颈脊髓压迫与脊髓空洞症的形成和临床研究

[目的]探讨颈椎间盘突出症和颈椎病引起脊髓严重受压于减压后脊髓空洞症的形成机理。[方法]观察46例颈椎间盘突出症和颈椎病的脊髓严重受压在减压后随访观察3.5～8.8a，行MRI4～21次分析观察。[结果]发现2例减压后9～27个月MRI显示受压段脊髓呈脊髓空洞样改变。[结论]慢性严重颈脊髓压迫减压后，有可能形成脊髓空洞症。     

Acute neck pain caused by calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate deposition in the transverse ligament of the atlas: a case report

We report a case of pseudogout manifested by severe posterior neck pain. Pseudogout of the neck, also known as the crowned dens syndrome, causes acute neck pain characterized by calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate deposition around the odontoid process. Crowned dens syndrome is typified clinically by severe cervical pain and stiffness, often in conjunction with raised inflammatory markers. A 71-year-old man presented with severe neck pain. On admission, elevation of serum CRP level was confirmed. Magnetic resonance images showed no responsible abnormalities except for degenerating change of the spine. The patient was diagnosed as having pseudogout caused by calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate deposition based on cervical computed tomographic imaging, which showed linear calcification in the transverse ligament of the axis. After administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the fever and neck pain disappeared and the CRP level returned to within the normal range. Pseudogout of the cervical spine should be considered as a differential diagnosis when we examine patients with acute neck pain. Cervical spinal computed tomographic scan is a more sensitive and useful examination method to diagnose this disease rather than magnetic resonance images.     

前后路一期手术治疗急性下颈椎严重损伤

目的 探讨前后路一期手术治疗急性严重颈椎损伤的价值。方法 分析总结采取前后路一期手术治疗8例急性严重颈椎损伤病人的临床资料及治疗效果。结果 所有病例均在受伤后96h内实施手术治疗，其中2例为爆裂骨折伴椎管狭窄，6例为骨折脱位伴有相应节段的椎间盘突出。术前脊髓功能7例为A级，1例为B级。平均随访14个月。脊髓功能有2例达到D级，3例C级，1例B级，2例无变化仍为A级。所有植骨椎间隙均已融合，椎间高度及生理曲度保持良好。结论 对于急性颈椎损伤，在影像学显示颈椎管前后方均有明显压迫且脊髓功能严重受损时，实施前后路一期手术是达到及时充分减压、即刻稳定、为脊髓功能恢复创造有利条件及减少并发症的有效手段。     

Cervical flexion myelopathy in a patient showing apparent long tract signs: a severe form of Hirayama disease

We describe an 18-year-old male with cervical flexion myelopathy with Hirayama disease-like features who showed apparent long tract signs. He first experienced insidious-onset hand muscle weakness and atrophy at the age of 15. Subsequently, he developed sensory disturbance in his lower limb. Neurological examination revealed atrophy and weakness in the right hand and forearm, pyramidal signs in the right lower extremity, and disturbance of superficial sensation in the lower left half of the body. Cervical magnetic resonance images and computed tomographic myelography revealed anterior displacement with compression of the cervical cord in flexion that was more apparent in the right side. The right side of the cervical cord showed severe atrophy. The mechanisms of myelopathy in our patient appeared to be same as that of "tight dural canal in flexion," which has been reported to be the mechanism of juvenile muscular atrophy of the unilateral upper extremity (Hirayama disease). Patients with Hirayama disease generally show minimal sensory signs and no pyramidal signs. An autopsy case of Hirayama disease revealed confined necrosis of the cervical anterior horn without obvious changes in the white matter. Our patient's disease progression suggests that cervical flexion myelopathy patients with severe cervical cord compression in flexion may develop extensive cervical cord injury beyond the anterior horn.     

