Effects of corticosteroid and electroacupuncture on experimental spinal cord injury in dogs

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture, corticosteroid, and combination of two treatments on ambulatory paresis due to spinal cord injury in dogs by comparing therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture and corticosteroid. Spinal cord injury was induced in twenty healthy dogs (2.5-7 kg and 2-4 years) by foreign body insertion which compressed about 25% of spinal cord. There was no conscious proprioception, no extensor postural thrust, and ambulatory. Dogs were divided into four groups according to the treatment; corticosteroid (group A), electroacupuncture (group B), corticosteroid and electroacupuncture (group AB), and control (group C). Neurological examination was performed everyday to evaluate the spinal cord dysfunction until motor functions were returned to normal. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were measured for objective and accurate evaluations. The latency in measured potentials was converted into the velocity for the evaluation of spinal cord dysfunctions. Pain perceptions were normal from pre-operation to 5 weeks after operation. Recovery days of conscious proprioception in groups A, B, AB, and C were 21.2+/-8.5 days, 19.8+/-4.3 days, 8.2+/-2.6 days, and 46.6+/-3.7 days, respectively. Recovery days of extensor postural thrust in group A, group B, group AB, and group C were 12.8+/-6.8 days, 13.8+/-4.8 days, 5.4+/-1.8 days, and 38.2+/-4.2 days, respectively. There were no significant differences between group A and group B. However, recovery days of group AB was significantly shorter than that of other groups and that of group C was significantly delayed (p<0.05). Conduction velocities of each group were significantly decreased after induction of spinal cord injury on SEPs (p<0.05) and they showed a tendency to return to normal when motor functions were recovered. According to these results, it was considered that the combination of corticosteroid and electroacupuncture was the most therapeutically effective for ambulatory paresis due to spinal cord injury in dogs.

Compressive myelopathy due to nocardiosis from dermal lesion

Nocardiosis refers to locally invasive or disseminated infection associated with Nocardia species. Most infections enter through respiratory tract and then disseminate systemically. Rarely primary nocardial infection of the skin of the back may spread to contiguous structures including vertebrae. A 30 years male presented with indolent skin lesion in the upper dorsal region of the back for one year following an accident and subsequently developed features of spinal cord compression and parenchymal involvement of lung. The rarity of such type of spread in an immuno-competent individual has been highlighted.

Pain and debility associated with spinal compression fractures

Approximately twenty percent of women will suffer a compression fracture sometime in their later years. Almost always the result of postmenopausal osteoporosis, they create dramatic and lasting consequences that lead to pain, reduced physiologic function and increased frailty. Recognition and treatment of compression fractures is an important step in maintaining an acceptable level of comfort and an optimal functional ability.

Chronic spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma -- a rare cause of cervical myelopathy

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare entity. SSEH occurring anterior to the spinal cord in the cervical region with spontaneous improvement is even more rare. One such rare case is reported. A 19-year-old male presented with a 2-month history of neck pain and weakness of the upper and lower limbs without sensory deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed features of anteriorly located cervical epidural hematoma. As the patient had started improving by the time he sought neurosurgical consultation, he was treated conservatively, and he improved over a period of 2 months. This case illustrates that, though rare, chronic spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma should be entertained in the differential diagnosis of cervical cord compression. Spontaneous resolution of spinal epidural hematomas is known to occur, and in properly selected cases, surgical intervention may not always be necessary.

Spinal cord compression

Back pain and suspected spinal cord compression remains one of the most frequent reasons for neurologic consultation in cancer patients. While treatment generally results in stabilization or improvement, early diagnosis remains the cornerstone of improving neurologic outcome. This article reviews the clinical features, differential diagnosis, and management of neoplastic epidural spinal cord compression.

Lung cancer. Palliative care

The majority of patients who acquire lung cancer will have troublesome symptoms at some time during the course of their disease. Some of the symptoms are common to many types of cancers, while others are more often encountered with lung cancer than other primary sites. The most common symptoms are pain, dyspnea, and cough. This document will address the management of these symptoms, and it will also address the palliation of specific problems that are commonly seen in lung cancer: metastases to the brain, spinal cord, and bones; hemoptysis; tracheoesophageal fistula; and obstruction of the superior vena cava.

Management of spinal cord and cauda equina compression secondary to epidural metastatic disease in adults with malignant germ cell tumours

AIM

To review the management and clinical outcome of 10 patients, presenting to a single centre with symptoms and signs of spinal cord or cauda equina compression secondary to epidural metastatic disease from a testicular germ cell cancer.

