An intradural extramedullary bronchogenic cyst in the thoracolumbar spine: A case report

RATIONALE

We report the symptoms beginning with weakness and the clinical courses of a patient who was diagnosed with an intradural extramedullary bronchogenic cyst.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The patient was a 44-year-old man visited the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for walking difficulties characterized by limping due to muscle weakness of left lower extremity for 5 months and atrophy in left calf muscle.

DIAGNOSES

Lumbar spine MRI was repeated, since radiating pain in the left hip and posterior thigh with low back pain developed 16 months later. Intraspinal mass of T12 and L1 levels that was not found in the first MRI was newly found in the follow-up MRI.

INTERVENTIONS

Total tumor removal was conducted with laminectomy. It was finally diagnosed as an intradural extramedullary bronchogenic cyst on the basis of the pathological analysis results.

OUTCOMES

His left calf circumference was increased compared to before surgery the radiating pain also disappeared.

LESSONS

If the patient's MRI findings are not correlated with the electrophysiologic and physical examination findings, additional MRI should be accompanied with other tests for an early detection.

[A case of primary central nervous system anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma manifested as a unilateral pachymeningits]

There have been 23 reports of primary central nervous system anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma in the literature. Here we report the 24th case of a 40-year-old man who presented with occipital headache for one month. His contrast-enhanced brain MRI showed enhancement around the right temporal lobe, which suggested a diagnosis of hypertrophic pachymeningitis. He improved with steroid therapy. After discharge, however, he was readmitted with generalized convulsive seizures. Finally, he was diagnosed as primary central nervous system ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma by brain biopsy. Primary central nervous system lymphoma invading dura matter can rarely manifests as a unilateral pachymeningitis. Therefore, in case of pachymeningitis, we should pay attention to the possibility of infiltration of lymophoma with meticulous clinical follow-up.

Cerebral Vein Malformations Result from Loss of Twist1 Expression and BMP Signaling from Skull Progenitor Cells and Dura

Dural cerebral veins (CV) are required for cerebrospinal fluid reabsorption and brain homeostasis, but mechanisms that regulate their growth and remodeling are unknown. We report molecular and cellular processes that regulate dural CV development in mammals and describe venous malformations in humans with craniosynostosis and TWIST1 mutations that are recapitulated in mouse models. Surprisingly, Twist1 is dispensable in endothelial cells but required for specification of osteoprogenitor cells that differentiate into preosteoblasts that produce bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Inactivation of Bmp2 and Bmp4 in preosteoblasts and periosteal dura causes skull and CV malformations, similar to humans harboring TWIST1 mutations. Notably, arterial development appears normal, suggesting that morphogens from the skull and dura establish optimal venous networks independent from arterial influences. Collectively, our work establishes a paradigm whereby CV malformations result from primary or secondary loss of paracrine BMP signaling from preosteoblasts and dura, highlighting unique cellular interactions that influence tissue-specific angiogenesis in mammals.

A case of idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis presenting with chronic headache and multiple cranial nerve palsies: A case report

RATIONALE

Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHP) is a rare condition, characterized by a chronic fibrosing inflammatory process usually involving either the intracranial or spinal dura mater, but rarely both. Here, we report a rare case of IHP affecting both the intracranial and spinal dura mater. We also discussed the diagnosis, management, and outcome of IHP.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We reviewed the case of a 60-year-old woman presenting with chronic headache, multiple cranial nerve palsies and gait disturbance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of her head revealed thickened and contrast-enhanced dura in the craniocervical region as well as obstructive hydrocephalus and cerebellar tonsillar herniation. The patient had a suboccipital craniectomy and posterior decompression through C1 plus a total laminectomy. The dura was partially resected to the extent of the bony decompression, and a duroplasty was performed.

DIAGNOSES

Microscopic examination of the surgically resected sample showed chronic inflammatory changes, lymphoplasmacytic cell infiltration, fibrous tissue hyperplasia, and hyaline degeneration. Blood tests to evaluate the secondary causes of hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) were unremarkable.

INTERVENTIONS

Steroid was used to treat suspected IHP.

OUTCOMES

Postoperatively, the patient showed gradual improvement in her headache, glossolalia, and bucking. Prior to discharge, a follow-up MRI showed improvement of the dura mater thickening.

LESSONS

IHP is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the dura mater that usually causes neurological deficits. Clinical manifestations of IHP, MRI findings, and laboratory abnormalities are the essential components for making an accurate diagnosis. When the radiological or laboratory evaluation is uncertain, but neurological deficits are present, a prompt surgical approach should be considered. Postoperative steroid therapy and close observation for recurrence are necessary to ensure a good long-term outcome.

