多节段脊髓室管膜瘤的显微外科治疗

目的 探讨多节段脊髓室管膜瘤的手术技术和手术治疗疗效。方法 本文回顾分析了2003年至2005年治疗的10例多节段脊髓室管膜瘤的临床资料。结果 颈髓室管膜瘤6例，胸髓室管膜瘤3例，1例术后复发肿瘤累及胸、腰髓并累及椎旁。平均累及脊髓9．4个节段。双下肢截瘫4例，高位截瘫6例，括约肌功能障碍5例，呼吸困难4例。MRI可见脊髓空洞形成8例。手术采用椎板复位9例，C-D钉棒系统脊柱后路内固定1例。术后患者肌力恢复7例，无改变3例。呼吸困难，应用呼吸机辅助呼吸1例。术后复查MRI无肿瘤残留9例，1例部分椎旁肿瘤残留。结论 采用显微神经外科技术可以达到镜下多节段室管膜瘤全切，患者术后症状大多数可以明显改善。多节段椎板切开术后应考虑椎板复位或脊柱内固定，以保持脊柱的稳定性。     

Operative management of idiopathic spinal intradural arachnoid cysts in children: a systematic review

Background

Spinal intradural arachnoid cysts are rare with only a few patients reported so far. Idiopathic, traumatic, posthemorrhagic, and postinflammatory causes have been reported in the literature. Especially, idiopathic lesions, in which other possible etiological factors have been ruled out, seem to be rare.

Patients and Methods

We systematically reviewed the literature in regards to localization within the spinal canal, treatment options, complications, and outcome. Additionally, we present management strategies in two progressively symptomatic children less than 3 years of age with idiopathic intradural arachnoid cysts.

Results

In total, 21 pediatric cases including the presented cases have been analyzed. Anterior idiopathic spinal arachnoid cysts are predominantly located in the cervical spine in 87.5 % of all cases, whereas posterior cysts can be found at thoracic and thoracolumbar segments in 84.6 % of the patients. Most children presented with motor deficits (76.2 %). Twenty-five percent of anterior spinal arachnoid cysts caused back pain as the only presenting symptom. Open fenestration by a dorsal approach has been used in the vast majority of cases. No major surgical complications have been reported. Ninety-four percent of all patients did improve or showed no neurological deficits. Recurrence rate after successful surgical treatment was low (9.5 %).

Conclusion

Idiopathic spinal intradural arachnoid cysts can present with neurological deficits in children. Pathologies are predominantly located in the cervical spine anteriorly and in thoracic and thoracolumbar segments posteriorly to the spinal cord. In symptomatic cases, microsurgical excision and cyst wall fenestration via laminotomy are recommended. Our radiological, intraoperative, and pathological findings support the cerebrospinal fluid obstruction and vent mechanism theory of arachnoid cysts.     

Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression

Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) occurs when cancer metastasises to the spine or epidural space and causes secondary compression of the spinal cord. MESCC is a common complication of malignancy that affects almost 5% of patients with cancer. The most common symptom is back pain. MESCC is a medical emergency that needs rapid diagnosis and treatment if permanent paralysis is to be prevented: the diagnosis of MESCC is best made with MRI; and corticosteroids, radiation therapy, and surgery are all established treatments. Future research will focus on prevention, improving detection, and the development of new treatments.     

Should we operate all extradural spinal arachnoid cysts? Report of a case

Spinal canal extradural arachnoid cyst is an uncommon, expanding lesion which may communicate with the subarachnoid space. They may be either intra or extradural with intradural cysts being less common. Spinal arachnoid cysts are usually in the thoracic spine, and they may cause symptoms due to spinal cord compression. Although surgery is the preferred way of management, there are reported cases with long term follow-up in the literature. Here we present a 14-year-old female who presented with intermittent low back pain for 1 year and a spinal arachnoid cyst that was followed for two years without any neurological deterioration.     