METHODS

Clinical data regarding presenting history, physical examination, staging investigations, treatment and clinical outcome were retrospectively obtained from patient records.

RESULTS

Eight patients exhibited neurological deficits at the time of initial presentation of germ cell cancer or as a first manifestation of relapse following dog leg irradiation. Four of these cases were managed with chemotherapy alone, with excellent neurological recovery, whilst four underwent decompressive laminectomy--in three cases prior to referral and in one case after commencing chemotherapy. Five of the eight patients relapsed. Four required further chemotherapy (high dose in two cases). The remaining patient underwent thoracic surgery, with resection of teratoma differentiated. Six of the eight patients are currently alive and disease free. Two patients had chemorefractory disease and died, though one was treated in the pre-cisplatin era. Two patients presented with cord compression as a feature of disease relapse following chemotherapy, and were managed with radiotherapy alone in an attempt to achieve local disease control and limit neurological dysfunction. However, both subsequently died with progressive disease.

CONCLUSION

Epidural spinal cord or cauda equina compression is a rare complication of metastatic germ cell cancer, which can be successfully managed in chemo-naive patients with good neurological outcome.

Late neurological deterioration 30 years following conservative treatment of a lower cervical spine fracture--a case report

A today 44 years old man suffered from a compression and subluxation fracture of C 4 and C 5 vertebral body during a swimming accident in 1971. The primary therapy was conservative and the patient was rehabilitated. Since 1997 the patient showed a slowly progressive right hemiparesis with signs of cervical myelopathy. The diagnostic procedures revealed a severe deformity of the cervical spine with myelon compression. We performed an operation with replacement of C4 and C5 and dorsal stabilization at the same time. This very impressive case shows the risk of a late and slowly onset of myelopathic deterioration while latent bony instability persist post traumatic. The authors think in agreement with the actual literature that the early operative stabilization of instable fractures of the lower cervical spine is inevitable. According to the grade of neurological and bony damage the operation should not be performed later than 8-12 hours after injury.

Approaches to spondylotic cervical myelopathy: conservative versus surgical results in a 3-year follow-up study

STUDY DESIGN

A 3-year prospective randomized study was conducted.

OBJECTIVE

To compare conservative and operative treatments of mild and moderate, nonprogressive, and slowly progressive forms of spondylotic cervical myelopathy.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND

DATA It is not known whether the results of decompressive surgery for the mild and moderate forms of spondylotic cervical myelopathy are any better than those of the conservative approach.

METHODS

For this study, 68 patients were randomized into two groups. Group A, treated conservatively, consisted of 35 subjects, whereas Group B, treated surgically, was composed of 33 patients. The clinical outcome was evaluated by modified JOA score, timed 10-m walk, the score for daily activities recorded by video and evaluated by two observers blinded to the type of therapy, and subjective assessment by the patients themselves at months 6, 12, 24, and 36 of the follow-up period.

RESULTS

There was, on the average, no significant deterioration in mJOA score in the two groups over the 3-year follow-up period, but there was a slightly expressed decrease in the self-evaluation score in Group B, and a slight deterioration of the score for daily activities in Group A. Comparison of the two groups showed a significant difference in the timed 10-m walk test favoring group A, but no difference in mJOA score or self-evaluation by the patients themselves, with the exception of a better score at month 6 in favor of Group B.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3-year follow-up study did not show, on the average, that the surgery is superior to conservative treatment for mild and moderate forms of spondylotic cervical myelopathy.

Electroporation-mediated pain-killer gene therapy for mononeuropathic rats

The relatively low expression levels achieved from transferred genes have limited the application of nonviral vectors for gene transfer into the spinal cord in vivo. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of electroporation-mediated pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene therapy for neuropathic pain using an animal model of chronic constrictive injury (CCI). Firstly, the optimal pulse characteristics (voltage, pulse duration, number of shocks) were investigated for in vivo electroporation-mediated gene transfer into the spinal cord. The electroporation process makes use of plasmid DNA, which expresses the POMC gene. Expression levels were evaluated in this study by Western blot. We conclude that the optimal conditions for electroporation are a pulse voltage of 200 V, 75-ms duration, 925-ms interval, for five iterations. Secondly, electroporation treatment for neuropathic pain was attempted on CCI rats using plasmid DNA that expresses the POMC gene. Intrathecal administrations of the POMC vector elevated spinal beta-endorphin levels, as manifested in a significantly elevated pain threshold for the CCI limbs. This result suggests that gene therapy for neuropathic pain using this novel technique is very efficacious, and thus shows promise for further clinical trials.