Controlled-release mitomycin C-polylactic acid film prevents epidural scar hyperplasia after laminectomy by inducing fibroblast autophagy and regulating the expression of miRNAs

OBJECTIVE

To design a new controlled-release MMC-PLA film and explore whether and how this film could prevent epidural scar hyperplasia and adhesion in a post-laminectomy rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All procedures were performed under the approval and supervision of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of Nanjing Medical University. A total of 120 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly placed into four groups after laminectomy (each group=30 rats). In Group I, the laminectomy area was flushed with saline as a control; in Group II, 25 mg of PLA film was applied to the dura mater in the laminectomy area; in Group III, a cotton pad soaked with 0.01% MMC solution was kept on the laminectomy area; and in Group IV, 25 mg of PLA film containing 0.01% MMC was implanted on the laminectomy area. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to evaluate scar adhesion and collagen deposition one month after the operation. Autophagy-related proteins, including autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5), beclin 1, light chain-3B-2/1 (LC3B-2/1) and protein 53 (p53), were detected by Western blotting. A microRNA microarray analysis was performed to screen for scar tissue miRNAs, especially those associated with autophagy, and changes in expression were confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

A total of 112 rats recovered uneventfully from the surgery. MRI showed that the scar adhesion and scar area of the MMC-PLA group were significantly reduced compared with those of the PLA, MMC, and saline groups. Accordingly, scar adhesion and the deposition of collagen in the rats treated with MMC-PLA were also significantly reduced, as indicated by HE and Masson staining. In the scar tissue, the levels of autophagy-related proteins (ATG5, beclin 1, LC3B-2/1 and p53) were significantly elevated in the MMC-PLA group. Additionally, in the MMC-PLA group, the expression levels of miR-34a, miR-146a and miR-200 were significantly increased, while the levels of miR-16, miR-221 and miR-378a were significantly decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

The controlled-release MMC-PLA film could alleviate epidural scar hyperplasia after laminectomy; this outcome might be associated with increased autophagy and altered expression of miRNAs in the scar tissue.

[A case of superficial siderosis ameliorated after closure of dural deficit detected by MRI-CISS (constructive interference in steady state) imaging]

A 64-year-old male developed headache, dizziness, and difficulty hearing, two years after an operation for chronic subdural hematoma due to head injury. These symptoms gradually worsened over the following 15 years. As he showed bloody cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and marginal hypointensity on the surface of the brain and spinal cord on T₂/T₂*-weighted MRI, he was diagnosed with superficial siderosis (SS), although the source of the bleeding was unclear and anti-hemorrhagic drugs were ineffective. When he was admitted to our hospital, neurological examination disclosed horizontal gaze-evoked nystagmus, severe bilateral hearing loss, scanning speech, and limb and truncal ataxia. CISS (constructive interference in steady state) MRI detected a dural defect at the Th2-3 level on the anterior side of the spinal canal. On operation, a 2 mm × 6 mm size dural defect with blood clots was found at the Th2-3 level. After closure of the dural defect, bloody CSF became transparent, and his persistent headache, dizziness, and hearing impairment improved. Brain and whole spine MRI, especially CISS imaging, should be considered for detecting the source of bleeding in intractable cases of SS.

Diagnostic Clue of Meningeal Melanocytoma: Case Report and Review of Literature

In this report, the patient was pre-diagnosed as meningioma before surgery, which turned out to be meningeal melanocytoma. Hence, we will discuss the interpretation of imaging and neurological statuses that may help avoid this problem. A 45-year-old man had increasing pain around the neck 14 months prior to admission. His cervical spine MR imaging revealed a space-occupying, contrast-enhancing mass within the dura at the level of C1. The neurologic examination revealed that the patient had left-sided lower extremity weakness of 4+, decreased sensation on the right side, and hyperreflexia in both legs. Department of Neuroradiology interpreted CT and MR imaging as meningiom. The patient underwent decompression and removal of the mass. We confirmed diagnosis as meningeal melanocytoma through pathologic findings. Afterwards, we reviewed the patient's imaging work-up, which showed typical findings of meningeal melanocytoma. However, it was mistaken as meningioma, since the disease is rare.

Dural ossification associated with ossification of ligamentum flavum in the thoracic spine: a retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the incidence, distribution and radiological characteristics of dural ossification (DO) associated with ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF) in the thoracic spine.

