Conus perimedullary arteriovenous fistula with intracranial drainage: case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Perimedullary arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) do not commonly present with subarachnoid hemorrhage or intracranial venous drainage causing neurological symptoms. We present a case with both of these features. The patient was inadvertently treated for an unruptured intracranial aneurysm before his true problem was recognized. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old man presented with sudden-onset lower-extremity weakness, diplopia, nausea, and dysarthria on the day of admission. A lumbar puncture documented subarachnoid hemorrhage, and imaging studies revealed a left middle cerebral artery aneurysm. It was noted during surgery that this aneurysm was unruptured, and the patient did not exhibit improvement after surgery. INTERVENTION: Spinal angiography demonstrated a spinal perimedullary AVF feeding from the left T12 radicular artery; venous drainage extended rostrally into the posterior fossa venous system. The AVF was surgically occluded via a posterior laminectomy at the level of the AVF. After surgery, the patient's symptoms began to abate. CONCLUSION: Conus perimedullary AVFs can have venous drainage that extends as far as intracranial veins, which can lead to confusing clinical findings because the symptoms may suggest an intracranial process, although the lesion is in the spine. Surgeons must be aware of this confusing presentation.     

Traumatic spinal perimedullary arteriovenous fistula: a case report

Spinal perimedullary arteriovenous fistula, a subtype of spinal arteriovenous malformation, is generally considered to be a congenital lesion by maldevelopment of the spinal vascular system. However, several cases of perimedullary arteriovenous fistula had been reported in the literature, which were thought to be acquired lesions. We presented a case of perimedullary arteriovenous fistula, which was believed to be derived from spinal cord trauma. The etiology and pathophysiology of this case were discussed, and it might provide further insight into the pathogenesis of such lesions.     

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula associated with a spinal perimedullary fistula: case report

Among spinal cord vascular malformations, dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) must be distinguished from intradural malformations. The concurrence of both is extremely rare. The authors report the case of a 35-year-old man who suffered from progressive myelopathy and who harbored both a DAVF and an intradural perimedullary fistula. During surgery, both fistulas were identified, confirmed, and subsequently obliterated. The fistulas were located at two levels directly adjacent to each other. Although the incidence of concurrent spinal DAVFs is presumed to be approximately 2%, the combination of a dural and an intradural fistula is exceedingly rare; only two other cases have been reported in the literature. One can speculate whether the alteration in venous drainage caused by the (presumably congenital) perimedullary fistula could possibly promote the production of a second dural fistula due to elevated pressure with concomitant venous stagnation and subsequent thrombosis. The authors conclude that despite the rarity of dual pathological entities, the clinician should be aware of the possibility of the concurrence of more than one spinal fistula in the same patient.     

The endovascular treatment of a spinal perimedullary arteriovenous fistula with coils: a case report

We report a case of direct spinal intradural ventral arteriovenous fistula of the thoraco-lumbar region. Angiography demonstrated a single feeder from the anterior spinal artery that drained directly into a markedly dilated vein without an intervening nidus. The endovascular treatment was performed by a transarterial approach and the occlusion of the fistula, after a failed treatment by a detachable balloon, was obtained by coils released in the initial fistulous site inside a venous dilatation with complete clinical cure. This case indicates that endovascular treatment is possible using coils as a valid and safe alternative to a balloon, glue or surgical approach.     

Subarachnoid hemorrhage from multiple neurofibromas of the cauda equina: case report

The authors report a case of spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by neurofibromas of the cauda equina. An examination of the literature revealing 13 similar cases and an analysis of this case showing three neurofibromas of the cauda equina prompted an hypothesis emphasizing the origin of bleeding and the difficulties associated with a correct diagnosis.     

Slow onset cauda equina syndrome: a case report

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is characterized by low back pain, sciatica, lower limb motor weakness and sensory deficits, saddle anaesthesia, bowel and bladder dysfunction and occasionally paraplegia. The syndrome is classified according to onset: rapid or slow. Rapid onset CES, because of its characteristic presentation is easily recognized. The slow, chronic progression and varying presenting signs and symptoms of slow onset CES often mimic mechanical low back pain and makes the diagnosis difficult in its early stages. The case of a 23-year-old female with slow onset cauda equina is presented to illustrate this. A discussion of lumbar spine anatomy as it relates to the clinical presentation of cauda equina syndrome and the influence of associated degenerative factors follows. The most common presenting signs and symptoms are reviewed with special emphasis on those which can help diagnose CES in its early stages. Patients prognosis following surgical decompression is highlighted.     