Vertebroplasty in osteoporosis

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) is a safe and effective treatment for relieving pain in patients complaining of severe back pain induced by osteoporotic compression fractures. The success rate exceeds 90% and the complication rate is lower than 1%. Most of the complications are transient and should be avoided using good technique. The classic indication for PV is severe, persistent, and incapacitating focal back pain not responding to standard medical therapy and related to one or more collapsed vertebral bodies of 4 to 12 weeks duration. PV should be used earlier in patients at risk of immobilization complications and requiring narcotics. PV should be always considered as a good alternative treatment compared with medical therapy in patients with pain and osteoporotic compression fractures.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty: new treatment for vertebral compression fractures

Interventional radiologists have been performing image-guided spinal procedures for many years. Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a newer technique in which a medical grade cement is injected though a needle into a painful fractured vertebral body. This stabilizes the fracture, allowing most patients to discontinue or significantly decrease analgesics and resume normal activity. The impact of this procedure on the morbidity and expense associated with symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in the United States may be significant. Patients who are unresponsive to conservative therapy of bed rest, analgesics, and back bracing should be considered for vertebroplasty. This procedure is contraindicated in patients with active infection, untreated coagulopathy, and certain types of fracture morphology. Because many patients have multiple chronic fractures, there should be a strong correlation between the physical examination signs, symptoms, and cross-sectional imaging findings. The success rate for this procedure in treating osteoporotic fractures is 73 to 90 percent. Vertebroplasty can effectively treat aggressive hemangiomas of the vertebral body and may be palliative in patients with malignant pathologic fractures. Significant complications of the procedure are less than 1 percent.

Oncologic emergencies for the internist

Most cancer patients experience at least one emergency during the course of the disease. This paper reviews the diagnosis and treatment of tumor lysis syndrome, hypercalcemia of malignancy, superior vena cava syndrome, spinal cord compression, strokes and seizures, and treatment-related emergencies.

Pallidal deep brain stimulation in patients with cervical dystonia and severe cervical dyskinesias with cervical myelopathy

OBJECTIVES

Surgical treatment of complex cervical dystonia and of cervical dyskinesias associated with cervical myelopathy is challenging. In this prospective study, the long term effect of chronic pallidal stimulation in cervical dystonia and on combining the technique with spinal surgery in patients with severe cervical dyskinesias and secondary cervical myelopathy is described.

METHODS

Eight patients with a history of chronic dystonia who did not achieve adequate benefit from medical treatment or botulinum toxin injection participated in the study. Five patients had complex cervical dystonia with tonic postures and phasic movements. Three patients had rapidly progressive cervical myelopathy secondary to severe cervical dyskinesias and dystonia in the context of a generalised movement disorder. Quadripolar electrodes were implanted in the posteroventral lateral globus pallidus internus with stereotactic CT and microelectrode guidance. In the three patients with secondary cervical myelopathy, spinal surgery was performed within a few weeks and included multilevel laminectomies and a four level cervical corporectomy with spinal stabilisation.

RESULTS

Improvement of the movement disorder was noted early after pallidal surgery, but the full benefit could be appreciated only with a delay of several months during chronic stimulation. Three months after surgery, patients with cervical dystonia had improved by 38% in the severity score, by 54% in the disability score, and by 38% in the pain score of a modified version of the Toronto western spasmodic torticollis rating scale. At a mean follow up of 20 months, the severity score had improved by 63%, the disability score by 69%, and the pain score by 50% compared with preoperatively. There was also sustained amelioration of cervical dyskinesias in the three patients who underwent spinal surgery. Lead fractures occurred in two patients. The mean amplitude needed for chronic deep brain stimulation was 3.8 V at a mean pulse width of 210 micros, which is higher than that used for pallidal stimulation in Parkinson's disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic pallidal stimulation is effective for complex cervical dystonia and it is a useful adjunct in patients with cervical dyskinesias and secondary cervical myelopathy who undergo spinal surgery.

