Five-level one-piece laminoplasty for extensive tumors of the lumbar spine

The authors describe the surgical method and results of nonexpansive one-piece multivel laminoplasty of the whole lumbar spine, for microsurgical resection of extensive spinal tumors. This technique allows a very comfortable approach to the dura and intradural content, as well as a perfect replacement of the posterior spinal arch with supporting elements and an optimal reconstruction of the spinal anatomy. A nonexpansive whole lumbar one-piece laminoplasty was performed for resection of extensive multilevel lumbar tumors. The authors report an illustrative case of a patient who initially presented with a three-year history of numbness on both legs and progressive difficulty in walking. Two months before admission, he complained of bilateral sciatica and rectourinary dysfunction. A spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) documented an intradural tumor extending from L2 to S1. The patient underwent a nonexpansive whole lumbar one-piece laminoplasty and microsurgical removal of the intradural lesion. The postoperative course was uneventful, the sensory disturbances and bilateral sciatica early recovered while rectourinary disturbance gradually improved up to a complete resolution at one year follow-up. The authors believe that multilevel laminoplasty rather than laminectomy is the technique of choice as a posterior procedure for extensive lumbar spinal tumors. With this technique, it is possible to obtain a very confortable approach to the dura and intradural content, as well as a perfect replacement of the posterior spinal arch with supporting elements and an optimal reconstruction of the normal spine. Moreover, this method prevents postoperative instability and deformity and avoids the so called post-laminectomy epidural membrane.     

A single spinal lesion arising from an intradural meningioma contiguous with an extradural lymphoma

The authors describe here a unique case of contiguous, synchronous meningioma and lymphoma in the spinal column. Both tumors were present at the same vertebral level, one intradural and the other extradural. A patient presented with bilateral leg pain, acute weakness, and sensory loss in the lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intradural mass at T6-7 with ambiguous boundaries relative to the thecal sac and compressing the spinal cord. The patient underwent resection of the epidural and intradural mass at T6-7. Histopathology revealed the epidural specimen to be a double-hit B-cell lymphoma and the intradural mass to be a transitional meningioma. Postoperatively, the patient did well, with an immediate return of strength and sensation. A postoperative MR image showed complete resection of the intradural mass. The authors suggest that biopsy may be prudent in patients with known systemic lymphoma presenting with a spinal lesion that has unclear boundaries relative to the thecal sac prior to commencing radiation and chemotherapy.     

Midline ventral intradural schwannoma of the cervical spinal cord resected via anterior corpectomy with reconstruction: technical case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Spinal cord schwannomas are intradural nerve sheath tumors that almost universally occupy a dorsolateral, lateral, or ventrolateral position. Therefore, resection of these lesions typically proceeds via a posterior or posterolateral approach. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We present a case of a midline ventral intradural schwannoma of the cervical spinal cord causing myelopathy. To the best of our knowledge, no previous reports specifically discuss purely midline ventral intradural schwannomas. INTERVENTION: Resection of the tumor was performed via an anterior cervical corpectomy with spinal arthrodesis and fixation. We review possible causes for such an anomalous location for schwannoma as well as the advantages and disadvantages of various surgical strategies for removing the tumor. CONCLUSION: This case exemplifies the usefulness of anterior approaches to the cervical spine in treating unusual intradural spinal cord tumors.     

椎管内硬膜下肿瘤的手术治疗

[目的]探讨颈椎管内硬膜下肿瘤的手术治疗方法及疗效。[方法]回顾性分析经手术治疗的21例颈椎管内硬膜下肿瘤患者的I临床资料及治疗效果，所有病人均行颈椎后路椎板切除椎管减压进行肿瘤切除，部分病人并行后路钉棒系统内固定。[结果]15例完全切除，4例次全切除，2例部分切除；症状消失13例，症状减轻7例，症状恶化1例，无死亡病例发生。[结论]术前根据影像学资料仔细评价肿瘤大小及肿瘤与脊髓的关系是决定手术成功的关键，术中仔细操作避免损伤脊髓，并注意保护好椎动脉及防止椎管内静脉丛大出血，是将肿瘤完全切除的前提。     