Successful embolization of a spinal perimedullary arteriovenous fistula with cellulose acetate polymer solution: technical case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Spinal perimedullary arteriovenous fistulae are rarely reported in the literature and can be treated via both endovascular and direct surgical approaches. Coils, glues, and balloons have all been used to embolize these fistulae. Cellulose acetate polymer (CAP) solution is a liquid embolic material that was originally developed for thrombosis of cerebral aneurysms. This is the first report of CAP solution being used to treat a spinal perimedullary arteriovenous fistula, with changes in the viscosity of the solution. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 15-year-old boy experienced spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage without any neurological deficits. A radiological examination revealed a spinal perimedullary arteriovenous fistula (Type 2) at the L1 level. INTERVENTION: Transarterial embolization was performed with local anesthesia. The microcatheter was navigated through the anterior spinal artery to a site just proximal to the fistula. After provocative testing demonstrated negative results, CAP solution was injected and the fistula was completely closed, without complications. The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative course. CONCLUSION: We describe the usefulness of CAP solution in the treatment of a spinal perimedullary arteriovenous fistula. This procedure must be performed for a larger series of patients for assessment of its long-term results.     

Spinal aneurysm arising from the feeding pedicle of a thoracic perimedullary arteriovenous fistula: case report

BACKGROUND: Aneurysms of the spinal artery are exceedingly rare. We report on the first case of a pathologically proven aneurysm arising from the feeding pedicle of a perimedullary arteriovenous fistula (AVF). CASE DESCRIPTION: A 42-year-old man presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and spinal angiography demonstrated a thoracic perimedullary AVF fed by the left T8 intercostal artery that also harbored a spinal aneurysm. He underwent laminectomy 18 days postonset. The aneurysm was resected and the fistula was interrupted. CONCLUSION: For appropriate treatment planning, it is necessary to rule out the presence of aneurysms on the feeding vessel in patients with spinal perimedullary AVF who present with SAH.     

Plexiform neurofibroma of the cauda equina: case report

BACKGROUND: Plexiform neurofibromas are rarely found in the cauda equina. The most recent report of a plexiform neurofibroma of the cauda equina noted only 2 previously described cases. CASE DESCRIPTION: To these we add the current case, as well as 2 additional previously published cases. We report the case of a 44-year-old man with a sudden exacerbation of his long-standing lower-back and bilateral leg pain. An intradural lesion was seen on magnetic resonance imaging and he underwent surgery. Intraoperatively, there were swollen nerve roots and tumor insinuating itself between the roots. A biopsy was performed, and pathology findings were consistent with plexiform neurofibroma. CONCLUSIONS: Plexiform neurofibroma of the cauda equina is a rare tumor, with variable manifestations. These tumors are not amenable to complete resection. Surgical treatment consists of either partial resection or biopsy, possibly with dural grafting for decompression.     

Hypertrophic neuropathy of the cauda equina: case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Hypertrophic neuropathy of the cauda equina (HNCE) is a rare form of peripheral neuropathy. The diagnosis is complicated by an insidious clinical presentation and complex radiographic images. We present a case of HNCE caused by chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy with symptomatic improvement after decompressive lumbar laminectomy and dural expansion. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old woman with a history of back pain since she was in her 20s presented with low back and radicular pain that had increased during a period of 6 months, bilateral lower-extremity weakness, and sensory loss in the right thigh. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine revealed multiple, poorly enhancing mass lesions and apparent intrathecal nerve root thickening from L1 to L5. INTERVENTION: An L1-L5 decompressive laminectomy, performed with continuous somatosensory evoked potential and electromyographic monitoring, revealed multiple segmentally enlarged nerve roots. One nerve root that did not respond to high levels of stimulation was identified. This root was resected and submitted for pathological analysis. The dura was expanded with an 11-cm-long dural patch. The pathological examination revealed hypertrophic neuropathy, with extensive S-100-positive "onion bulb" formation. The patient's symptoms improved postoperatively. CONCLUSION: HNCE is a rare disorder that can cause radicular pain and lower-extremity weakness, sensory loss, and hyporeflexia. One possible cause is demyelinating polyneuropathy. Although medical management is typically effective in the treatment of demyelinating polyneuropathy, it has little effect on compressive symptoms caused by intradural nerve root enlargement. As this case demonstrates, surgical management of symptomatic radiculopathy by lumbar laminectomy is a reasonable and effective approach to the treatment of HNCE.     