DESIGN

A retrospective radiographical analysis.

SETTING

This study was conducted at a single institution in China.

PARTICIPANTS

53 patients with OLF who underwent posterior decompression surgery between January 2011 and July 2015 in a single institution were enrolled in this study. The decompression segments were grouped according to imaging evaluation and intraoperative evidences.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The demographic distribution, radiological data and detailed surgical records were collected. First, preoperative CT images of decompressed segments were evaluated to identify imaging signs of DO. The 'tram tack sign' (TTS), 'comma sign' and 'bridge sign' were considered as characteristic imaging findings of DO in OLF. 4 kinds of confusing signs (false TTS) were identified and excluded. Then detailed surgical records were reviewed to finally identify segments with DO.

RESULTS

The incidence of DO in patients with OLF was 43.4%. The incidence of DO in OLF segments was 21.5%. OLF was more common in the lower thoracic spine, and more than half (53.8%) of the DO was located in T9-T12. TTS was the most common sign, but it might be misdiagnosed. After excluding 4 kinds of false TTS, the sensitivity and specificity of imaging diagnosis were 94.23% and 94.21%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

DO was relatively common in thoracic OLF, especially in T9-T12. TTS might be misdiagnosed. After excluding 4 kinds of false TTS, the accuracy of imaging diagnosis was relatively high.

Responses of dural mast cells in concussive and blast models of mild traumatic brain injury in mice: Potential implications for post-traumatic headache

BACKGROUND

Chronic post-traumatic headache (PTH) is one of the most common symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) but its underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Inflammatory degranulation of dural mast cells (MCs) is thought to promote headache, and may play a role in PTH. Whether mTBI is associated with persistent degranulation of dural MCs is yet to be determined.

METHODS

Histochemistry was used to evaluate time course changes in dural MC density and degranulation level in concussive head trauma and blast mouse models of mTBI. The effects of sumatriptan and the MC stabilizer cromolyn sodium on concussion-evoked dural MC degranulation were also investigated.

RESULTS

Concussive head injury evoked persistent MC degranulation for at least 30 days. Blast trauma gave rise to a delayed MC degranulation response commencing at seven days that also persisted for at least 30 days. Neither sumatriptan nor cromolyn treatment reduced concussion-evoked persistent MC degranulation.

CONCLUSIONS

mTBI evoked by closed head injury or blast exposure is associated with persistent dural MC degranulation. Such a response in mTBI patients may contribute to PTH. Amelioration of PTH by sumatriptan may not involve inhibition of dural MC degranulation. If persistent dural MC degranulation contributes to PTH, then cromolyn treatment may not be effective.

The Association between the Cross-Sectional Area of the Dural Sac and Low Back Pain in a Large Population: The Wakayama Spine Study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relations between the degree of encroachment, measured as the cross-sectional area of the dural sac, and low back pain in a large population.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, data from 802 participants (247 men, 555 women; mean age, 63.5 years) were analyzed. The measurement of the cross-sectional area of the dural sac from the level of L1/2 to L4/5 was taken using axial T2-weighted images. The minimum cross-sectional area was defined as the cross-sectional area of the dural sac at the most constricted level in the examined spine. Participants were divided into three groups according to minimum cross-sectional area measurement quartiles (less than the first quartile, between the first and third quartiles, and greater than the third quartile). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between the minimum cross-sectional area and the prevalence of low back pain.

RESULTS

The mean minimum cross-sectional area was 117.3 mm2 (men: 114.4 mm2; women: 118.6 mm2). A logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and other confounding factors, including disc degeneration, showed that a narrow minimum cross-sectional area (smaller than the first quartile) was significantly associated with low back pain (odds ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-2.80 compared to the wide minimum cross-sectional area group: minimum cross-sectional area greater than the third quartile measured).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that a narrow dural sac cross-sectional area was significantly associated with the presence of low back pain after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index. Further investigations that include additional radiographic findings and psychological factors will continue to elucidate the causes of low back pain.

