Acute Aortic Thrombus Presenting as Cauda Equina Syndrome

BackgroundOcclusive abdominal aortic thrombus is a rare but critical clinical emergency with life-threatening consequences. Clinical presentation may mimic other diagnoses, resulting in a delay in the appropriate investigations for this condition. Spinal arterial involvement is a recognized complication of aortic thrombus and can result in pain, lower limb weakness, and loss of continence. These symptoms are usually associated with local spinal compression or stenosis manifesting as cauda equina syndrome (CES): a clinical finding of disrupted motor and sensory function to the lower extremities and bladder.Case ReportWe present a case of a 60-year-old female patient presenting with back pain, leg weakness, paresthesia, and urinary incontinence. She was urgently investigated for cauda equina syndrome via a magnetic resonance imaging scan of the spine, which subsequently demonstrated a large occlusive abdominal aortic thrombus.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Nontraumatic acute thrombosis of the aorta is a life-threatening condition that may present with apparent neurological symptoms. In this patient there was both a relevant history and evolving clinical signs pointing toward a vascular etiology; however, the clinical findings were confusing and CES evaluation was prioritized. CES remains a medical emergency requiring urgent investigation and management. However, knowledge of spinal anatomy including vascular supply may help widen the differential. Physicians and associate specialists should consider this at clinical assessment and also when interpreting imaging of the spine. Any delay in diagnosing an aortic thrombosis has the potential for catastrophic clinical consequences.     

马尾神经综合征实验模型的建立及其形成机制(英文)

目的:建立马尾神经综合征的实验模型,进一步探讨马尾神经综合征形成的机制。方法:将纯种健康雄性封闭群清洁级新西兰兔80只随机分为3组:对照组、模型1加压组、模型2加压组,应用改良的EirenToh马尾神经实验压迫模型,进入椎管矢状径的1/9,2/9,1/2,造成马尾神经压迫产生神经症状,对症状、骶神经功能检测,并进行定量分析、马尾神经、神经根、骶髓做组织病理学和免疫组织化学的研究,并进行定性分析。结果:模型2较模型1同等条件下,易导致马尾神经损害;各实验组马尾神经综合征发病1/2d,其马尾神经组织均出现广泛的炎性反应,骶髓前角细胞出现凋亡;骶神经功能综合测定,A1,A2,A3(1.8±0.9,2.0±1.6,6.3±2.1),B1,B2,B3(4.3±1.9,6.4±3.0,9.6±2.7)同对照组和其他时间段比较,差异有显著性差异意义(P<0.05)。结论:压迫马尾神经导致马尾神经损害,双节段压迫比单节段压迫更易出现广泛马尾神经损害;马尾神经压迫点的病理改变向头、尾两端扩散,形成广泛病理损害;骶髓前角细胞出现凋亡,且骶神经损伤症状出现1/2d时达到高峰。     

Cold perception of the bladder during ice water test. Study on 120 patients

ObjectiveIf the pathophysiology of bladder cooling reflex (BCR) elicited during an ice water test (IWT) is well-known (triggered by activation of cold receptors within the bladder wall supplied by unmyelinated C fiber afferents) and is widely used for the diagnosis of upper motor neurological lesions, the significance of having a perception of cold in the bladder (PCB) during IWT has not been properly defined yet.Patient and methodsHundred and twenty patients undergoing IWT were analyzed and separated into four groups: group 1 (G1): patients with idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome (OAB); group 2 (G2): patients with functional dysuria (difficult urination due to bladder-neck obstruction, or congenital large bladder); group 3 (G3): patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and group 4 (G4): patients with cauda equina syndrome (CES). All patients had a cystometry and IWT. After performing IWT, the patients were asked specific questions regarding the various sensations experienced during the cystometry and IWT, especially for detecting the presence or not of a cold sensation when their bladder was filling up.ResultsPatients with idiopathic OAB had more frequently a PCB than patients with MS (P < 0.02). Patients with bladder-neck obstruction were more likely to retain a PCB than patients with CES (P < 0.01). Lack of PCB is more frequent in patients with neurological diseases (P < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 65%.ConclusionPatients without neurological disease have a heightened PCB during the IWT than patients with neurological diseases. The lack of PCB may reflect an alteration of the afferent pathways or spinal reflex pathways or central neural pathways.     

