Split spinal cord malformation

The split spinal cord is a rare congenital malformation. We report the rare finding of a split cord malformation in a young girl. Further evaluation of this anomaly revealed a Type I split cord malformation (midline bony septation), with no other concomitant pathological entities. Various hypotheses have been made regarding the embryology of this unusual form of spinal dysraphism, and these are reviewed along with the common clinical manifestations of this intriguing pathological entity.     

Arteriovenous malformation of the spinal cord

Summary We report a case of spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in which detailed morphological examination of the intramedullary vascular lesion was carried out employing serial section studies. The relationship of the malformation to parenchymal lesions was evaluated. An abnormal vessel at the spinomedullary transition, whose lamina elastica was partially interrupted, was suggestive of a shunt vessel. The location of the intramedullary abnormal vessels and foci of softening of the spinal cord almost overlapped in distribution. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the intramedullary abnormal vessels demonstrated marked elongation and tortuosity of the original vascular architecture and they ended in the extramedullary abnormal vessels with thickened wall. Thus, our study showed that the intramedullary abnormal vessels were the result of secondary changes subsequent to pressure and volume overload inflicted upon the spinal venous system through AVM. Compression by tortuous elongation of the intramedullary vessels is the apparent cause of the parenchymal softening. A traumatic factor in the aetiology of the AVM was also discussed, since the patient had had two preceding episodes of traffic accidents with cranial and lumbar injury. Trauma seemed to be significant factor as a trigger of symptoms.     

Vascular malformation of the spinal cord

A case of the arteriovenous aneurysm is described. This congenital anomaly occurs rarely in all parts of the central nervous system including the spinal cord. The aneurysm damages the spinal cord due to haemodynamic and haemorrhagic complications, inflammation and compression resulting in the neuron death and the disturbance of the spinal cord functions.     

Anaplastic ependymoma of the spinal cord in childhood. A case report

We report a 6-year-old girl with anaplastic ependymoma probably originating in the region of the conus medullaris and probably spreading retrogradely to the region of the interventricular foramen (Monro) through the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Since ependymoma of the spinal cord rarely occurs in children, and retrograde spreading is extremely rare, the histological features and mechanism of metastasis of the tumor are discussed.     

Transventricular blood vessels in the third ventricle of the armadillo brain

Transventricular filaments were observed with scanning electron microscopy on the dorsolateral wall of the infundibular recess of the third ventricle of the armadillo brain. Two to seven transventricular filaments per animal were present in 6 of 18 animals. There were two types of transventricular filaments, ciliated and bare. Using transmission electron microscopy, we determined that these filaments consisted of a single, central capillary surrounded by ciliated ependymal cells and a small accumulation of axons in five animals. In one animal, a bare filament had a central capillary surrounded by a large accumulation of axons with no surrounding ependyma. The consistent location and structure of these filaments indicate a possible function for a small vascular network, as well as a possible commissural network connecting right and left hypothalami in the region of infundibular nuclei.     

Congenital generalized fibromatosis causing spinal cord compression

An unusual case of congenital generalized fibromatosis in which involvement of the spinal dura mater was accompanied by flaccid paralysis in the lower limbs is presented.     

Arteriovenous malformation of the cervical spinal cord in a dog.

An 8-year-old female German Shepherd dog showed first order Horner's syndrome associated with progressive right-sided hemiplegia and mega-oesophagus. Intramedullary and leptomeningeal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) was identified in the cervical spinal cord. The morphological characteristics were arteriovenous shunting, intramedullary multiple thromboses and haemorrhage, non-inflammatory necrosis of white and grey matter around the shunt, and intervening neural gliosis with neovascularization. These findings suggested that the malformation induced a focal circulatory disturbance within the cervical spinal cord and that fatal thrombosis was responsible for the sudden onset of the nervous signs and progressive neurological deterioration. This is the first report of intramedullary spinal AVM in a dog.     

Transventricular blood vessels in the third ventricle of the armadillo brain.

Transventricular filaments were observed with scanning electron microscopy on the dorsolateral wall of the infundibular recess of the third ventricle of the armadillo brain. Two to seven transventricular filaments per animal were present in 6 of 18 animals. There were two types of transventricular filaments, ciliated and bare. Using transmission electron microscopy, we determined that these filaments consisted of a single, central capillary surrounded by ciliated ependymal cells and a small accumulation of axons in five animals. In one animal, a bare filament had a central capillary surrounded by a large accumulation of axons with no surrounding ependyma. The consistent location and structure of these filaments indicate a possible function for a small vascular network, as well as a possible commissural network connecting right and left hypothalami in the region of infundibular nuclei.     

颈髓髓内室管膜瘤的影像解剖学分型及手术策略

目的　探讨颈髓髓内室管膜瘤的影像解剖学特点并制定相应的手术策略。 方法　用MRI成像技术分析26例颈髓髓内室管膜瘤影像学形态特点及脊髓受压变形情况,将肿瘤进行分型并在电生理实时监测下手术分离切除肿瘤。 结果　按肿瘤形态及其与脊髓之间的解剖学关系分为3种类型：I型：实质伴有空洞型;II型：实质型; III型：囊肿内瘤型。对I型肿瘤从肿瘤极端和空洞交界处或肿瘤中部开始从后正中沟切开脊髓分离切除肿瘤;对Ⅱ型肿瘤从肿瘤中部脊髓后正中沟切开分离切除肿瘤;对III型肿瘤从最近肿瘤结节处从脊髓后正中沟切开,囊内切除肿瘤。术中电生理监测显示体感诱发电位（SEP）波幅下降50% 或者潜伏期延长10%;目标肌群运动诱发电位（MEP）波幅持续下降至20%,应暂停手术。术后所有病例病理报告均为室管膜瘤。术后MRI复查23例肿瘤完全切除,3例肿瘤部分切除。术后症状明显减轻23例,好转2例,加重1例,无死亡病例。 结论　依据术前MRI进行分型并制定相应的手术策略可以达到完全切除肿瘤、减少脊髓损伤的目的。     

Congenital malformation of the feet with low body height

Among 75 members of a Danish family, 12 were found with a syndrome not previously described. Clinically, the syndrome consists of low body height and rigid flat feet, with weight-bearing pain in the feet. Radiologically, the deformation of the feet is a medial synostosis between the talus and the calcaneus combined with ankle joint dysplasia. The cause of the syndrome is most probably an autosomal dominant gene with complete penetrance. No linkage was found of the gene to 18 marker genes.     

Autosomal recessive hydrocephalus with third ventricle obstruction

Here we report a brother and sister who presented in the neonatal period with hydrocephalus. Ultrasonography showed marked dilatation of the lateral ventricles but not the third ventricle. One child with postnatal onset was shunted and had normal development at 3 years. The other child had severe hydrocephalus at birth and was not treated. Neuropathologic studies demonstrated dilatation of the lateral ventricles and marked narrowing of the posterior part of the third ventricle but no other malformations other than those that result directly from hydrocephalus. The potential for a good prognosis is emphasized.     

Microglia in antiviral immunity of the brain and spinal cord

Viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are a significant cause of neurological impairment and mortality worldwide. As tissue resident macrophages, microglia are critical initial responders to CNS viral infection. Microglia seem to coordinate brain-wide antiviral responses of both brain resident cells and infiltrating immune cells. This review discusses how microglia may promote this antiviral response at a molecular level, from potential mechanisms of virus recognition to downstream cytokine responses and interaction with antiviral T cells. Recent advancements in genetic tools to specifically target microglia in vivo promise to further our understanding about the precise mechanistic role of microglia in CNS infection.