Bilayer oxidized regenerated cellulose/poly ε-caprolactone knitted fabric-reinforced composite for use as an artificial dural substitute

A novel bilayer knitted fabric-reinforced composite for potentially being used as a dural substitute was developed by solution infiltration of oxidized regenerated cellulose knitted fabric (ORC) with poly ε-caprolactone (PCL) solution at various concentrations ranging 10-40 g/100 mL. It was found that the density of all formulations did not differ significantly and was lower than that of the human dura. Microstructure of the samples typically comprised a bilayer structure having a nonporous PCL layer on one side and the ORC/PCL composite layer on another side. Tensile modulus and strength of the samples initially decreased with increasing PCL solution concentration for up to 20 g/100 mL and re-increased again with further increasing PCL solution concentration. Strain at break of all formulations were not significantly different. Watertight test revealed that all composites could prevent leakage at the pressure within the normal range of intracranial pressure. In vitro degradation study revealed that the weight loss percentage and change in tensile properties of all samples displayed biphasic profile comprising an initially rapid decrease and followed by a gradual decrease with incubation times afterward. Micro and macro porous channels were observed to be in situ generated in the composite layer by ORC dissolution and PCL resorption during degradation while nonporous layer remained relatively unchanged. The degradation rate was found to decrease with increasing PCL solution concentration. In vitro biocompatibility using alamar blue assay on selected samples showed that fibroblasts could attach and proliferate well at all incubation periods.

Surgical Treatment for Falcotentorial Meningiomas

Among intracranial meningiomas, falcotentorial meningiomas, occurring at the junction of the falx cerebri and tentorial dural folds, are extremely rare. Because of their deep location, they are surrounded by critical structures, and have been regarded as one of the most challenging lesions for surgical treatment. In this study, we describe our surgical strategy for falcotentorial meningiomas and provide a review of our experience.

Finite Element Analysis of the Effect of Epidural Adhesions

BACKGROUND

It is well documented that epidural adhesion is associated with spinal pain. However, the underlying mechanism of spinal pain generation by epidural adhesion has not yet been elucidated.

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the underlying mechanism of spinal pain generation by epidural adhesion using a two-dimensional (2D) non-linear finite element (FE) analysis.

STUDY DESIGN

A finite element analysis.

SETTING

A two-dimensional nonlinear FE model of the herniated lumbar disc on L4/5 with epidural adhesion.

METHODS

A two-dimensional nonlinear FE model of the lumbar spine was developed, consisting of intervertebral discs, dura, spinal nerve, and lamina. The annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulpous were modeled as hyperelastic using the Mooney-Rivlin equation. The FE mesh was generated and analyzed using Abaqus (ABAQUS 6.13.; Hibbitt, Karlsson & Sorenson, Inc., Providence, RI, USA). Epidural adhesion was simulated as rough contact, in which no slip occurred once two surfaces were in contact, between the dura mater and posterior annulus fibrosus.

RESULTS

The FE model of adhesion showed significant stress concentration in the spinal nerves, especially on the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). The stress concentration was caused by the lack of adaptive displacement between the dura mater and posterior annulus fibrosus. The peak von Mises stress was higher in the epidural adhesion model (Adhesion, 0.67 vs. Control, 0.46). In the control model, adaptive displacement was observed with decreased stress in the spinal nerve and DRG (with adhesion, 2.59 vs. without adhesion, 3.58, P < 0.00).

LIMITATIONS

This study used a 2D non-linear FE model, which simplifies the 3D nature of the human intervertebral disc. In addition, this 2D non-linear FE model has not yet been validated.

CONCLUSION

The current study clearly demonstrated that epidural adhesion causes significantly increased stress in the spinal nerves, especially at the DRG. We believe that the increased stress on the spinal nerve might elicit more pain under similar magnitudes of lumbar disc protrusion.

IgG4-related cranio-spinal hypertrophic pachymeningitis involving the internal auditory canal

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis, which is a focally or diffusely thickened dura mater and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with increased IgG4 bearing plasma cells, is a rare disease, and cases involving the whole cervical spine are even rarer. Here, we describe a case of probable IgG4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis involving the whole cervical spine and the auditory canals in an 18-year-old male. The patient, who had a history of paresthesia and had previously experienced weakness, presented with generalized tonic seizures. A decompressive laminectomy on cervical vertebrae was performed as a matter of urgency, removing intradural fibrous material. The patient responded well to treatment and was discharged walking independently, with no strength deficit to any of the 4 limbs, and with normal blood tests.

