Magnetic resonance imaging in syringomyelia

Myelography and myelography assisted with computed tomography have been the most commonly used radiographic methods in the study of syringomyelia. These studies have never been entirely reliable in demonstrating the syrinx cavity and its relationship to other intracranial structures. During the 1st year of operation of the magnetic resonance imaging facility, the syringomyelic cavity was demonstrated in 15 patients who all had typical clinical signs and symptoms associated with syringomyelia. Nine cases were syringomyelia with Chiari malformation. One case showed additional hydrocephalus. Four cases were idiopathic, and 1 case was remotely posttraumatic. Magnetic resonance imaging, although it is in its infancy, already promises to be the most important radiographic technique for syringomyelia because it provides an anatomically truthful visualization of the sagittal plane of the cervical cord and can demonstrate the syrinx cavity and its relationship with the cerebellar tonsils, the 4th ventricle, and other related structures.     

Neuropathic arthropathy of the elbow: two case reports

Neuropathic arthropathy (NA), or Charcot joint, is a chronic and progressive degenerative arthropathy associated with an underlying neurologic disorder. NA of the elbow is a rare entity, with few cases reported in the literature. We report the cases of 2 patients with NA of the elbow. In case 1, the probable etiology was an intramedullary lesion, most likely syringomyelia and likely diabetes mellitus. In case 2, the probable etiology was syringomyelia and likely diabetes mellitus. The aim in NA treatment is to manage the underlying disease and reduce the rate of deformity to its lowest level. Management of NA is usually conservative. The diagnosis of NA should be considered in destructive cases without an evident pain report, and the underlying neurologic problem should be addressed.     

Syringomyelic arthropathy: a description of two cases and a review of the literature.

Neurogenous arthropatHy is a rare disease. Nonetheless, every orthopaedist will sooner or later be faced with the arthropathy before the neurologic disease has been diagnosed. The authors report their study on two cases of syringomyelic arthropathy, repropose its anatomopathological, clinical and radiographic features, and discuss the etiopathogenesis, differential diagnosis and treatment of the disease.     

Adult syringomielia. Classification, pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches

Syringomyelia is characterized by the presence of cystic cavities inside the spinal cord, with an incidence estimated of 8.4 new cases/year/100 000 people. The cavities are usually located inside the cervical cord, although they can extend upwards and/or downwards. The underlying cause of all types of syringomyelia is an alteration in physiologic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics. Four different main types may be described in descending order of frequency: associated with Chiari I malformations, associated with vertebral trauma, associated with basilar invagination and associated with hydrocephalus. Conservative treatment is not recommended as the surgical procedure stops the progress of the disease with clinical improvement being the rule. Early surgical treatment is highly recommended before the establishment of gross neurological deficits occurs. Treatment is urged in case of clinical deterioration or when the follow-up MRI studies show increase in size and extension of the syringomyelic cavity. The first step in the surgical treatment is a precise diagnosis of its etiology to direct the treatment to the underlying cause. Treatment directed to normalize CSF flow homeostasis should be case tailored. Surgical measures that aim to reconstruct the continuity of the subarachnoid space at the site of the block are the first treatment option. Shunting is advocated when reestablishment of the pathways proves impossible or as a second procedure.     

Use of the syringoperitoneal shunt in the treatment of syringomyelia

A syringoperitoneal shunt is a one-way drain that empties cerebrospinal fluid from the pathological syringomyelic cavity into the abdomen. This treatment technique is based on the principle that the signs and symptoms of syringomyelia are caused by insidious interference with the condition of nerve signals in the spinal cord tracts due to either tearing or compression of the tracts by the distended cavity. A series of eight patients suffering from this disorder were operated upon using a syringoperitoneal shunt. The initial results seem to indicate that this technique is especially useful when pain, atrophy, or both dominate the clinical picture. Clinical signs, diagnostic studies, and surgical considerations are discussed.     

Neuropathic arthropathy of the shoulder associated with syringomyelia: a report of six cases

Here, we report a series of 5 patients (6 shoulders) diagnosed with neuropathic arthropathy of the shoulder joint in our clinic between 2005 and 2008. Initial diagnosis, previous treatment, and radiological and clinical follow-up findings were reviewed. The mean age at diagnosis was 44.2 years. Four patients had unilateral and 1 patient had bilateral involvement. The presenting symptoms were pain, swelling, and loss in range of motion. Active forward flexion and abduction ranged from 0° to 90°. Hypoesthesia and loss of temperature sense was evident in 3 patients. Radiographs showed massive osteolysis of humeral head and glenoid process, and magnetic resonance imaging showed periarticular fluid collection, and degeneration at the rotator cuff and shoulder joint, resembling chronic septic arthritis or sarcoma. Biopsy was performed in 4 patients before definitive diagnosis, and synovial hypertrophy and necrotic bone was found. Two patients had a history of operated cervical syringomyelia, and the remaining 3 patients were later diagnosed to have syringomyelia and referred to neurosurgery clinic, where 2 of those were operated. Four patients were followed-up with symptomatic therapy, and 1 patient underwent an unsuccessful shoulder arthroplasty in another clinic. As a conclusion, neuropathic arthropathy of the shoulder is rare, and correct diagnosis is possible by careful physical and neurological examination and pathologic evaluation when needed.     