[Cervical spine injuries in stable lower cervical spine with spinal stenosis]

The aim of the study was to investigate the neurological outcome of spinal cord injuries in the traumatized cervical spine with a stenosis of the spinal medullary canal. From 1992 to 1999 we treated 145 spinal cord injuries and/or injuries with an unstable cervical spine, 138 were treated operatively, in 7 patients we found an injury of the spinal cord with a stable cervical spine and a stenosis of the spinal medullary canal. The radiological diagnostics consisted of anterioposterior X-rays of the cervical spine, an X-ray view of the dens axis and a stress roentgenogramm in extension and flection. An MRI was performed within the first 12 hours after the accident. The stenosis of the spinal medullary canal was evaluated by the quotient of the mid-sagittal diameter of the spinal medullary canal as well as the vertebral body (Torg-quotient) and ranged from 0.5 to 0.8. Pathological changed values were found in 4 patients within 2 segments and in 3 patients within 3 segments. In the T2-turbospin echo sequence hyperintense lesions of the spinal cord, accordingly to an edema were found in 6 patients. The neurological evaluation was performed according to the "Standard Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injuries". Treatment of these 7 patients was performed conservatively, consisting of NSAR as well as Methyl-Prednisolon according to the pattern of NASCIS-II and III. The follow-up was performed after 12 to 18 months. We evaluated the X-rays in anterioposterior and lateral view, stress roentgenogramms and neurological status. Radiological findings showed stable conditions of the cervical spine with block vertebras and increased osteophytes. The neurological outcome was evaluated according to the "Motor-Score" and showed an improvement from 8 to 63 points within 13 months in one case. In 6 cases, the average "Motor-Score" of 78 increased to 100 points within 2 to 5 months after injury. Most defunctionalization symptoms were found in the upper extremities. Disturbances in fine motor movement were unable to be examined with the "Motor-Score". We can conclude that spinal cord injuries in stable cervical spines with stenosis of the spinal medullary canal can be treated conservatively with a good outcome. A regression of the neurological deficiency can be expected within 2 to 5 months, but even after one year, deficiency regression is possible.

Spinal cord compression of dual etiology, multiple myeloma and spinal tuberculosis

Spinal cord compression as an initial manifestation of multiple myeloma is a well-known phenomenon. We report for the first time a patient with spinal cord compression of dual etiology, multiple myeloma and spinal tuberculosis, treated successfully by local radiotherapy, chemotherapy and an antituberculous regimen.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: diagnosis and treatment

The delineation of cervical spondylotic myelopathy as a clinical entity has improved with the development of high-quality cross-sectional neuroradiologic imaging. The natural history of this disorder is usually slow deterioration in a stepwise fashion, with worsening symptoms of gait abnormalities, weakness, sensory changes, and often pain. The diagnosis can usually be made on the basis of findings from the history, physical examination, and plain radiographs, but confirmation by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography and myelography is necessary. Minimal symptoms without hard evidence of gait disturbance or pathologic reflexes warrant nonoperative treatment, but patients with demonstrable myelopathy and spinal cord compression are candidates for operative intervention. Both anterior and posterior approaches have been utilized for surgical treatment of cervical myelopathy. Anterior decompression frequently requires corpectomy at one or more levels and strut grafting with bone from the ilium or fibula. Multilevel laminectomies were initially used for posterior decompression but now are either combined with fusion or replaced by laminoplasty. Any operative technique requires proper patient selection and demands adequate decompression of the canal to effect neurologic improvement. Perioperative complications can be devastating in this group of high-risk patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, but careful attention to detail, meticulous technique, and experience can result in excellent outcomes.

May 2001: 32 year old female with dural mass encircling cervical spinal cord

The May COM. A 32-year-old woman with a history of previous mastoid surgery presented with bilateral extremity weakness and ambulatory instability. MRI revealed a dural-based mass completely encircling the upper cervical spinal cord. Workup was significant for an abnormally elevated c-ANCA, positive at a dilution of 1:128. A portion of the lesion was removed by a posterior surgical approach to decompress the cervical cord. Histologic examination of the dura showed a dense granulomatous infiltrate with vasculitis and giant cells; coupled with the positive c-ANCA, the process was felt to be most consistent with Wegener's granulomatosis. Wegener's granulomatosis infrequently involves the dura or meninges and has not previously been reported to affect dura of the cervical cord. Symptomatic improvement followed surgical decompression and high-dose corticosteroid therapy, with resultant resolution of an elevated c-ANCA titer.