Acute Nontraumatic Spinal Intradural Hematoma in a Patient on Warfarin

Background

Nontraumatic spinal intradural extramedullary hematomas are extremely rare. When they occur, they can rapidly lead to spinal cord or cauda equina compression and have devastating consequences.

Objective

The aim here was to report a case of this rare phenomenon and discuss the etiology, imaging, management, and outcome of intradural hematomas.

Case Report

We describe the case of a 76-year-old man on warfarin therapy who presented with severe lower back pain and flaccid paraparesis. Blood tests revealed an international normalized ratio of 6.0. A magnetic resonance imaging result suggested an intradural hematoma extending from L1 to L4 and compressing the spinal cord and cauda equina. Emergency surgical decompression revealed an extensive intradural extramedullary hematoma, which was evacuated. The patient showed only minor neurologic improvement 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

Coagulopathy-induced spinal hemorrhage should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with signs of acute spinal cord compression.     

外科干预改善马尾神经综合征患者下肢功能和缓解腰腿痛

目的根据马尾神经综合征发病机制的临床研究和临床治疗现状,观察外科干预术式改善马尾神经综合征患者的下肢功能,缓解腰腿痛的效果。方法对长征医院31例(男22例,女9例)马尾神经综合征患者的临床资料进行分析。结果常规术式效果:优(A)7例,良(B)4例,好转(C)3例,差(D)6例;改良术式效果:优(A)3例,良(B)2例,好转(C)4例,差(D)5例。结论马尾神经综合征的改良术式能有效地改善患者下肢功能,缓解腰腿痛。     

Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma: a therapeutical challenge?

We report the conservative treatment of a spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma attending with acute extensive neurological deficits, which resolved spontaneously. Spontaneous remission of spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma with severe neurological deficit is rare in the literature. An 80 year old man was admitted to our hospital presenting sciatica followed by rapid development of paraparesis and cauda equina syndrome, which represents a neurosurgical emergency. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a multilevel epidural haematoma from L1 to L5. During the initial diagnostic procedure the symptoms started to decline unexpectedly, so the surgical intervention could be withdrawn. Twenty four hours after admission the patient was almost free of symptoms, mobile, and continent. Awareness and high index of suspicion, and a willingness to seek the prompt help of the imaging department, are crucial to successful management before the opportunity to treat is lost.     

MRI鉴别诊断椎管内结核瘤、转移性肿瘤及神经纤维瘤病

目的 分析椎管内结核瘤、转移瘤以及神经纤维瘤病的MRI表现及鉴别诊断要点。方法 回顾性分析8例椎管内结核瘤、10例椎管内转移性肿瘤、3例椎管内神经纤维瘤病患者的临床和MRI资料。所有病例经临床随访证实,均接受MR平扫,20例同时接受增强扫描。结果 椎管内结核瘤和转移瘤位于颈、胸、腰段多个节段,脊髓内外均有,主要位于髓外硬脊膜下;椎管内神经纤维瘤病主要位于腰段马尾神经周围,颈、胸段脊髓表面见少许结节病灶。3种病变均为多发结节,呈等T1等或稍长T2信号,有明显强化。部分椎管内结核瘤病灶分界欠清,与硬脊膜紧密相连、融合,邻近硬脊膜明显增厚强化、脊髓均见程度不等的片状异常信号,其中5例马尾神经可见增粗、强化。椎管内转移瘤病灶之间分界清楚,未见明显融合,8例邻近硬脊膜者可见轻-中度强化,10例脊髓可见程度不等的片状异常信号,2例可见马尾神经增粗、强化;椎管内神经纤维瘤病病灶分界清楚,邻近硬脊膜、马尾神经未见增厚和强化,脊髓未见异常信号。结论 MRI结合临床综合分析有助于诊断及鉴别诊断椎管内结核瘤与转移瘤和神经纤维瘤病。     