Bone and joint tuberculosis in Denmark: increase due to immigration

We studied the epidemiology of bone and joint tuberculosis (TB) in Denmark during the period 1993-1997, using data in the national Danish TB register. We found 95 cases, accounting for 4% of all tuberculosis cases and 15% of extrapulmonary cases, giving a mean annual incidence of 0.4 per 10(5) in the period. 26 cases were found among native Danes (3-8 cases per year) with a median age of 66 (10-92) years and giving a mean annual incidence of 0.1 per 10(5). Among immigrants, an increasing number of cases of bone and joint TB were diagnosed, increasing from 5 in 1993 to 28 in 1997, giving a total of 69 cases with a mean age of 35 (11-75) years and a mean annual incidence of 4 per 10(5) in the period. The spine was affected in half of the cases. 28 patients had active TB elsewhere in the same period. In most patients, there were no predisposing or risk factors for disease except for ethnicity. Compared to a study of bone and joint TB in Denmark in the 1980s, the total incidence is the same, but there has been a shift in patients from old Danes to young immigrants. The increasing number of bone and joint TB cases among immigrants is due to recent immigration of Somalian refugees, who have a high incidence of TB and a high proportion of extrapulmonary TB. The diagnosis was often delayed several months or years. This study shows that attention must be paid to this condition, particularly in young patients from an endemic immigrant population.     

Hydrosyringomyelia and its management in childhood

Syringomyelia, once regarded as a degenerative disease of adults, is now recognized to be a disorder usually associated with the Chiari malformation and occurring in patients of all ages. We have reviewed 47 patients with syringomyelia treated on the Neurosurgical Service at the Hospital for Sick Children during the years 1977 to 1985. Twelve of these patients had a Chiari I malformation, 30 had a Chiari II malformation, and 5 had an acquired Chiari malformation. Thirty-one of these patients were treated by decompression of the Chiari malformation and plugging of the obex, 5 were treated by a simple posterior fossa decompression, 9 were treated by shunting of the syringomyelic cavity, and 2 were treated by a combined decompression of the posterior fossa and shunting of the syrinx. The Gardner procedure (decompression of the Chiari malformation and plugging of the obex) was the procedure most commonly used in managing our group of patients and resulted in improvement in over 70% of patients.     

X线、CT和3D-CT对外伤性髋关节脱位的诊断价值

目的　分析外伤性髋关节脱位诊治中存在的问题并提出相应的对策。方法　回顾性分析 37例外伤性髋关节脱位的临床资料 ,并予以统计学处理。结果　 10例合并的髋部骨折、13例关节内碎骨片被X线片漏诊 ;中心型髋关节脱位及水平位髋臼骨折各 1例被常规CT遗漏 ;髋臼裂缝骨折及髋关节内碎骨片各 2例被三维CT漏诊 ;三维CT误诊关节内碎骨片 2例 ;且采用不同的影像学诊断方法 ,治疗效果明显不同。结论　不管任何类型的外伤性髋关节脱位在行X线片检查得到初步诊断后均应即刻手法复位 ,之后在行X线片复查的基础上 ,必须进行二维CT(有条件者包括三维CT)检查 ,以确定髋关节脱位、髋部骨折复位程度或确定是否并发骨折及分型 ,以指导制定进一步治疗方案     

Detection of syringomyelia in a pediatric patient with mild scoliosis: a case report

It can be challenging to detect syringomyelia in patients with scoliosis, as some cases are mildly symptomatic with little to no neurological deficits. However, a timely diagnosis of syringomyelia is needed to facilitate important treatment considerations. This case report details an 11-year-old female with mild scoliosis and a two-year history of spinal pain that had short-term symptomatic relief from chiropractic treatment. Subtle neurological signs were detected only at re-evaluation, which prompted further investigation with radiographs and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI revealed a non-expansile syrinx measuring 3 mm at its widest diameter that extended from C5 to the conus medullaris. The aim of this case is to heighten awareness of the potential diagnostic challenges in patients with syringomyelia and scoliosis. The incidence, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management of syringomyelia will be presented to help primary contact providers with appropriate referral and co-management of these patients.     