Dura mater is a potential source of Aβ seeds

Deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the brain parenchyma and vessels is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer disease (AD). Recent observations of Aβ deposition in iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (iCJD) after dural grafting or treatment with pituitary extracts raised concerns whether Aβ is capable of transmitting disease as seen in prion diseases by the disease-associated prion protein. To address this issue, we re-sampled and re-evaluated archival material, including the grafted dura mater of two cases with iCJD (28 and 33-years-old) without mutations in the AβPP, PSEN1 and PSEN2 genes, and carrying ε3/ε3 alleles of the APOE gene. In addition, we evaluated 84 dura mater samples obtained at autopsy (mean age 84.9 ± 0.3) in the community-based VITA study for the presence of Aβ deposition. We show that the dura mater may harbor Aβ deposits (13 %) in the form of cerebral amyloid angiopathy or amorphous aggregates. In both iCJD cases, the grafted dura mater had accumulated Aβ. The morphology and distribution pattern of cerebral Aβ deposition together with the lack of tau pathology distinguishes the Aβ proteinopathy in iCJD from AD, from that seen in young individuals without cognitive decline carrying one or two APOE4 alleles, and from that related to traumatic brain injury. Our novel findings of Aβ deposits in the dura mater, including the grafted dura, and the distinct cerebral Aβ distribution in iCJD support the seeding properties of Aβ. However, in contrast to prion diseases, our study suggests that such Aβ seeding is unable to reproduce the full clinicopathological phenotype of AD.

Atypical symptoms in patients with cervical spondylosis might be the result of stimulation on the dura mater and spinal cord

Patients with cervical spondylosis often present with some atypical symptoms such as vertigo, headache, palpitation, nausea, abdominal discomfort, tinnitus and blurred vision and hypomnesia. Although there are a few hypotheses about the etiology of those symptoms, none of them have provided evidence convincing enough to explain the clinical, pathological and anatomic manifestation of those symptoms. One of the more acceptable explanations is that those symptoms are the results of stimulation of the sympathetic nerves in the posterior longitudinal ligament. The clinical fact that dissection of the posterior longitudinal ligament significantly alleviates the severity of those symptoms seems like an evidence for the validity of this hypothesis. However, recent clinical studies showed that laminoplasty, which has no effect on the posterior longitudinal ligament, can achieve the similar effect. In this paper, we hypothesize that stimulation of the dura mater and spinal cord might be the cause of atypical symptoms in patients with cervical spondylosis.

Intraforaminal ozone therapy and particular side effects: preliminary results and early warning

BACKGROUND

The term "low back pain syndrome" represents a complex nosological entity. The therapeutic approach is often only symptomatic and not etiologic.

METHODS

Since 2013, 186 patients (97 males and 89 females, mean age 59.8 years) have undergone microsurgery for lumbar disc hernia or lumbar segmental stenosis. Among these patients, 23 had been previously treated with ozone therapy by the intraforaminal approach and 28 by intraforaminal steroid injections in other hospitals between 12 and 24 months before our clinical evaluation. These patients received 16 applications in an 8-week period (standard therapy).

RESULTS

During the surgery, many hard adhesions between the soft tissues and bony structures were unexpectedly discovered. In particular, it was noted that the root contracted and had firm adhesions to the dural sac and/or fragmented disc, which were difficult to resolve. These specific pathological patterns were observed only in the patients who received ozone injections by the intraforaminal approach. We did not find any pathological abnormalities in the patients who did not receive any injections or who received intraforaminal steroid injections. Thus, we could exclude that the tissue damage was due to the mechanical action of the needle.

CONCLUSION

It is important to assert that ozone therapy procedures can be associated with several major complications. Therefore, performing a revision of the guidelines and protocols for ozone therapy application is indispensable.

The Extent of Tissue Damage in the Epidural Space by Ho / YAG Laser During Epiduroscopic Laser Neural Decompression

BACKGROUND

Lasers have recently become very useful for epiduroscopy. As the use of lasers increases, the potential for unwanted complications with direct application of laser energy to nerve tissue has also increased. Even using the lowest laser power to test for nerve stimulation, there are still risks of laser ablation. However, there are no studies investigating tissue damage from laser procedures in the epidural space.

OBJECTIVE

This is a study on the risks of Ho/YAG laser usage during epiduroscopy.

STUDY DESIGN

Observatory cadaver study.

SETTING

Department of anatomy and clinical research institute at the University Hospital.

METHODS

We used 5 cadavers for this study. After removing the dura and nerve root from the spinal column, laser energy from a Ho/YAG laser was applied directly to the dura and nerve root as well as in the virtual epidural space, which mimicked the conditions of epiduroscopy with the dura folded. Tissue destruction at all laser ablation sites was observed with the naked eye as well as with a microscope. Specimens were collected from each site of laser exposure, fixed in 10% neutral formalin, and dyed with H/E staining.

RESULTS

Tissue destruction was observed in all laser ablation sites, regardless of the length of exposure and the power of the laser beam.