Postmyelographic cauda equina syndrome in an asymptomatic acquired spinal stenosis of a young acromegalic

Early postmyelographic cauda equina syndrome in an asymptomatic young acromegalic is presented. The patient was asymptomatic for more than 1 yr despite myelographic evidence of acquired spinal stenosis at the L2-L4 level. Radiographic and/or myelographic findings should be clinically correlated. It is postulated that, in acromegaly, the combined simultaneous bony apposition-remodeling resorption mechanism is involved in the spine as platyspondyly, hyperostosis of spinous processes and vertebral scalloping to counteract soft tissue hyperplasia within the spinal canal; entrapment myelopathy, cauda equina syndrome and/or radiculopathy are ascribed to a soft tissue edematous mechanism superimposed on congenital or degenerative spinal stenosis, traumatic or postoperative spondylolisthesis, postmyelographic and/or postoperative arachnoiditis and a traumatic swollen or protrused intervertebral disc.     

硫化氢对急性马尾神经损伤模型大鼠的神经保护作用

背景：研究发现内源性硫化氢可以作为一种新型气体信号分子,具有重要的信号传递功能和生物调节作用。目的：研究硫化氢对急性马尾神经损伤大鼠的神经保护作用。方法：将72只SD大鼠随机均分为3组,实验组、模型组咬除L4椎板,将长10 mm、厚1.0 mm、宽1.0 mm的硅胶条植入大鼠L5和L6椎管内,建立大鼠马尾神经压迫损伤模型;假手术组仅咬除L4椎板,未植入硅胶条;实验组造模前1 h腹腔注射20μmol/kg的NaHS,模型组与假手术组腹腔注射等量生理盐水。造模后12,24,48,72 h检测马尾神经组织中丙二醛和谷胱甘肽水平,同时在48 h取材进行苏木精-伊红染色和TUNEL染色。结果与结论：苏木精-伊红染色显示,假手术组马尾神经纤维致密有序,髓鞘完整,轴突无肿胀;模型组马尾神经纤维松散,脱髓鞘改变,部分轴突及髓鞘肿胀;实验组马尾神经纤维紧密,少量轴突肿胀、脱髓鞘改变。TUNEL染色显示,假手术组中脊髓和背根神经节组织中阳性细胞数量较少,模型组脊髓和背根神经节中可见大量阳性细胞,实验组阳性细胞数量显著低于模型组。假手术组、实验组丙二醛水平低于模型组（P 〉0.05, P 〉0.01）,谷胱甘肽水平高于模型组（P 〉0.05,P 〉0.01）。表明硫化氢可以降低氧化应激反应,保护急性损伤大鼠马尾神经。     

A hidden injury

Transverse sacral fractures associated with cauda equina syndrome are uncommon lesions and often missed at the time of presentation. This case report highlights the benign presentation and the unpleasant outcome of such an injury.     

Peripheral nerve involvement in a neurofibromatosis type 2 patient with plexiform neurofibroma of the cauda equina: a sonographic vignette

Kara M, Akyüz M, Y?lmaz A, Hatipo?lu C, Özçakar L. Peripheral nerve involvement in a neurofibromatosis type 2 patient with plexiform neurofibroma of the cauda equina: a sonographic vignette.We report a 20-year-old man with cauda equina syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 2. We discuss the role of sonographic and electromyographic evaluations in the management of our patient and suggest the use of sonographic imaging for visualization of peripheral nerve pathologic states, especially when involvement is widespread.     

Orthopedic pitfalls: cauda equina syndrome

Low back pain is an extremely common complaint encountered by emergency and primary care physicians. Although the majority of patients have uncomplicated benign presentations, there is a small subset who has a much more severe disease process called cauda equina syndrome, which entails acute compression of the nerve roots of the cauda equina. These patients usually present posttraumatically with the triad of saddle anesthesia, bowel or bladder dysfunction, and lower extremity weakness. Significant morbidity can result from delayed diagnosis and treatment; therefore, the emergency physician should remain aware of this potential orthopedic pitfall. This case report discusses the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and relevant treatment of cauda equina syndrome in the ED.     