Extracranial radiosurgery—applications in the management of benign intradural spinal neoplasms

Stereotactic radiosurgery has enabled the delivery of higher doses of radiation and decreased fractionation due to improved accuracy. Spinal radiosurgery has been increasingly utilized for the management of metastatic extradural spinal disease. However, surgical resection remains the primary treatment strategy for intradural spinal tumors. Preliminary evidence suggests that radiosurgical ablation with stereotactic radiation for intradural spinal lesions may be efficacious in certain clinical scenarios. Local tumor control, pain relief, and improvement in neurologic function with minimal morbidity have been reported in short-term follow-up. However, long-term efficacy of radiosurgery in the management of intradural spinal neoplasms necessitates further validation. As extracranial radiosurgery is a newly evolving modality, a continuative review of the current literature is appropriate. Until a standardized therapeutic window of safety and efficacy can be determined, the recommendation of radiosurgical applications for benign spinal tumors should be reserved for carefully selected cases.     

Metastatic intradural extramedullary spinal cord tumor from ovarian cancer: A case report with a literature review

Context: Metastatic intradural extramedullary spinal cord tumors are extremely rare.Findings: A 76-year-old woman presented with intractable neck pain. Three years earlier, she had been treated for ovarian cancer with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. A year later, she underwent resection of a brain metastasis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an encapsulated intradural extramedullary mass at C4–C5. C4–C5 hemilaminectomy, tumor resection, and biopsy were performed. Histological examination of the resection revealed an adenocarcinoma. After surgery, her intolerable neck-shoulder pain was fully resolved, and she had no difficulties with daily living activities. However, two months later, she underwent gamma knife radiosurgery for the recurrent metastatic brain tumor, and four months later, she died from cachexia.Conclusion: Although cases of metastatic intradural extramedullary spinal tumors from ovarian cancer are extremely rare, their possibility should be considered in the differential diagnosis. A history of brain metastases and enhancement on T1-weighted MRI were helpful for making an accurate diagnosis.     

Review of 36 cases of spinal cord meningioma

STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-six consecutive patients with histologically confirmed spinal cord meningioma were presented to evaluate clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic options and to correlate treatment methods and outcome. OBJECTIVE: To present the incidence, clinical presentation, localization, techniques, and long term results of surgically treated spinal meningiomas. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Meningiomas are common tumors of spinal neoplasm. They are generally benign and slow-growing. Advanced in radiologic and surgical techniques have brought about better surgical results. The goal of surgical treatment must be total resection if possible. However, spinal meningiomas may recur, especially as a result of incomplete resection. METHODS: Thirty-six consecutive patients with histologically confirmed spinal meningiomas were treated from 1980 to 1997. Neuroradiological diagnosis was made through myelogram in 20 patients, CT scan in 15 patients, and MRI in 16 patients. All patients were operated on via the posterior approach and using microsurgical technique and when necessary Cooper-Ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) and CO2 laser were also applied. The patients were followed for 2 to 15 years (mean 9 years). Radiotherapy was not undertaken except in recurrent tumors. RESULTS: The most frequent site of spinal meningiomas was in the thoracic region. In 30 (83%) patients tumors were found to be completely intradural extramedullary during surgery. Total tumor resection was achieved in 35 (97%) of patients. In the follow-up period, 30 cases (83%) improved when compared to their preoperative conditions. There was one operative mortality (3%). A 66-year-old women died of pulmonary emboli. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging is the best imaging technique for diagnosis. Total tumor resection improved the surgical results of spinal meningiomas. If total removal of the tumor cannot be achieved, or in the case of early recurrence followed by total resection, radiotherapy should be performed in adjuvant therapy.     