Syringomyelia presenting as shoulder instability

Three middle-aged women presented with shoulder instability as the first sign of syringomyelia. The patients' symptoms were unilateral in each case. Two patients had posterior shoulder instability, and one patient had anterior instability. Two patients had undergone surgery to stabilize the shoulder before referral to our center. In both cases the surgery had been unsuccessful. Review of two of the patients' plain radiographs after referral demonstrated radiographic changes highly suggestive of neuropathic arthropathy. The diagnosis of syringomyelia was confirmed by myelography, computed tomographic scanning, and magnetic resonance imaging. One patient had an associated Arnold-Chiari malformation that was treated by a syringosubarachnoid shunt. Each patient's shoulder disability, although significant, remained static throughout a follow-up period averaging 79 months. Shoulder instability can be a presenting symptom and sign of syringomyelia. Patients over age 40 presenting with a glenohumeral dislocation may, in addition to having a high probability of rotator cuff injury, have neuropathic arthropathy. Syringomyelia should be included in the differential diagnosis of shoulder instability so that unnecessary and unsuccessful surgery can be avoided.     

Bone and joint tuberculosis in Denmark: Increase due to immigration

We studied the epidemiology of bone and joint tuberculosis (TB) in Denmark during the period 1993-1997, using data in the national Danish TB register. We found 95 cases, accounting for 4% of all tuberculosis cases and 15% of extrapulmonary cases, giving a mean annual incidence of 0.4 per 10 5 in the period. 26 cases were found among native Danes (3-8 cases per year) with a median age of 66 (10-92) years and giving a mean annual incidence of 0.1 per 10 5 . Among immigrants, an increasing number of cases of bone and joint TB were diagnosed, increasing from 5 in 1993 to 28 in 1997, giving a total of 69 cases with a mean age of 35 (11-75) years and a mean annual incidence of 4 per 10 5 in the period. The spine was affected in half of the cases. 28 patients had active TB elsewhere in the same period. In most patients, there were no predisposing or risk factors for disease except for ethnicity. Compared to a study of bone and joint TB in Denmark in the 1980s, the total incidence is the same, but there has been a shift in patients from old Danes to young immigrants. The increasing number of bone and joint TB cases among immigrants is due to recent immigration of Somalian refugees, who have a high incidence of TB and a high proportion of extrapulmonary TB. The diagnosis was often delayed several months or years. This study shows that attention must be paid to this condition, particularly in young patients from an endemic immigrant population.     

Bone and joint tuberculosis in Denmark: Increase due to immigration

We studied the epidemiology of bone and joint tuberculosis (TB) in Denmark during the period 1993-1997, using data in the national Danish TB register. We found 95 cases, accounting for 4% of all tuberculosis cases and 15% of extrapulmonary cases, giving a mean annual incidence of 0.4 per 10 5 in the period. 26 cases were found among native Danes (3-8 cases per year) with a median age of 66 (10-92) years and giving a mean annual incidence of 0.1 per 10 5 . Among immigrants, an increasing number of cases of bone and joint TB were diagnosed, increasing from 5 in 1993 to 28 in 1997, giving a total of 69 cases with a mean age of 35 (11-75) years and a mean annual incidence of 4 per 10 5 in the period. The spine was affected in half of the cases. 28 patients had active TB elsewhere in the same period. In most patients, there were no predisposing or risk factors for disease except for ethnicity. Compared to a study of bone and joint TB in Denmark in the 1980s, the total incidence is the same, but there has been a shift in patients from old Danes to young immigrants. The increasing number of bone and joint TB cases among immigrants is due to recent immigration of Somalian refugees, who have a high incidence of TB and a high proportion of extrapulmonary TB. The diagnosis was often delayed several months or years. This study shows that attention must be paid to this condition, particularly in young patients from an endemic immigrant population.     

Spontaneous resolution of syringomyelia: report of two cases and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: The natural history of syringomyelia is highly unpredictable, and some patients experience improvement or stabilization without surgery. However, the mechanisms of the formation and spontaneous resolution of syringomyelia remain controversial. This report concerns two patients with syringomyelia who demonstrated spontaneous reductions in syrinx size, accompanied by symptomatic improvement. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: One patient was a 10-year-old girl with syringomyelia associated with a tight cisterna magna and basilar impression, who demonstrated a spontaneous decrease in syrinx size, accompanied by symptomatic improvement, in 22 months. The other patient was a 39-year-old man with syringomyelia associated with a Chiari I malformation, who demonstrated a spontaneous reduction in syrinx size and neurological improvement, accompanied by elevation of the cerebellar tonsils, 6 months after diagnosis. INTERVENTION: The patients were monitored. CONCLUSION: The mechanisms of spontaneous resolution of syringomyelia, as well as the factors leading to the cerebrospinal fluid flow disturbances that cause syringomyelia, may vary. Resolution of foramen magnum lesion-related syringomyelia may be the result of spontaneous correction of the abnormal cerebrospinal fluid flow, as observed in our cases, or of cavity fluid drainage into the spinal arachnoid space because of spinal cord fissuring.     