重度青少年特发性颈椎后凸畸形的手术治疗

目的 探讨重度青少年特发性颈椎后凸畸形的临床特征和手术策略.方法 回顾性分析2003年7月至2007年1月收治的12例重度青少年特发性颈椎后凸畸形患者的临床资料,术前后凸Cobb角55°～73°(平均61°).先以在过伸侧位X线片上测量的椎体后缘切线夹角为依据,决定颈椎后部的椎板及小关节等的截骨角度及范围,行颈后路截骨及前路松解术.术后行颅骨牵引使松解后颈椎后凸达到最大可能的矫正,7～10 d后二期行颈前路矫形、植骨内固定术.分别于术后第3天、3及6个月、1及2年摄颈椎正侧位X线片、MRI,观察矫形效果,植骨融合情况及内固定位置并对比手术前后临床症状的变化.结果 患者畸形外观明显改善,颈部疼痛症状全部消失,神经功能明显恢复.术后MRI显示:颈椎生理曲度重建,后凸畸形区域脑脊液线清晰,脊髓未见压迫.术后第3天X线片显示:后凸Cobb角为-12.3°～11.2°(平均-2.0°).除1例AISA神经功能评分为D级外其他11例AISA神经功能评分均为E级.结论 重度青少年特发性颈椎后凸畸形有其特有的临床特征,对该类患者进行全面评估,分期手术及手术间期持续牵引是较为理想的外科治疗方法.     

A case of Klippel-Feil syndrome with crossed renal ectopia with fusion and unilateral vertebral artery occlusion

A case of Klippel-Feil syndrome with crossed renal ectopia with fusion and unilateral vertebral artery occlusion is reported. A 61-year-old female was admitted because of having developed myelopathy, gait and sensory disturbance. The physical examination on admission revealed spastic gait and hypesthesia of the lower extremities. A hand size, elastic hard tumor mass was palpable at the right lower abdomen. The cervical radiogram showed fused 5th, 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae and severe spondylotic changes. Laminectomy was performed because of severe compressions of the cervical cord, evaluated by Metrizamide CT scans and MRI. The left subclavian angiogram showed occlusion of the left vertebral artery, and excretory pyelogram and abdominal CT scans showed crossed renal ectopia with fusion. 99mTc-DTPA renoscintigram revealed poor RI uptake and low glomerular filtering rate of ectopic kidney. The patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome are at greater risk of having a renal anomaly and a vascular accident of the vertebral artery. Examinations of urogenitary organs and vertebral arteries are necessary for the treatment of this syndrome.     

Association of head trauma with cervical spine injury, spinal cord injury, or both

BACKGROUND: Links between cervical spine and/or spinal cord injuries and head trauma have not been reported in detail. METHODS: 188 patients with cervical spine and/or spinal cord injury were divided into two groups, i.e., with upper cervical and mid-lower cervical injury, and compared for head injury. RESULTS: Associated head trauma was investigated in 188 patients with cervical spine and/or spinal cord injuries; 35% had moderate or severe injuries. Brain damage was more frequently observed in patients with upper cervical injury than in those with mid to lower cervical injury. Those patients with upper cervical injury appeared to have an elevated risk of suffering skull base fractures, traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, and contusional hemotoma. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one third of patients with cervical spine and/or spinal cord injuries had moderate or severe head injuries. Brain damage was more frequently associated with upper cervical injury. Those patients with upper cervical injury are at greater risk of suffering from skull base fractures and severe intracranial hematomas than those with mid to lower cervical injury.     

Pathology of the spinal cord damaged by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament associated with spinal cord injury

A 63-year-old male became quadriplegic after spinal injury associated with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine and died 4 years later. A postmortem examination of the cervical spinal cord showed various unfavorable pathological changes accounting for severe myelopathy.     

Massive extracapsular hemorrhage from a parathyroid cyst

A 32-year-old man had a giant cervical mass, dysphagia, dyspnea, and severe hypercalcemia. A computed tomographic scan showed the mass to extend from the left mandible to the level of the aortic arch. Exploratory surgery of the neck revealed a ruptured parathyroid cyst complicated by massive hemorrhage into the cervical tissues and mediastinum. The postoperative course was uncomplicated with prompt resolution of the hypercalcemia. Although a rare occurrence, extracapsular parathyroid hemorrhage should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all rapidly evolving cervical and mediastinal masses, especially when hypercalcemia is present.     