Unusual metastasis to the cauda equina: case report

A case of intradural metastasis from endometrial carcinoma to the cauda equina is presented. The clinical presentation and radiographic findings were misleading and suggested a herniated nucleus pulposus. Findings at operation were most suggestive of an ependymoma, but final pathological diagnosis revealed endometrial carcinoma. This has never been reported. Once again it demonstrates that surgeons managing lumbar disc disease must be prepared for possible intradural exploration with an appropriate team.     

Indeterminate cauda equina syndrome: A case report

IntroductionThe presentation of cauda equina syndrome (CES) varies from its classical presentation, especially in its early stages of compression. We present a case of lumbar disc prolapse causing CES in an uncharacteristic way, knowledge of which is essential for orthopaedicians to diagnose this condition early and prevent neurological complications.Case reportA 32-year-old male patient presented to us with complaints of inability to lift his left ankle and numbness over his left leg and ankle for 14 days. Clinical examination showed involvement of left L3, L4, L5 and S1 nerve roots as evidenced by weakness of quadriceps, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus muscles and tendo achilles. Knee jerk was absent. The opposite lower limb was normal and there was no evidence of bowel bladder involvement or saddle anaesthesia. The MRI showed L2 L3 posterocentral disc prolapse compressing the cauda equina. The patient underwent laminectomy and discectomy. Post-operatively, the patient showed significant improvement in his sensory symptoms with complete recovery of motor power in 12 weeks.DiscussionIn contrast to the classical presentation of CES, several case series have been reported with varied clinical manifestations like unilateral leg symptomatology, unilateral or bilateral saddle anaesthesia with or without leg symptoms and CES with complete absence of signs and symptoms in the lower limbs. The disc prolapse in our case at L2-L3 level has compressed the left-sided L3, L4, L5 roots with minimal compression of S1. The classical features of CES would have occurred due to the lateral shift of the cauda equina in our case but for our early diagnosis and intervention.     

Metastatic hemangiopericytoma to the cauda equina: a case report.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Hemangiopericytoma is an aggressive tumor associated with high recurrence and metastasis. Metastases are usually delayed, long after diagnosis of the primary lesion. Metastatic hemangiopericytoma to the spinal cord is especially rare. PURPOSE: To report a rare clinical presentation of a metastatic intradural, intramedullary hemangiopericytoma to the cauda equina from a cerebellar hemangiopericytoma. STUDY DESIGN: Case report with a review of the literature. METHODS: Clinical history, physical findings, and magnetic resonance imaging studies of a patient with a metastatic intradural, intramedullary hemangiopericytoma to the cauda equina are reported. RESULTS: A case report is presented of a female with an intradural, intramedullary lesion at the L4-S1 level, presenting initially with progressive pain and motor weakness affecting the left lower extremity. She had a history of a cerebellar hemangiopericytoma, which had been treated with total resection and radiotherapy 4 years earlier. This patient developed urinary urgency and frequency. Pathological analysis revealed a hemangiopericytoma, which had a similar character to a cerebellar lesion. After radiotherapy, the tumor was mostly diminished and her symptoms totally resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Hemangiopericytomas have a strong tendency to both local recurrence and metastasis. Common metastatic sites are the skeletal system, lung, liver, and abdominal cavity. To the authors' knowledge, there have been no reports of spinal intradural, intramedullary metastasis of hemangiopericytoma.     