骨代谢标志物在强直性脊柱炎疾病活动性和骨折风险评估中的研究进展

强直性脊柱炎（ankylosing spondylitis,AS）是一种与HLA-B27相关的病因不明的慢性炎症性免疫疾病,该病易侵犯骶髂关节、脊柱骨突以及外周关节,严重者可有骨质疏松及骨折的风险。对于普通AS患者,如何预估患者罹患骨质疏松、甚至发生骨折的风险,以确定哪些患者能从抗骨质疏松症药物治疗中获得最佳益处,是预防骨折发生、降低患者致残率的必然要求。骨代谢标志物可以反映骨的整体转换率,在AS患者的评估强直性脊柱炎疾病活动性及其分型、预测骨折发生的危险性、观察药物治疗疗效等均有重要意义。因此,笔者对骨代谢标志物与AS患者疾病活动性及其与骨质疏松相关性研究进展作一综述。     

Clinical manifestations and significance of post-traumatic thoracolumbar syringomyelia

Objective: To analyze the pathogenic mechanism and the clinical significance of post-traumatic thoracolumbar syringomyella through reviewing the clinical manifestations. Methods: The data of 15 patients (14 males and 1 female, aged from 28 to 56 years, with an average of 36 years) with post-traumatic syringomyelia treated in our hospital from December 1997 to February 2002 were studied retrospectively. Two patients suffered from T11 fractures, 7 from T12 fractures and 6 from L1 fractures. There were 12 patients with burst fractures and 3 with fracture dislocations. Anterior decompression, bone graft, bone fusion and internal fixation were made on 6 patients,posterior decompression, bone graft, bone fusion and internal fixation on 1 patient, and non-surgical treatment on 8 patients. Results. Syringomyelia of the patients was diagnosed accurately with magnetic resonance imaging at 0.5-4 years after the original thoracolumbar fracture. The cavern was round in 6 cases, elliptic in 6 cases, and irregular in 3 cases. The patients also suffered from pain (80%), myodynamia attenuation in lower extremities (66.7%), aggravated spasm (46.7%), sensation loss or hypesthesia (46.7%), decreased coordinate function of lower extremities (20%) and autonomic nerve symptom (6.7%). Conclusions： Post-traumatic thoracolumbar syringomyelia should be suspected if the patient has new neurological symptoms, such as myodynamia attenuation in lower extremities, after the neural function becomes stable for certain time.     

Post-traumatic syringomyelia.

Post-traumatic syringomyelia is uncommon. It is seen predominantly after injury to the thoracic or the lumbar spine and rarely after injury to the cervical spine. In this report, three cases of post-traumatic syringomyelia are presented. The injury was limited to the thoracic spine in one case and to the cervical spine in the rest. The symptoms began after two years in two cases and after fifteen years in the third. The diagnosis was suggested by radiographic examination and was confirmed at operation in each case. Following evacuation and drainage of the cyst, significant improvement occurred in two patients.     

Catheterization of the sylvian aqueduct. Its present role in the surgical treatment of sylvian aqueduct stenosis of PCF tumors, and of syringomyelia]

Catheterization of the Sylvian aqueduct is an elective technique for the surgical treatment of syringomyelia with Chiari's defect. It completes efficiently the decompression of the defect and makes possible exclusion of the IV th. ventricle and of the ependymal orifice of the syringomyelic cavity. The operative results appear thus more regular and more stable than those obtained with simple decompression. Intubation of the aqueduct has opportune indications in the treatment of tumors of the P.C.F. in the case of incomplete exeresis or when a secondary blockade of the spinal fluid is to be feared. Intubation of the aqueduct constitutes a useful complement for those patients treated during childhood for hydrocephalon with sylviduct stenosis and that evidence lately a poor functioning of the ventricular tube with ventricles exhibiting a reduced volume and hypereacute accidents of intra-cranial hypertension.     

Bone and joint infection in patients with sickle cell disease

Because of recent literature reports of the rare occurrence of osteomyelitis in patients with sickle cell disease, we reviewed 5 years of experience at Dhahran Health Center (Dhahran, Saudi Arabia). Twelve cases of bone and/or joint infection were identified in patients with sickle cell disease; 83% caused by Salmonella species. This relatively high incidence might be related to the common occurrence of infection with Salmonella in this region. Long bone and multiple site involvements were noticed. Differentiation from acute bone infarcts is difficult, and a systemic and aggressive approach to early diagnosis, management, and follow-up is suggested. Before therapy is started, full history, physical examination, blood cultures, local cultures, stool and urine cultures, and measurement of febrile agglutinin levels should be done. Once diagnosis is confirmed or highly suspected, adequate surgical drainage, prolonged parenteral antibiotic therapy, and transfusion of packed red blood cells should be used. A prolonged follow-up is recommended.