Recovery after high-dose methylprednisolone and delayed evacuation: a case of spinal epidural hematoma

Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is rare and not without serious sequelae. We report a patient who developed Brown-Séquard syndrome from SEH after fluoroscopic-guided cervical steroid injection and favorable response to methylprednisolone (MP). A 56-year-old man reported immediate sharp shooting pain to the upper extremities on introduction of epidural toughy needle. A total of 5 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine and 120 mg methylprednisolone acetate suspension was administered at the C6-7 interspace. Within half an hour, a neurologic deficit occurred at C7-8 and right Brown-Séquard syndrome developed. Once SEH was suspected (3 hours after onset of neurologic deficit), a protocol of high-dose MP intravenous infusion was initiated. Immediate incomplete recovery of motor, sensory, and sphincteric functions was noted within 30 minutes of infusion. Emergency spinal C6-T2 bilateral decompressive laminectomies and evacuation SEH were performed within an expected delay (10 hours from the onset of neurologic deficit). Fluoroscopic guidance does not take the place of adherence to meticulous technique. An unexplained neurologic deficit after invasive spinal procedures should raise the concern for SEH. Early recognition and emergent evacuation remain the mainstay management for SEH. This case suggests some neuroprotection from MP in cases of cervicothoracic cord compression secondary to traumatic SEH. When potential risks for SEH exist, it is advisable not to administer local anesthetic so as not to interfere with neurologic assessment and delaying the diagnosis.

Managing malignant spinal cord compression

BACKGROUND

Spinal malignancy can present as low back pain and accounts for most cases of spinal cord compression (SCC).

OBJECTIVE

To assist the clinician in the diagnosis of malignant SCC and to increase awareness of various treatment modalities. A clinical approach for the workup of patients with 'metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary' is also outlined.

DISCUSSION

It is important to diagnose SCC early and initiate urgent treatment to obtain optimum patient outcomes. Further management includes workup for the primary tumour source if unknown.

Vertebral bone collapse in sickle cell disease: a report of two cases

We describe two female children both nine years of age with sickle cell anaemia and compression deformity of three successive lumbar vertebrae in one child and collapse of one lumbar vertebra in the other. Management for the two children included analgesics, antibiotics and application of a lumbar jacket for stabilisation of the spine. In both patients the vertebral bodies remodelling with re-generation of the tissue. This report is being made to highlight the improved chances of response with early detection and adequate management.

Relationships between outcomes of conservative treatment and magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with mild cervical myelopathy caused by soft disc herniations

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective follow-up study of conservatively treated patients with mild cervical myelopathy caused by cervical soft disc herniation.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the outcome of conservative treatment for patients with mild myelopathy caused by cervical soft disc herniation and to evaluate usefulness of magnetic resonance findings in the prediction of the outcomes.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Recent studies on conservative treatment for cervical soft disc herniation have focused mainly on radiculopathy, and not on myelopathy.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients with mild cervical myelopathy secondary to cervical soft disc herniation were treated conservatively for more than 6 months by cervical bracing and restriction of daily activities. Of the 27 patients, 17 patients (Group A) underwent conservative treatment only and it was associated with improvement in their neurologic deficits, while the other 10 patients (Group B) ultimately underwent decompression surgery because of neurologic deterioration. Comparisons between the two groups were made in regard to JOA scores, patient satisfaction, and magnetic resonance findings, including location of the disc herniation (focal or diffuse in the sagittal plane, median or paramedian in the axial plane).

RESULTS

The JOA scores were 13.6 +/- 1.6 in Group A and 14.1 +/- 1.6 in Group B before treatment, 14.9 +/- 1.0 and 12.9 +/- 2.1, respectively, at 3 months, and 16.2 +/- 0.8 and 16.0 +/- 1.2, respectively, at the final follow-up. The JOA scores at 3 months were significantly lower in Group B than in Group A. Satisfaction with the results of treatment at the final follow-up was reported by 77% of the patients in Group A and 90% in Group B. Focal-type herniation was present in 47% of the patients in Group A and 70% in Group B, while median-type herniation was diagnosed in 77% in Group A and 30% in Group B. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging of the patients in Group A showed spontaneous regression of a herniated mass in 10 patients (59%). Diffuse-type herniations were more likely to regress spontaneously than focal-type herniations (78% vs. 37%).

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative treatment is an effective treatment option for mild cervical myelopathy caused by cervical soft disc herniation. A good outcome can be expected in patients with a median-type and/or diffuse-type herniation on magnetic resonance imaging.