Outcomes in patients admitted for rehabilitation with spinal cord or cauda equina lesions following degenerative spinal stenosis

Purpose.?To evaluate outcome measures and the factors affecting them in patients treated between 1962 and 2000 at Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital, Israel.

Method.?This retrospective cohort study included 262 patients with spinal neurological lesions (spinal cord or cauda equina lesions) following degenerative spinal stenosis. Data were collected retrospectively. Survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the relative mortality risk by the Cox model. Neurological recovery was evaluated by the change in Frankel grades, and factors that affect it were assessed by logistic regression. Associations of length of stay in rehabilitation were analyzed with ANOVA.

Results.?Median age at lesion onset was 61 years and median survival 17.6 years. Age at spinal neurological lesion onset was found to be the only factor with a significant effect on survival. Of the 148 patients who had Frankel grades A, B, or C on admission, 58% achieved recovery to grades D and E. Frankel grade at admission, age, and spinal neurological level had a significant effect on recovery. The mean length of stay was 99.7 days, and only Frankel grade had a significant effect on length of stay.

Conclusions.?Patients with spinal stenosis and disabling spinal neurological lesions can achieve significant neurological recovery and survive for many years. They require adequate care in a specialist rehabilitation system.     

Outcomes in patients admitted for rehabilitation with spinal cord or cauda equina lesions following degenerative spinal stenosis

Purpose.?To evaluate outcome measures and the factors affecting them in patients treated between 1962 and 2000 at Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital, Israel.

Method.?This retrospective cohort study included 262 patients with spinal neurological lesions (spinal cord or cauda equina lesions) following degenerative spinal stenosis. Data were collected retrospectively. Survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the relative mortality risk by the Cox model. Neurological recovery was evaluated by the change in Frankel grades, and factors that affect it were assessed by logistic regression. Associations of length of stay in rehabilitation were analyzed with ANOVA.

Results.?Median age at lesion onset was 61 years and median survival 17.6 years. Age at spinal neurological lesion onset was found to be the only factor with a significant effect on survival. Of the 148 patients who had Frankel grades A, B, or C on admission, 58% achieved recovery to grades D and E. Frankel grade at admission, age, and spinal neurological level had a significant effect on recovery. The mean length of stay was 99.7 days, and only Frankel grade had a significant effect on length of stay.

Conclusions.?Patients with spinal stenosis and disabling spinal neurological lesions can achieve significant neurological recovery and survive for many years. They require adequate care in a specialist rehabilitation system.     

Giant schwannoma of the cauda equina without neurological deficits – case report and review of the literature

Schwannomas and ependymomas are the most frequent tumours of the filum terminale. Giant schwannomas, however, are very rare in this location with less than 30 cases reported in the literature, most of them presenting with preoperative neurological deficits. We present the case of a giant schwannoma in a 75-year-old lady extending from the level of lower D12 to upper L3 vertebra with low-back pain as the only symptom. Microsurgical removal of the tumour was accomplished via an L1-L2 laminotomy without permanent neurological deficits. Giant schwannoma of the cauda equina is a rare tumour with variable symptoms. Early diagnosis is crucial to obtain good postoperative results. Total removal without additional neurological deficits can be achieved by appropriate microsurgical techniques.     

实验性腰椎椎管狭窄的神经功能及组织学变化

目的:旨在建立一组与临床相关联的腰椎椎管狭窄动物实验模型,探讨不同程度腰椎椎管狭窄动物神经功能(包括神经行为和脊髓诱发电位)及组织学的改变及其意义。方法:以家犬建立腰椎椎管狭窄的动物模型。实验分为A组:正常组;B组:对照组;C组:25％狭窄组;D组:50％狭窄组等4组,每组5只。分别检测各组神经功能及组织学变化。结果:50％狭窄能引起马尾神经功能改变,尤以感觉诱发电位变化更加明显。不同程度狭窄均能造成马尾神经组织学变化。结论:脊髓诱发电位和神经行为能敏感地显示马尾神经的功能改变。50％狭窄是腰椎椎管狭窄引起一系列临床表现的临界点。     