Intradural spinal seeding of a clival chordoma

Background. ¶Following recent progress in radiological and surgical techniques for treating skull base tumours, more attention should be paid to the relatively rare phenomenon of intradural spinal seeding in cases of clival chordoma. Case presentation. A 53-year-old man harboured intradural spinal seeding from a clival chordoma 11 years after his initial surgical treatment. He had undergone skull base surgery five times with extra- and intradural approaches, and adjuvant radiotherapy. His complaints of lumbago, paraparesis, and sensory disturbance of the lower left extremity prompted us to carry out imaging studies of the spinal cord, which revealed multiple intradural, extramedullary mass lesions at the thoracic and lumbosacral spinal level. The tumours were histopathologically diagnosed as spinal seeding of the clival chordoma with high proliferative potential (Ki-67 labelling index of 8.4%). Interpretation. As long-term local control of skull base chordoma appears to be improving by the introduction of skull base surgical techniques and adjuvant radiotherapy, spinal intradural seeding might emerge as a potential complication. Close observation and timely imaging studies for spinal seeding of skull base chordoma would be required in long-term postoperative follow-ups, particularly for those patients with highly proliferative tumours.Published online July 25, 2003     

椎管内髓外硬膜下多发性肿瘤的诊断与手术治疗

目的探讨椎管内多发性肿瘤的诊断及治疗方法。方法本组男11例,女4例。年龄16～81岁,（51.0±21.2）岁。病程2～27月,（11.0±7.6）月。均无皮肤咖啡斑及体表神经纤维瘤,头颅MR未见异常。增强MR示椎管内髓外硬膜下肿瘤46个,其中≥0.5cm肿瘤35个,肿瘤累及颈段1例,累及胸段5例,累及腰骶段12例。手术方法：采用后正中入路椎板切除术切除肿瘤,〈1cm者切除半椎板,在显微镜下操作,力争保留重要的载瘤神经而将肿瘤自神经上剔除,如肿瘤与神经无法分离,尽可能游离神经根在切除肿瘤后行神经根吻合。术后常规应用抗生素及激素治疗,术后戴颈围领、围腰保护2个月,同时训练腰背部肌肉。结果15例手术肿瘤全切12例,其中1例行神经根吻合;未全切的3例中2例术前诊断为多发神经纤维瘤或神经鞘瘤,因部位散在且直径〈0.5cm未考虑手术切除,另1例术中见肿瘤与多根神经根粘连,病理为转移瘤,仅行部分切除减压术。手术共切除肿瘤33个。病理：神经鞘瘤8例,神经纤维瘤1例,室管膜瘤2例,黑色素瘤1例,腺癌转移1例,脊膜瘤2例。黑色素瘤患者于术后22个月死亡,转移瘤患者于术后1年死亡,余13例随访4～72个月,平均30.1月,肿瘤无复发增长,其中2例多发神经鞘瘤未手术全切除者分别随访12、43个月,肿瘤无明显增长。13例存活者术后KPS评分较术前均有改善（术前75.4±13.3,术后最后一次随访时97.7±6.0,t=-7.366,P=0.000）。结论椎管内髓外硬膜下多发肿瘤以良性居多,中老年多见,半椎板及次全椎板入路显微手术切除是有效的治疗方法,〈0.5cm的无症状肿瘤可严密随访。     

Primary extraosseous intradural spinal Ewing’s sarcoma: report of two cases

Two cases of primary extraosseous intradural spinal Ewing’s sarcoma are reported with a review of the current literature. This rare neoplasm shares features with cerebral primitive neuroectodermal tumors, complicating a correct diagnosis. Gross total resection seems to be the main treatment, although adjuvant therapies could improve the prognosis. In case 1, a 56-year-old man presented with cauda equina syndrome. MRI showed an intradural tumor from L4 to S2. An emergency laminectomy was performed with gross total resection of a hemorrhagic tumor, followed by adjuvant treatment. In the second case, a 25-year-old female developed leg and lumbar pain. MRI study identified a homogeneously enhancing intradural mass at the L2-L3 level. A laminoplasty was performed, followed by tumor resection; no adjuvant treatment was administered afterwards. Immunohistochemical workup confirmed the diagnosis of Ewing’s sarcoma in both cases.     