Microsurgical management of non-neurofibromatosis spinal schwannoma

IntroductionThe aim of this study is to assess the clinical properties and surgical results of patients diagnosed with spinal schwannomas without neurofibromatosis (NF) properties.Patients and methodsThe data obtained from 35 patients who underwent resection of spinal schwannomas were analyzed. All cases with neurofibromas and those with a known diagnosis of NF Type 1 or 2 were excluded. 35 patients underwent surgery for spinal schwannoma at our institution between January 1997 and 2010. The data were gathered retrospectively from medical records and included clinical presentation, tumor location and post-operative complications. All cases were surgically excised, and they were confirmed to be schwannomas by pathologists with histopathological sections in paraffin stained with hematoxylin–eosin.ResultWe treated 35 (20 males and 15 females) patients with spinal schwannomas. The mean age of the patients was 47.2 (between 13 and 76) years. Of the cases, six schwannomas were located in the cervical spine, four in the thoracic spine, two in cervico-thoracic area, 10 in the thoraco-lumbar area and 13 in the lumbar spine. Two patients had malignant schwannomas that were recurrent. Of the 35 cases, the schwannomas were intradural–extramedullary in 30 cases (86%), intradural–intramedullar in 2 cases (6%), and extradural in 3 cases (9%).ConclusionSpinal schwannomas may occur at any level of the spinal axis and are most frequently intradural–extramedullary. The most common clinical presentation is pain. Most of the spinal schwannomas in non-NF patients can be resected completely without or with minor post-operative deficits. This knowledge may help us to create a strategy for total resection of a spinal schwannomas.     

2009 ASN Abstracts

Edward Tay, Rishi Gupta
Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
Introduction: Spinal cord infarct is much less frequent than cerebral infarction, accounting for only 1% of all strokes. Most cases of spinal cord ischemia have been associated with aortic surgery or prolonged arterial hypotension. We describe a case report of spinal cord ischemia complicated by haemorrhage, initially thought to be a case of transverse myelitis.
Patients (or Materials) and Methods: A 42 year old Kuwaiti woman with history of cardiac valve surgery 2 months ago, on anticoagulation, presented with several day history of lower extremity weakness and bowel and bladder incontinence. Exam was significant for a T8 sensory level, flaccid paraplegia, and loss of LE reflexes. Infectious and inflammatory workup was negative. MRI spine and spinal angiogram were done which revealed the diagnosis. We present a case of spinal cord ischemia complicated by haemorrhage found on imaging and looked at the relevant literature.
Results: MRI T1 thoracic and lumbar spine revealed blood products in the lower thoracic and entire lumbar spine. A spinal angiogram revealed the absence of the artery of Adamkiewicz. CT abdomen showed splenic and liver infarcts consistent with thromboembolic disease.
Conclusion: MRI imaging can be helpful in the diagnosis of spinal cord ischemia. Sagittal and axial T2 weighted images are considered the most useful. Spinal angiography can also be of use in diagnosing AVMs of the spine and spinal artery occlusion. Certain clinical features are associated with different areas of the spinal cord. This combined with MR imaging and selective use of spinal angiography can help lead to a definitive diagnosis.     

Pain due to epidural tumor in cancer patients. Report of two cases and differential diagnosis

The cases of two patients with inguinal pain as the only symptom of a T12 metastatic lesion is reported. The patterns of pain referrals from tumor lesions to the spine, epidural space, and spinal cord are reviewed. Focal back pain and pain reported in a distal distribution can both be associated with epidural or cord disease. The differential diagnosis of back pain in patients with cancer can be difficult but may be crucial in differentiating important neurological complications of systemic neoplasms.Suported in part by Italian Research Council grant N. ACRO 96.00692.PF39 and Italian Association for Cancer Research grant N. AIRC 198512.     

MRI detection of epidural spinal abscesses at noncontiguous sites

We report the cases of two patients with the very uncommon clinical finding of two noncontiguous spinal epidural abscesses, which were located in the cervical and lumbar spine. In each case the diagnosis of the second spinal abscess was made by MRI only after the appearance of a new neurological deficit. Decompressive spinal surgery and intravenous antibiotic therapy led to complete recovery in one patient; the other patient was moderately disabled. As epidural spinal abscesses can occur at noncontiguous sites, MRI of the entire spine may be necessary in selected cases.     

Treatment of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Objectives. To evaluate the long‐term results of different therapies for failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). Materials and Methods. From 1992 to 1997, 49 patients were treated for FBSS. Twenty patients were treated medically. Twenty‐four patients, who did not respond to medical therapy, underwent spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implant and five underwent further spine surgery. All patients were evaluated by VAS, PDI, and the Oswestry Scales before treatment and at follow‐up. Leg pain, back pain, work status or daily activities, drug side effects, and use of analgesic medications after implantation were examined. Follow‐up ranged from 24 to 84 months (mean 42 months). Results. At last follow‐up, the patients treated medically demonstrated good results on leg and low back pain in eight cases; in other cases, good results were transitory and several therapeutic courses were necessary to control the pain. Two patients treated medically had substantial side effects. All but two patients treated with SCS demonstrated good results for their leg pain; whereas those treated for back pain with SCS had poor results. Two patients still needed continuous drug administration. Conclusions. Medical therapy is effective for leg and back pain; nevertheless, several courses of therapy may be necessary. SCS is an effective treatment for leg pain, however, its effectiveness on back pain appears to be inadequate.     

