing the patterns of congenital anomalies allegedly caused by the Zika virus, information which will inform further research in this area. Methods: We conducted a literature search for English-language articles about congenital Zika virus infection using online electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, POPLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and Web of Knowledge). The search terms used were, “zika”, “pregnancy”, [year], “microcephaly”, “infants”, “children”, “neonates”, “foetuses”, “neural tube defect”, and “CNS manifestations” in different combinations. All articles reporting cases or case series between January 2015 and December 2016 were included. Data were entered into a Microsoft Excel database and analysed to obtain proportions of the confirmed cases and patterns of anomalies. Results: A total of 24 articles (11 case series, 9 case reports, and 4 others) were found to be eligible and included in this review. These articles reported 919 cases, with or without microcephaly, presumed to have congenital Zika virus infection. Of these cases, 884 (96.2%) had microcephaly. Of the 884 cases of microcephaly, 783 (88.6%) were tested for Zika virus infection, and 216 (27.6%; 95% confidence interval, 24.5% to 30.8%) were confirmed to be Zika virus-positive. In addition to microcephaly, other common abnormalities reported – out of 442 cases investigated – were calcifications of brain tissue (n=240, 54.3%), ventriculomegaly (n=93, 20.8%), cerebellar hypoplasia (n=52, 11.7%), and ocular manifestations (n=46, 10.4%). Conclusion: Based on the available literature, Zika virus infection during pregnancy might lead to a wide array of outcomes other than microcephaly. There is a need for more epidemiological studies in Zika-endemic areas, particularly in Africa, to ascertain the role of Zika virus in causing congenital neurological defects.

Drug-Induced Restless Legs Syndrome

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (7) ◽  
pp. 662-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edna Patatanian ◽  
Melanie K. Claborn
Keyword(s):  
Restless Legs Syndrome ◽  
English Language ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Predisposing Factors ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Restless Legs ◽  
Drug Classes ◽  
Study Selection

Objective: To review the literature on drug-induced restless legs syndrome (DI-RLS). Data Sources: The review included a search for English-language literature from 1966 to December 2017 in the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Ovid databases using the following search terms: restless legs syndrome (RLS), periodic limb movement, adverse effects, and drug-induced. In addition, background articles on the pathophysiology, etiology, and epidemiology of RLS were retrieved. Bibliographies of relevant articles were reviewed for additional citations. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All case reports, case series, and review articles of DI-RLS were identified and analyzed. There were only a small number of controlled clinical trials, and most data were from case reports and case series. Results: Several drugs and drug classes have been implicated in DI-RLS, with antidepressants, antipsychotics, and antiepileptics having the most evidence. In addition, RLS may be linked with a number of disorders or underlying predisposing factors as well. Conclusions: The prevalence of RLS is variable and ranges from 3% to 19% in the general population. There are many predisposing factors to RLS, but an emerging body of evidence suggests that there is an association between numerous drugs and RLS.

scholarly journals Bacillus cereus Typhlitis in a Patient with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
James D. Denham ◽  
Sowmya Nanjappa ◽  
John N. Greene
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Cereus ◽  
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia ◽  
English Language ◽  
Neutropenic Patient ◽  
Hematologic Malignancy ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Myelogenous Leukemia ◽  
Acute Myelogenous

Bacillus cereus is a Gram-positive rod that is now recognized as a rare cause of frank disease in the neutropenic hematologic malignancy patient. Because this pathogen is rarely isolated in clinical specimens, no large studies exist to guide the management of these acutely ill patients. Individual case reports and case series exist in the literature describing various clinical manifestations of B. cereus in the neutropenic patient including bacteremia/septicemia, pneumonia, meningitis/encephalitis, hepatic abscesses, and gastritis. In this report, we describe a case of typhlitis caused by B. cereus in a 74-year-old female with recently diagnosed acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), and we summarize the available English language literature to draw tentative conclusions regarding the clinical manifestations of this organism.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document