Rapid progression of acute sciatica to cauda equina syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the importance of clinical examination and continued vigilance for neurologic deterioration in patients with sciatica. Cauda equina syndrome, a rare sequela of sciatica, is considered a medical emergency requiring surgical decompression. Clinical Features: A 32-year-old woman had sciatica that rapidly progressed to cauda equina syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of a large nonsequestered disk fragment in the lower lumbar spine. Intervention and Outcome: The disk fragment was surgically excised. The patient experienced immediate pain relief after surgery but retained neurologic deficits. After 6 months of rehabilitation, neurologic integrity was restored, aside from patchy sensory loss of the left foot and buttocks. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient's sciatica had not returned. CONCLUSIONS: Most cases of sciatica, regardless of cause, will self-resolve; as a result, there might be a tendency to maintain a low index of suspicion for serious, progressive disorders such as cauda equina syndrome. Patients need to be educated as to signs of this emergency condition and informed as to the possible consequences of delaying treatment. By maintaining a high index of suspicion for any case that fails to respond as expected to a course of conservative therapy or that demonstrates signs of cauda equina syndrome, chiropractors can assume a pivotal role by investigating and referring appropriately and by aiding in active rehabilitation postoperatively.     

Evaluation and management of cauda equina syndrome in the emergency department

BackgroundCauda equina syndrome (CES) may be a devastating disease with the potential for significant patient morbidity. It is essential for emergency clinicians to be aware of how to effectively diagnose and manage this condition.ObjectiveThis article provides a narrative review of the diagnosis and management of CES for the emergency clinician.DiscussionCauda equina syndrome is a rare but emergent condition associated with back pain. It can result in severe morbidity and can be due to a variety of causes, most commonly vertebral disc protrusion. Diagnosis is often delayed, which may result in a poor prognosis. Red flags and findings consistent with CES include bilateral neurogenic sciatica, reduced perineal sensation, altered bladder function leading to painless urinary retention, loss of anal tone, and loss of sexual function. In isolation, history and examination findings demonstrate poor sensitivity. Symptoms may occur either suddenly or gradually, and most patients do not present with all of these symptoms. Postvoid bladder volume assessments can assist in the evaluation, but the diagnosis typically involves magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography myelography if MRI is not available. Treatment relies upon surgical consultation and operative intervention for decompression.ConclusionCauda equina syndrome can be a difficult diagnosis. However, knowledge of the history and examination findings, imaging, and treatment can assist the emergency clinician in optimizing management of this condition.     

Coccygeal fracture and Paget's disease presenting as acute cauda equina syndrome

Paget's disease of bone affects a significant percentage of adult and elderly patients. Although generally asymptomatic, the inflammatory changes and hypervascularity of the affected bone is prone to pathologic fracture and resultant hemorrhage. Epidural hematoma is well-described with vertebral fractures and can present as acute cauda equina syndrome. We describe a case in which an elderly female with Paget's disease sustained a minor coccygeal fracture and developed local hemorrhage and edema, which caused a sacral plexopathy that presented identical to acute cauda equina syndrome. A literature review will follow.     

Partial cauda equina compromise: result of sacral stenosis

Although partial or complete cauda equina compromise due to lumbar stenosis is a recognized entity, cauda equina compromise due to sacral stenosis is extremely uncommon. We present a patient with a three-week history of right thigh and buttock pain who developed right scrotal and buttock numbness, urinary retention, and difficulty with bowel evacuation. The patient had diminished sensation to right buttock and anus pinprick with decreased anal sphincter tone and absent bulbocavernosus reflex. Lumbosacral spine films revealed only minimal degenerative changes, while lumbar myelogram showed L4-L5 and L5-S1 ventral extradural defects. Only a drop of pantopaque descended caudally below the level of the L5-S1 interspace. Operatively, significant stenosis and thickening of the posterior sacrum with compromise of the lower sacral nerve roots was noted. Bilateral sacral laminectomy was performed and the symptoms resolved postoperatively. This case illustrates an unusual clinical entity: partial cauda equina compromise due to sacral stenosis.