Early detection and treatment of spinal epidural metastases: the role of myelography

Spinal epidural metastases were detected in 75 of 140 cancer patients with back pain who were evaluated prospectively by clinical criteria, spine roentgenography, and bone scan. Fifty-five of the 75 patients with epidural metastases had no evidence of myelopathy when diagnosed. Of the patients diagnosed and treated while still ambulatory, more than 90% remained so. Myelograms were performed in 127 patients to diagnose the 75 with epidural disease. To try to reduce the number of myelograms needed, we attempted to design radiotherapy ports based on clinical symptoms and the plain spine films alone. A port could not be designed for 64 of the 127 patients, either because of diffuse vertebral metastases or a normal plain roentgenogram. A port could be designed for 63 patients, and all epidural disease would have been encompassed in 50 of the 54 patients who had spinal epidural metastases (93%). Most patients with cancer and back pain require myelography for accurate treatment planning. There are, however, situations in which treatment can be determined based on symptoms and plain films alone, with a low risk of missing epidural cancer.     

Neurological deterioration after laminectomy for spondylotic cervical myeloradiculopathy: the putative role of spinal cord ischaemia.

Most cases of neurological deterioration after laminectomy for cervical radiculomyelopathy occur several weeks to months postoperatively, except when there has been direct trauma to the spinal cord or nerve roots during surgery. Four patients are described who developed episodes of neurological deterioration during the postoperative recovery period that could not be attributed to direct intraoperative trauma nor to epidural haematoma or instability of the cervical spine as a consequence of laminectomy. Following laminectomy for cervical radiculomyelopathy four patients were unchanged neurologically from their pre-operative examinations, but as they were raised into the upright position for the first time following surgery focal neurological deficits referrable to the spinal cord developed. Hypotension was present in all four cases during these episodes and three of the four patients had residual central cervical cord syndromes. These cases represent the first reported instances of spinal cord ischaemia occurring with post-operative hypotensive episodes after decompression for cervical spondylosis.     

Idiopathic Hypertrophic Spinal Pachymeningitis : Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (IHSP) is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by hypertrophic inflammation of the dura mater and various clinical courses that are from myelopathy. Although many associated diseases have been suggested, the etiology of IHSP is not well understood. The ideal treatment is controversial. In the first case, a 55-year-old woman presented back pain, progressive paraparesis, both leg numbness, and voiding difficulty. Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an anterior epidural mass lesion involving from C6 to mid-thoracic spine area with low signal intensity on T1 and T2 weighted images. We performed decompressive laminectomy and lesional biopsy. After operation, she was subsequently treated with steroid and could walk unaided. In the second case, a 45-year-old woman presented with fever and quadriplegia after a spine fusion operation due to lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative herniated lumbar disc. Initial MRI showed anterior and posterior epidural mass lesion from foramen magnum to C4 level. She underwent decompressive laminectomy and durotomy followed by steroid therapy. However, her conditions deteriorated gradually and medical complications occurred. In our cases, etiology was not found despite through investigations. Initial MRI showed dural thickening with mixed signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images. Pathologic examination revealed chronic nonspecific inflammation in both patients. Although one patient developed several complications, the other showed slow improvement of neurological symptoms with decompressive surgery and steroid therapy. In case of chronic compressive myelopathy due to the dural hypertrophic change, decompressive surgery such as laminectomy or laminoplasty may be helpful as well as postoperative steroid therapy.     

Thymoma metastatic to the extradural spine.

BACKGROUND: Spinal epidural metastases are the most common spinal tumor, occurring in 10% of cancer patients. Malignant thymoma is a mediastinal tumor, with extrathoracic metastases occurring in 15% of patients to liver, kidney, and bone. Spinal metastasis is exceptionally rare. We present a case of thymoma with extradural metastasis and discuss the relevant literature. CASE REPORT: We describe a 45-year old man presenting with back pain and hypoesthesia twelve years after a diagnosis of thymoma. A review of the literature reveals few cases of thymoma metastatic to the extradural spine. We describe a novel surgical approach allowing ventral spinal cord decompression through a posterior incision. CONCLUSION: Spinal epidural metastases should be suspected in all cancer patients with back pain. Early detection of epidural metastases may enable improved pain control and preservation of spinal stability, ambulation and sphincter control.     