Developmental stenosis of the cervical spinal canal hyperextension injury]

Sixteen cases of cervical spinal cord injury with developmental stenosis of cervical spinal canal were treated. The numbness and quadriplegia of the patients were caused by hyperextension X-ray of the cervical spine showed no fracture or dislocation but the sagittal diameter of the canal and that of the corresponding cervical vertebral body was less than 0.75. All of the patients were treated by operation including laminoplasty on 12 cases. The numbness and quadriplegia in most of the patients were improved obviously after operation. The mechanism of hyperextension injury on the cervical spinal cord was discussed. When spinal column was extended, annulus fibrosus of disk and ligamentum flavum would enfold into the spinal canal and only a slight force would do severe on the cord. Laminoplasty is the recommended treatment for this kind of lesions.     

Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage and obstructive hydrocephalus: unusual complications of a cervical intramedullary arteriovenous malformation

A case of acute severe noncommunicating hydrocephalus complicating a high cervical arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is presented here. A 29-year-old lady, 4 years after partial microsurgical resection of a high cervical intramedullary AVM, presented with sudden-onset weakness of all extremities, impaired cognition, cervical/occipital pains, and bisphincteric dysfunction. She was drowsy but arousable with a Glasgow coma scale score of 14. She had spastic quadriparesis and cognitive impairment. Cranial computerized tomographic scan showed marked panventriculomegaly. There was some blood residue in the posterior horn of the right lateral ventricle and transependymal spread of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) indicative of the subacute/chronic nature of the obstruction to the CSF circulation. Cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging also showed the residual upper cervical AVM. She had an emergency ventriculoperitoneal shunting with good neurologic outcome. Spinal AVMs may present with unusual intracranial hemorrhagic complications. Attending physicians should always be mindful of this fact in the total clinical evaluations of each case.     

Fatal cervical spondyloarthropathy in a hemodialysis patient with systemic deposition of beta2-microglobulin amyloid.

Destructive spondyloarthropathy is a serious complication in patients with end-stage renal disease. We report a case of fatal cervical spondyloarthropathy in a patient on hemodialysis who presented with severe pain in the cervical area. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine showed a soft tissue mass at the cervico-occipital hinge with spinal cord compression and destructive lesions of the cervical vertebrae. The patient became quadriplegic during the MRI procedure and died a few days later. Postmortem examination showed deposition of beta2-microglobulin in the cervico-occipital hinge. A unique feature of this case was the documented presence of systemic beta2-microglobulin amyloid deposits involving the spleen that to our knowledge has not been reported previously. Clinical suspicion and early detection of lesions caused by dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA) may help to prevent significant morbidity and mortality in long-term dialysis patients.     

Schwannoma of the cervical spinal cord with cervical angina: a case report

A case of schwannoma of the cervical spinal cord presenting with cervical angina is reported. A 49-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with severe chest pain, cold sweats, and unconsciousness. Extensive cardiac examination showed no abnormal findings. Neurological deficits were muscular weakness and atrophy of the left arm, bilateral hypersthesia of the arms, and hyporeflexia of the left biceps. MRI revealed a tumor in the left side of the spinal canal between C4 and C5. The diagnosis was neurinoma of the left nerve root in C5. The tumor was completely removed surgically by laminectomy. Surgery confirmed that the tumor had originated from the left posterior root of C5 and that, histologically, it was schwannoma. The severe chest pain immediately disappeared after removal of the tumor with only dull post-operative chest pain remaining. We hypothesized that the severe chest pain was protopathic pain caused by compression of the anterior C5 root by the tumor and/or disturbance of the inhibitory pain mechanisms of the sympathetic nerve located in the posterior horn of the spinal cord. It must be kept in mind that cervical angina caused by spinal schwannoma is one of the differential diagnoses of chest pain.     