Giant schwannoma of the cauda equina with dural ectasia: a case report

Ermutigende Ergebnisse bei anderen Tumorentitäten erklären das wachsende Interesse zum Stellenwert des sog. Sentinel-Node-Konzepts auch bei Plattenepithelkarzinomen der oberen Luft- und Speisewege. Wenngleich die bisher zu dieser Thematik publizierten Untersuchungen keine abschließende Beurteilung zum Stellenwert der Sentinel-Lymphonodektomie zulassen, untermauern die frühen Ergebnisse eine Bedeutung dieses neuen Diagnostik- und Therapiekonzepts auch bei vorgenannter Tumorentität. Grundvoraussetzung sind detaillierte Kenntnisse um die in dieser speziellen anatomischen Region vorhandenen methodenspezifischen Limitierungen, die eine kritische und sorgfältige Überprüfung der Übertragbarkeit der für andere Tumorentitäten beschriebenen Methode zwingend erforderlich macht, um eine enttäuschte Abwendung von einem bei korrekter Indikationsstellung hilfreichen Verfahren zu verhindern.     

Spontaneous thrombosis of a spinal conus perimedullary arteriovenous fistula. Case report

A 49-year-old male presented with a rare case of acute lower extremity paresis caused by spontaneous thrombosis of a spinal conus perimedullary arteriovenous fistula (AVF) after a subacute myelopathic course. Magnetic resonance imaging obtained after deterioration showed that the flow voids around the conus medullaris had changed from hypointense to hyperintense lesions. Surgery with thoracic laminoplasty was performed to determine the nature of the lesion because angiography was negative. During surgery, thrombosed abnormal vessels were observed, consistent with thrombosis of a spinal conus perimedullary AVF. Histological specimens of the thrombosed vessels exhibited vascular wall injury such as intimal alteration, wall dissection, and mural thrombus. Hemorrhage and infection were excluded. Vascular wall injury of draining veins and varices were probably one of the causes of thrombosis in the present case. Spinal arteriovenous malformation generally causes progressive venous congestive myelopathy, but the congestive myelopathy may rarely rapidly deteriorate with spontaneous thrombosis, known as Foix and Alajouanine syndrome.     

Mobile neurinoma of the cauda equina; a case report

A case of mobile tumor of the cauda equina was presented with a brief review of factors relating to the mobility. A 66-year-old man was admitted to our hospital complaining of left lumbago aggravated by coughing or assuming the supine position. However, neurological examination failed to reveal any abnormalities. The initial myelography showed complete obstruction above the superior border of the L1 vertebra, while the second myelography showed the same obstruction, but it had moved upwards to the superior border of T12. Surgery revealed an elastic, soft tumor and cystic dilatation of the subarachnoid space above and below the tumor. The tumor was mobile but originated from a single elongated and tortuous nerve of the cauda equina. Pathologic examination revealed neurinoma.     

Metastatic Grawitz's tumor to the cauda equina: case report

A case of Grawitz's tumor metastasizing to the cauda equina is presented. A 51-year-old male was hospitalized due to severe low back pain radiating to the left lower extremity. Neurological examination showed only hyporeflexia of the left patella reflex and positive Lasegue's sign. MRI showed intradural mass at the L4 level. Preoperatively, we diagnosed a cauda equina tumor. A laminectomy of both L3 and L4 was performed, and total removal of the cauda equina tumor was performed. Microscopically, the tumor cells were large, the appearance of the cytoplasm ranging from optically clear with sharply outlined boundaries, to deeply granular, with many transitional forms. These histological findings were typical findings of Grawitz's tumor, and were the same as those of this patient's renal tumor. Finally, we diagnosed Grawitz's tumor metastasizing to the cauda equina. Metastatic cauda equina tumor from outside the central nervous system is very rare and only 7 cases have been reported. This case is the first one of Grawitz's tumor spreading to the cauda equina.     

Renal arteriovenous fistula: a case report

Congenital arteriovenous fistula(AVF) of the kidney is a rare condition. We report a case of renal AVF with chief complaints of macroscopic hematuria, and treated with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using coils. The patient was diagnosed as having left renal AVF by Color Doppler ultrasound. The signs and symptoms disappeared after embolization. The clinical course of a case is reported and the literature is reviewed. Color Doppler ultrasound is required to give a definite diagnosis of renal AVF.