Controversies about instrumented surgery and pain relief in degenerative lumbar spine pain. Results of scientific evidence

Investigation and development of new techniques for intrumented surgery of the spine is not free of conflicts of interest. The influence of financial forces in the development of new technologies an its immediately application to spine surgery, shows the relationship between the published results and the industry support. Even authors who have defend eagerly fusion techniques, it have been demonstrated that them are very much involved in the revision of new articles to be published and in the approval process of new spinal technologies. When we analyze the published results of spine surgery, we must bear in mind what have been call in the "American Stock and Exchange" as "the bubble of spine surgery". The scientific literature doesn't show clear evidence in the cost-benefit studies of most instrumented surgical interventions of the spine compare with the conservative treatments. It has not been yet demonstrated that fusion surgery and disc replacement are better options than the conservative treatment. It's necessary to point out that at present "there are relationships between the industry and back pain, and there is also an industry of the back pain". Nonetheless, the "market of the spine surgery" is growing up because patients are demanding solutions for their back problems. The tide of scientific evidence seams to go against the spinal fusions in the degenerative disc disease, discogenic pain and inespecific back pain. After decades of advances in this field, the results of spinal fusions are mediocre. New epidemiological studies show that "spinal fusion must be accepted as a non proved or experimental method for the treatment of back pain". The surgical literature on spinal fusion published in the last 20 years following the Cochrane's method establish that: 1- this is at least incomplete, not reliable and careless; 2- the instrumentation seems to slightly increase the fusion rate; 3- the instrumentation doesn't improve the clinical results in general, lacking studies in subgroups of patients. We still are needing randomized studies to compare the surgical results with the natural history of the disease, the placebo effect, or the conservative treatment. The European Guidelines for lumbar chronic pain management show a "strong evidence" indicating that complex and demanding spine surgery where different instrumentation is used, is not more effective than a simple, safer and cheaper posterolateral fusion without instrumentation. Recently, the literature published in this field is sending a message to use "minimally invasive techniques", abandon transpedicular fusions and clearly indicating that we must apply the knowledge accumulated at least along the last 20 years based on the scientific evidence. In conclusion, based in recent information, we must recommend the "abandon of the instrumented pathway" in a great number of present indications for degenerative spine surgery, and look for new strategies in the field of rehabilitation and conservative treatments correctly apply, using before the decompressive and instrumented surgery all the interventional and minimally invasive techniques that are presently offer in the field of modem lumbar chronic pain treatment.     

The lumbar zygapophyseal (facet) joints: a role in the pathogenesis of spinal pain syndromes and degenerative spondylolisthesis

The zygapophyseal joints in the lumbar spine are important structural components contributing to the stability of the lumbar motion segments. Pathology of the zygapophyseal joints in the lumbar spine may be a significant cause of low back pain and segmental instability within the lumbar spine. Management of pathology related to the zygapophyseal joints remains a difficult challenge for the physician caring for patients with spinal disorders. Future investigations with tissue engineering, ligamentous reconstructions, and intervertebral disc replacement or regeneration may have useful applications in the treatment of zygapophyseal joint pathology.     

Diagnosis and management of spinal epidural abscess.

Twenty-five patients with spinal epidural abscess were treated at the University of Western Ontario hospitals between July 1980 and July 1990. There were eighteen males (72%) and seven females (28%), with a median age of 60 years. Concurrent illness resulting in immunocompromise was present in 60%. Eleven presented with complete myelopathy, thirteen had limb weakness, and one had no neurological deficit. In twenty cases the abscess consisted of frankly purulent material, while in five the epidural collection consisted of chronic granulation tissue. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 64% of the abscesses. Twenty-seven surgical procedures were performed on 21 patients. Ten cases occurred in the cervical spine (40%), seven in the thoracic spine (28%), three in both the cervical and thoracic spine (12%) and five in the lumbosacral spine (20%). Fourteen patients (56%) retained or recovered ambulation and there were five deaths (20%). The progression from back and radicular pain to weakness and eventual paralysis continues to be characteristic of spinal epidural infection. Morbidity and mortality remain unacceptably high because of delay in diagnosis and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging is the radiological investigation of choice for the diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess. Prompt intervention, before the development of severe neurological deficits, can improve outcome. Immediate surgical drainage combined with antibiotics remains the treatment of choice.     