Lipoblastomatosis of the neck causing hemiparesis: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Lipoblastoma and lipoblastomatosis are rare pediatric adipose tumors that sometimes affect the neck or spinal cord. This case is the third report of lipoblastoma extending into the spinal canal, the first report of intradural tumor extension, and the first report of hemiparesis resulting from lipoblastoma compressing the spinal cord. METHODS: A 13-month-old boy was seen by a pediatrician for a firm, supraclavicular neck mass on the left side. After being evaluated by CT and MRI scanning, the tumor was partially resected. RESULTS: Postoperative microscopic examination of the tumor showed adipose cells with mature nuclei and well-formed fat vacuoles interspersed with fibrovascular septa, a finding consistent with maturing lipoblastoma. CONCLUSIONS: Although lipoblastomatous tumors are treated with complete surgical resection when possible, location of these tumors in the neck may dictate partial resection to avoid intraoperative injury to the spinal cord.     

Minimally invasive approaches to vertebral column and spinal cord tumors

Minimally invasive approaches to spinal tumors have evolved rapidly over the past 15 to 20 years as clinicians seek to avoid the morbidity and long-term dysfunction associated with traditional open surgical procedures. We review the noninvasive, percutaneous, and minimally invasive surgical techniques currently available for the treatment of spinal column and intradural spinal tumors, including minimal access thoracic corpectomy and minimal access intradural tumor surgery. The various advantages and limitations of these approaches as well as their appropriate indications and uses are also presented here. A measured understanding of surgical objectives and iatrogenic effects on patients' quality of life allows the surgeon to implement such minimally invasive approaches in the design of individualized treatment plans that range from pure palliation to definitive cure.     

Intradural extramedullary capillary hemangioma of lower thoracic spinal cord

Capillary hemangiomas are benign tumors and tumor like conditions commonly involving skin and mucus membrane of head and neck region. They are extremely rare in the spinal cord. We report a 35-year-old male presenting with gradual progressive paraparesis over a period of 4 months. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a hypo- to isointense intradural mass at the level of D12 vertebral body on T1-weighted images and homogenous enhancement on gadolinium contrast. Complete surgical resection revealed intradural extramedullary tumor, which on histopathologic examination showed characteristics of capillary hemangioma. At 1.5 years followup patient was asymptomatic.     

Adult-onset intradural spinal teratoma: report of 18 consecutive cases and outcomes in a single center

Study design

Eighteen consecutive patients with adult-onset intradural spinal teratoma underwent surgical treatment in our center from 1998 to 2013.

Background and purpose

Teratoma is defined as a neoplasm composed of elements derived from three germ cell layers (ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm). Intraspinal teratoma is extremely rare and accounts for 0.2–0.5% of all spinal cord tumors. Moreover, teratoma occurs primarily in neonates and young children. Adult-onset intradural spinal teratoma is even rare. The aim of this study was to discuss the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and therapeutic strategies of adult-onset intradural spinal teratoma.

Methods

This retrospective study included 18 consecutive adult patients with intradural teratoma who were surgically treated in our center between 1998 and 2013. The clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnostic strategies and surgical outcomes were discussed. Neurological function outcomes were evaluated by the JOA scoring system.

Results

Of the 18 included patients, 4 patients received subtotal resection and the other 14 patients received total resection. All the 18 cases were diagnosed with mature teratoma. The mean follow-up period was 79.7 (median 60.5; range 27–208) months. Local recurrence occurred in two of the four patients who underwent subtotal resection and in no patient who underwent total resection. The neurologic status improved in 16 cases and remained unchanged in the other two patients.

Conclusions

Adult-onset intradural spinal teratoma is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest series of patients with this disease. Despite the slow-growth and indolent nature, radical resection remains the recommended treatment to reduce tumor recurrence.