LIMITATIONS

A cadaver is not exactly the same as a living human because dura characteristics change and tissue damage can be influenced by dura thickness according to the spinal level.

CONCLUSION

Even with low power and short duration, a laser can destroy tissue if the laser beam makes direct contact with the tissue.

Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis as a Delayed Complication of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

A 69-year-old man presented with upper airway symptoms, multiple lung nodules and masses, proteinuria and hematuria, and an increased level of proteinase 3 anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (PR3-ANCA). Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) was diagnosed by a transbronchial lung biopsy. All of these symptoms were ameliorated and the level of PR3-ANCA declined following treatment with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide. The patient developed a headache 16 months after the onset of symptoms, and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed the thickening of the dura mater, which suggested that hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) had developed as a complication of GPA. HP can be a unique complication of GPA at recurrence, and can occur without the relapse of other lesions or an increase in PR3-ANCA level.

Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis as a Potential Cause of Headache Associated with Temporal Arteritis

We herein describe a rare case of temporal arteritis associated with hypertrophic pachymeningitis. An 81-year-old man presented with a right temporal headache that had persisted for one month. A right superficial temporal artery biopsy revealed intimal hypertrophy with increased elastic fibers, consistent with temporal arteritis. Brain MRI using gadolinium enhancement showed thickened dura mater on the right frontal and temporal lobes, which led to the diagnosis of hypertrophic pachymeningitis. Intravenous methylprednisolone and oral prednisolone improved the patient's symptoms. According to our findings, hypertrophic pachymeningitis may be a potential cause of an ipsilateral temporal headache associated with temporal arteritis.

Interdural Spinal Cyst: A Rare Clinical Entity

BACKGROUND

For more than 2 decades, dural spinal cysts have been broadly classified as extradural and intradural.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 40-year-old woman presented with radicular thoracic pain. Intraoperative findings showed the cyst to be present within the dura itself.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest a revised classification of spinal dural cysts. This case highlights that, during surgery for spinal meningeal cysts, surgeons should bear in mind the possibility of an interdural cyst. This may help avoid inadvertent tears in the deep layers of such cysts, thus maintaining dural patency.

Long Segment Spinal Dural Cyst: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Spinal meningeal cysts are a rare benign disease that can cause myelopathy. In most cases, spinal meningeal cysts consist of an arachnoid membrane. To the best of our knowledge, few articles have report on intradural spinal meningeal cyst consisting of dura mater.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 58-year-old man presented to our institute with aggravation of clumsy hands and dysesthesia of the feet. Magnetic resonance imaging of the entire spine revealed a cystic lesion compressing the spinal cord posteriorly. Cyst fenestration and placement of the cyst-subarachnoid shunt was performed via an anterior approach. Postoperatively, the histopathologic results revealed that the cyst wall consisted of a dura mater-like membrane. The patient's symptoms resolved without the appearance of any new neurologic deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

The etiology of spinal meningeal cysts remains unclear. Spinal meningeal cysts consisting of dura mater (spinal dural cysts) are extremely rare. Treatment with only decompression with laminectomy causes enlargement of the dural cyst later. Cyst fenestration and placement of a cyst-subarachnoid shunt for the spinal dural cyst resulted in the resolution of myelopathy and cyst shrinkage.

[IgG4- and MPO-ANCA-associated hypertrophic pachymeningitis]

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis is a fibroinflammatory immune-mediated disease of the dura mater. Its diagnosis requires the preclusion of infectious, tumoral and other inflammatory diseases. In recent years new entities have been reported that can present with hypertrophic pachymeningitis, such as IgG4-associated disease and MPO-ANCA+ pachymeningitis, as a form of vasculitis limited to the central nervous system.

CASE REPORT

We describe the case of a 64 years-old male with headaches and cervicalgia, predominantly at night, and clinical signs and symptoms of spinal cord compression. Following the diagnosis of craniocervical hypertrophic pachymeningitis provided by the magnetic resonance imaging study, an aetiological study was conducted. Infectious and tumoral diseases were precluded. The clinical features did not show any systemic involvement and high levels of IgG4 and MPO-ANCA+ were found in the results of the analyses. The clinical signs and symptoms quickly improved following treatment with corticoids.

CONCLUSIONS

IgG4-related disease and MPO-ANCA-associated vasculitis limited to the central nervous system can account for a high percentage of the cases of hypertrophic pachymeningitis that were considered idiopathic, and their diagnosis requires a biopsy and a histological study.