颈椎退变对外伤性颈髓损伤的影响

目的:探讨颈椎退变因素对外伤性颈髓损伤的影响。方法:选择2009年1月到2010年12月手术治疗的24例无明显骨折脱位的颈髓外伤患者进行回顾性分析,其中男16例,女8例;年龄46～70岁,平均59.1岁。根据术前颈椎退变程度将其分为轻度退变组(6例),中度退变组(10例),重度退变组(8例)。用日本骨科学会JOA评分比较患者术前神经功能损伤及术后神经功能恢复情况;用SF-36量表测定及评价患者术前、术后生活质量。结果:24例患者均获随访,时间4～16个月,平均12个月。轻、中、重度退变组术前JOA评分均值分别为12.1±1.5,10.3±1.8,7.3±1.0,术后3个月分别提高为16.3±1.0,15.3±1.4,13.0±2.3,JOA评分提示中远期神经功能改善率良好程度依次为轻度退变组(85.7%)>中度退变组(74.6%)>重度退变组(58.8%);SF-36量表8个维度测定提示术前生活质量良好程度依次轻度退变组>中度退变组>重度退变组,术后3个月生活质量良好程度依次为轻度退变组>中度退变组>重度退变组,两两间比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:颈椎退变是外伤性颈髓损伤的重要病理基础和危险因素,退变的严重程度直接影响患者神经功能损伤程度及预后,两者关系在临床上应当引起足够的重视。     

Osteoporotic fracture of the dens revealed by cervical manipulation

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures selectively affect the thoracolumbar junction, usually sparing the cervical spine. A 65-year-old woman with documented osteoporotic fractures and chronic alcohol abuse presented with neck pain and occipital neuralgia that started after she suddenly flexed then extended her neck. Following several sessions of cervical manipulation, her pain became more severe, and she was admitted. Imaging studies showed multiple fractures in the dens, C6 and C7. These apparently spontaneous fractures suggested a bone tumor, for which investigations were negative. Osteoporosis was the only identifiable cause. The spinal manipulations probably worsened the lesions which were performed by a chiropractor who is not a physician and did not obtain cervical spine radiographs before treating the patient. Osteoporosis contraindicates spinal manipulation at any level, including the cervical spine.     

Fracture ostéoporotique de l’apophyse odontoïde révélée par une manipulation cervicale

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures selectively affect the thoracolumbar junction, usually sparing the cervical spine. A 65-years-old woman with documented osteoporotic fractures and chronic alcohol abuse presented with neck pain and occipital neuralgia that started after she suddenly flexed then extended her neck. Following several sessions of cervical manipulation, her pain became more severe, and she was admitted. Imaging studies showed multiple fractures in the dens, C6, and C7. These apparently spontaneous fractures suggested a bone tumor, for which investigations were negative. Osteoporosis was the only identifiable cause. The spinal manipulations probably worsened the lesions; they were performed by a chiropractor who was not a physician and did not obtain cervical spine radiographs before treating the patient. Osteoporosis contra-indicates spinal manipulation at any level, including the cervical spine.     

Cervical flexion myelopathy after valproic acid overdose

STUDY DESIGN: Case report and literature review of cervical flexion myelopathies. OBJECTIVE: To increase awareness that prolonged extreme neck flexion, in association with profound muscular relaxation, can produce a severe cervical myelopathy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Similar case reports of cervical myelopathies have been documented in the neurosurgical literature after intraoperative prolonged neck flexion, and after forcible prolonged neck flexion during a robbery. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first report of a cervical flexion myelopathy after a medication overdose, and the only clinical-pathologic correlation. METHODS: Retrospective case report with clinical, radiographic, and postmortem data available for analysis. RESULTS: A transverse myelopathy at the sixth cervical level developed in a 25-year-old woman after an overdose of valproic acid in a suicide attempt. She was found in the sitting position, with her neck in extreme flexion, where she had been for an estimated 18 hours. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that her cervical cord was enlarged, maximally at C6, with prominent paraspinal soft tissue swelling. The patient died of pulmonary embolism and pneumonia. Pathologic findings included transverse spinal cord necrosis at C6; central gray matter necrosis extended to several segments below this. CONCLUSION: Prolonged extreme neck flexion, in association with profound muscular relaxation, can produce a severe myelopathy that is at least partly related to compromise of the spinal cord's microcirculation.     