     

Pituitary carcinoma recurrent to the lumbar intradural extramedullary space: case report

Context

Pituitary tumors are rare, and pituitary carcinomas are rarer still. Prognosis is poor, with less than 50% of patients surviving past 1 year after diagnosis. In this case of spinal metastasis from an adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pituitary carcinoma, the intradural extramedullary metastases recurred in the same lumbar area 6 years apart.

Findings

Fourteen years prior to presentation in our clinic, a 48-year-old woman was diagnosed with pituitary adenoma which was treated with resection followed by radiation. Eight years later, an intradural extramedullary spinal drop metastasis at L2–L3 was again treated with resection and radiation. Three years later, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a mass encasing the right carotid artery, which was treated for 1 year with chemotherapy using temozolomide (Temodar). Three years later, MRI showed intradural extramedullary metastases at the L3–L4 intervertebral disc space and behind the L3 vertebral body; treatment was again resection followed by radiation. Back pain and weakness resolved after surgery and her neurological examination returned to baseline. There was no evidence of recurrence 1 year after surgery.

Conclusion/clinical relevance

In this unusual case, this pituitary carcinoma metastasized twice in 6 years to virtually the same intradural extramedullary lumbar region. Surgical resection of these masses aided in relieving neurological symptoms and prolonging life.     

Radiological diagnostics of spinal tumors : Part 2: special diagnostics of intradural tumors and tumor-like lesions

Intradural tumors are classified into extramedullary and intramedullary localization. A distinct attribution to one of these compartments is essential for finding the appropriate diagnosis. In the radiological evaluation of intradural tumors magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most important method and in contrast to osseous spinal tumors, radiography and computed tomography are of minor importance. According to the globally established WHO grading system, tumors of the central nervous system are histopathologically classified into four grades. Through grades I to IV malignancy and proliferative activity increase. Prognosis is inversely correlated to the WHO grade. Intradural tumors are generally treated by neurosurgeons. Besides neurological symptoms intradural tumors often cause spinal malpositioning. Thus knowledge of the most frequent intradural tumors and their characteristic magnetic resonance findings are important in the orthopedic practice.     

Intraoperative ultrasound imaging of the spinal cord: Syringomyelia, cysts, and tumors — A preliminary report

Dynamic intraoperative imaging of the spinal cord was done using a real-time ultrasound scanner. Prior to opening the dura mater the neurosurgeon is able to “explore” the intradural space and with a 7.5 MHz transducer visualize the normal spinal cord, including the central canal and the dentate ligaments. Anterior and posterior spinal arteries may be seen in certain patients. In syringomyelia the fluid-filled cavities may be visualized with ultrasound and drained or shunted with intraoperative ultrasound guidance. Spinal cord cysts or cystic components of tumors can be precisely identified and drained using ultrasound. Intramedullary tumors can be demonstrated sonographically, as can the location and extent of intradural extramedullary tumors and tumors that have both extradural and intradural components. Experience to date with intraoperative imaging of the spinal cord and with the real-time ultrasound scanner is very encouraging, and in the future it should allow for a more precise characterization of and operative approach to lesions of the spinal cord.     

Endoscope-assisted posterior approach for the resection of ventral intradural spinal cord tumors: report of two cases.

We report our experience with the removal of ventral intradural spinal tumors through a posterior approach with the assistance of an endoscope. The endoscope allowed us to remove the tumor with minimal retraction of the spinal cord and to inspect for involvement of structures that were difficult to visualize with the microscope. Moreover, it obviated the use of a more involved anterior approach. This is the second report of the utilization of the endoscope for removal of intradural spinal cord tumors. Our data are discussed in the context of prior reported morphometric studies involving the spinal cord and expand the indications for the endoscope.     

Concurrent intradural and extradural meningiomas of the cervical spine

A case of an extradural spinal meningioma presenting with a separate intradural meningioma at the same cord level is reported. Review of the English literature on spinal epidural meningiomas reveals a high incidence of concurrent intradural tumors in patients with epidural meningiomas. This leads to the conclusion that the intradural space should be evaluated carefully when an epidural meningioma is encountered.