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Back Pain in Patients With Multiple Myeloma as Bridge Therapy to Radiation Treatment: A Case Series

ObjectivesPatients with spinal lesions or vertebral compression fractures from multiple myeloma often present with back pain that restricts their ability to lie flat and prevents them from undergoing cancer treatment. Temporary, percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has been described for cancer pain secondary to oncologic surgery or neuropathy/radiculopathy from tumor invasion. The purpose of this case series is to show the use of PNS as an analgesic bridge therapy to treat myeloma-related back pain and allow patients to complete their course of radiation.Materials and MethodsTemporary, percutaneous PNS was placed under fluoroscopic guidance for four patients with unremitting low back pain secondary to myelomatous spinal lesions. Before PNS, the patients had pain refractory to medical management and were unable to tolerate radiation mapping and treatment owing to low back pain while supine. Patients were followed with routine clinic visits to monitor pain and progression through cancer therapy. PNS was removed after approximately 60 days or after completion of radiation.ResultsThis case series presents four successful cases of PNS to treat low back pain from myelomatous spinal lesions and associated vertebral compression fractures. PNS targeted the medial branch nerves to treat both nociceptive and neuropathic low back pain. All four patients successfully completed radiation therapy with PNS in place.ConclusionsPNS can effectively treat low back pain secondary to myeloma-related spinal lesions as a bridge therapy to radiation. The use of PNS is a promising option for back pain from other primary or metastatic tumors. Further research is needed into the use of PNS for cancer-related back pain.     

Indications,techniques, and complications of lumbar interbody fusion

Lumbar interbody arthrodesis is a surgical technique that results in fusion of the anterior column of the spine. The indications for this procedure have evolved over time, and current indications include spinal deformity, segmental instability, and discogenic low back pain. Arthrodesis in the interbody space can be accomplished through anterior or posterior approaches to the spine, and these techniques are discussed. Surgical approaches in performing an interbody arthrodesis can be complicated by nerve and vascular injury. Clinical outcome studies are important in better defining the role of lumbar interbody arthrodesis as a substitute for posterior fusion in the lumbar spine.     

一期前后入路全脊椎切除治疗胸椎骨巨细胞瘤

目的 探讨一期前后联合入路全脊椎切除并脊柱稳定性重建治疗胸椎骨巨细胞瘤的疗效.方法 回顾性分析本院自2001年3月至2007年6月采用一期前后联合入路全脊椎切除及脊柱稳定性重建治疗9例胸椎骨巨细胞瘤患者.结果 术中无死亡病例,无脊髓医源性损伤等并发症发生.所有患者术后获20-52个月(平均29.6个月)随访,术后患者背部疼痛及放射性疼痛基本缓解,8例有神经压迫症状的患者均有不同程度改善.1例患者术后6个月复发,给予放射治疗.影像学复查内固定物固定良好,无脊柱失稳及假关节发生.结论 一期前后联合入路全脊椎切除及脊柱稳定性重建治疗胸椎骨巨细胞瘤可以根治性切除肿瘤,降低肿瘤局部复发的危险,是一种可行且有效的外科治疗技术.     

一期前后入路全脊椎切除治疗胸椎骨巨细胞瘤

目的 探讨一期前后联合入路全脊椎切除并脊柱稳定性重建治疗胸椎骨巨细胞瘤的疗效.方法 回顾性分析本院自2001年3月至2007年6月采用一期前后联合入路全脊椎切除及脊柱稳定性重建治疗9例胸椎骨巨细胞瘤患者.结果 术中无死亡病例,无脊髓医源性损伤等并发症发生.所有患者术后获20-52个月(平均29.6个月)随访,术后患者背部疼痛及放射性疼痛基本缓解,8例有神经压迫症状的患者均有不同程度改善.1例患者术后6个月复发,给予放射治疗.影像学复查内固定物固定良好,无脊柱失稳及假关节发生.结论 一期前后联合入路全脊椎切除及脊柱稳定性重建治疗胸椎骨巨细胞瘤可以根治性切除肿瘤,降低肿瘤局部复发的危险,是一种可行且有效的外科治疗技术.