重症脊髓型颈椎病前、后路联合手术治疗次序的选择

目的：探讨前、后路联合手术治疗重症脊髓型颈椎病手术次序选择的原则.方法：回顾性分析45例重症脊髓型颈椎病患者,男27例,女18例,先行颈椎前路减压再行后路椎管扩大成形手术19例（A组）,先行颈椎后路椎管扩大成形再行前路减压融合手术26例（B组）.术前、术后均采用JOA评分法进行评分,根据JOA评分改善率评价两组治疗效果的优良率.结果：术中A组1例因前路手术使椎管前方骨化组织进一步挤压脊髓组织致患者截瘫;2例因前路手术致压物切除不彻底,术后患者症状无明显改善.B组1例术后出现C5脊神经根麻痹,颈椎前路减压后逐渐恢复.术后随访9～38个月,平均20.4个月.两组优良率分别为69.23%（B组）、42.10%（A组）,B组患者手术治疗效果明显优于A组.结论：前后路联合手术治疗重症脊髓型颈椎病应先行后路椎管扩大成形再行前路减压融合,手术效果较好,并发症少,安全性高.     

Brown-Sequard syndrome produced by cervical disc herniation with complete neurologic recovery: report of three cases and review of the literature

STUDY DESIGN: Case report.Objective:To report three cases of Brown-Sequard syndrome (BSS) associated with cervical disc herniation. METHOD: We describe clinical and radiographic review of three patients who presented with BSS caused by cervical disc herniation. Three patients presented with ipsilateral motor weakness and diminished sensation to pain and temperature on the contralateral side. Magnetic resonance images of the cervical spine in all cases, showed a large paramedian disc herniation at C5-C6, with ipsilateral severe spinal cord compression. Microsurgical removal of the herniated disc via anterior foraminotomy was performed and complete decompression of the spinal cord was achieved. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the neurological symptoms recovered rapidly with a complete remission of their symptoms. CONCLUSION: Although BSS is rarely associated with degenerative cervical spine disease, cervical disc herniation should be kept in mind and prompt evaluation is indicated. Anterior foraminotomy suffices for spinal cord decompression with improvement of the neurological function.     

Zenker's diverticulum associated with multilevel cervical osteomyelitis

STUDY DESIGN: A case report of cervical osteomyelitis possibly associated with a Zenker's diverticulum perforation. OBJECTIVES: To present clinical, radiologic, and surgical findings of a cervical osteomyelitis due to a Zenker's diverticulum perforation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A 56-year-old patient was in an intensive care unit for a severe head injury. He was fed via a nasogastric tube. Four months later he developed a pyogenic cervical vertebral infection. METHODS: Plain films and magnetic resonance imaging showed a diffuse cervical osteomyelitis. Investigation of his dysphagia revealed a Zenker's diverticulum. RESULTS: After administration of antibiotics and surgical treatment of the diverticulum, the cervical infection resolved. Plain films and magnetic resonance imaging showed healing with vertebral fusion. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical osteomyelitis is uncommon. Only one case of direct contamination leading to cervical vertebral osteomyelitis after esophageal perforation has been previously described. Direct contamination of the prevertebral soft tissues by bacteria traveling through the fistula may have occurred. The development of vertebral osteomyelitis in this case is consistent with the hypothesis of direct contamination. Management relies on appropriate antimicrobial therapy and surgical management of the diverticulum. The association of Zenker's diverticulum with vertebral osteomyelitis and discitis is a unique, previously undescribed situation.