Spinal cord herniation into a congenital extradural arachnoid cyst causing Brown-Séquard syndrome. Case report

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation associated with calcified thoracic disc extrusion--case report

A 48-year-old man presented with idiopathic spinal cord herniation associated with calcified thoracic disc extrusion at the T7-8 intervertebral level, manifesting as Brown-Sequard syndrome at the thoracic level persisting for 20 years. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography myelography revealed ventral displacement of the spinal cord and extrusion of a calcified disc at the T7-8 intervertebral level. At surgery, the spinal cord herniation at this level was released from the dura mater and carefully returned to the dural sac. An extruded calcified thoracic disc was found just below the dural defect at the same level. The development of idiopathic spinal cord herniation is associated closely with a defect in the ventral dura mater of unknown etiology. In our case, the etiology of the ventral dural defect was probably associated with the calcified thoracic disc extrusion.

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation associated with a large erosive bone defect: a case report and review of the literature

We report a case of idiopathic spinal cord herniation associated with a large bone defect. MRI and computed tomographic myelography revealed ventral deviation of the spinal cord and erosion of the vertebral body at T6-T7. Microscopic surgery revealed a dural defect. The etiology of this condition has not been clarified. In most previously reported cases, the peak portion of the herniation was around the intervertebral disc space. In addition, in our patient, it was hard to think that the intervertebral disc has become depressed due to the pressure exerted by the spinal cord. We considered that a certain condition of the intervertebral disc, such as herniation, was one of the causes of the dural defect, and cerebrospinal fluid pulsation pushed the spinal cord toward that portion, causing herniation.

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation in the thoracic spine as a cause of intractable leg pain: case report and review of the literature

We recently experienced a case of idiopathic spinal cord herniation in the upper thoracic spine with development of severe unilateral leg pain: a 57-year-old man who had suffered from severe leg pain for about 15 years with lack of abnormality in his lumbar spine. On MRI of the thoracic spine, however, the spinal cord at T2-T3 was bent forward with dilatation of the posterior subarachnoid space. In combination with the findings of computed tomographic myelography, we diagnosed idiopathic spinal cord herniation and performed a surgical treatment. Immediately after the operation, his leg pain disappeared. Therefore, we concluded that the cause of his leg pain was herniation of the thoracic spinal cord.

Low-pressure headaches and spinal cord herniation. Case report

Almost 40 cases of spontaneous transdural spinal cord herniation have been reported in the literature. These patients often present with gait disturbance and sensory changes, and their condition is diagnosed as Brown-Séquard syndrome. The pathogenesis of this condition has remained poorly understood. In particular, there is no agreement whether the dural defect is acquired or congenital. In the reported case, a 21-year-old man presented with a 3-year history of intermittent low-pressure headaches consistent with intracranial hypotension. Eventually, the headaches resolved but he developed myelopathy due to a spinal cord herniation. In this case, the authors hypothesize that the progressive spinal cord herniation through a spontaneous dural tear sealed the site of the cerebrospinal fluid leak, causing the resolution of headaches.

Thoracic idiopathic spinal cord herniation at the vertebral body level: a subgroup with a poor prognosis? Case reports and review of the literature

The authors present two cases of thoracic idiopathic spinal cord herniation (TISCH) occurring at the vertebral body (VB) level in whom adequate surgical reduction failed to reverse symptoms. In the second case, in which TISCH occurred into a VB cavity, presentation was atypical (subacute spinal cord syndrome) and there was persistent postoperative deterioration. In both cases, adequate surgical reduction was achieved via a posterior midthoracic laminectomy, and reduction was maintained by closure of the anterior dural defect by using prosthetic material. Thoracic idiopathic spinal cord herniation occurring at a VB level may be technically well treated by surgical reduction, but the outcome appears less predictable. Herniation that occurs directly into a VB cavity may form a distinct subgroup in which the presentation is atypical and the prognosis worse.

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation: report of eight cases and review of the literature

STUDY DESIGN

A case series of eight patients with idiopathic spinal cord herniation and a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To report on this rare entity, provide insight on its natural history, and propose an optimal management strategy.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation is a rare disease with 50 cases reported before the current study.

METHODS

Eight cases (follow-up 1 month to 8 years) are reported using available information from patient charts, interviews, and assessments. All imaging studies are reviewed. The review of the literature was performed using PUBMED.

RESULTS

Four patients, followed without surgical intervention, have not progressed. Of the three patients who underwent surgical repair by one of the authors, two improved and one was unchanged. A fourth patient, who was initially treated by another surgeon who failed to identify the dural defect and herniation, had a poor outcome.

CONCLUSION

The pathophysiology of the dural defect is still uncertain. The typical presentation is Brown-Séquard syndrome. Microsurgical repair in cases with progression of neurologic deficits is usually successful in achieving recovery of function or arrest of progression.

Idiopathic herniation of the thoracic spinal cord: report of three cases

STUDY DESIGN

Cases are reported and the literature is reviewed.

OBJECTIVE

To present three cases involving idiopathic herniation of the thoracic cord.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation is a very rare condition. Only 20 cases have been reported. The radiographic and intraoperative findings concerning this herniation remain insufficient, and its pathophysiology is less understood.

METHODS

Idiopathic herniation of the thoracic spine was managed operatively in the three cases. The clinical, radiologic, and intraoperative features in these cases are described, and the pathophysiology of this disorder is discussed from a review of the literature.

RESULTS

Two of the three patients had a defect in the inner layer of the duplicated ventral dura mater through which the spinal cord was herniated. The third patient had a ventral epidural cyst into which the spinal cord had protruded. Operative reduction of the spinal cord improved motor power in all three patients, although sensory disturbance remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

There should be several types of idiopathic spinal cord herniation. This is the first report of this herniation that focuses the abnormalities of the ventral dura mater, together with image and intraoperative findings.

Surgical management of idiopathic spinal cord herniation: a review of nine cases treated by the enlargement of the dural defect

OBJECT

Spinal cord herniation is a rare cause of progressive myelopathy and can be corrected surgically. In most previous reports, closure of the dural defect was the recommended procedure. The object of this paper is to describe a new procedure in which spinal cord constriction is released by enlarging the hiatus; additionally the postoperative results will be discussed.

METHODS

In nine patients with spinal cord herniation, enlargement of the dural defect was performed. In eight patients, neurological deficits resolved immediately after surgery. In one patient with a severe preoperative neurological deficit whose spinal cord herniated massively, deterioration occurred postoperatively. To date, no recurrence of herniation has been observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The goals of surgery are to reduce the herniation, return the spinal cord to the normal position, and prevent the recurrence of herniation. The use of sutures to close the dural defect has been the method of choice to date. The surgical space in front of the spinal cord, however, is insufficient to accommodate this procedure safely. Because symptoms are caused by the constriction of the spinal cord at the hiatus, surgical expansion of the hiatus allows the goals of surgery to be achieved. This procedure, which is technically easier and less invasive with regard to the vulnerable spinal cord than the closure of the dural defect, could be a viable alternative for the treatment of this rare disease.

Spontaneous thoracic spinal cord herniation--case report

A 54-year-old female presented with spontaneous thoracic spinal cord herniation manifesting as chronic progressive motor weakness in both legs. Spastic paraparesis (4/5) and pathological reflexes such as ankle clonus were noted. She also had mild bladder dysfunction but no bowel dysfunction. She had no sensory disturbance, including tactile and pinprick sense. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed that the atrophic spinal cord was displaced into the ventral extradural space at the T4-5 intervertebral level with markedly dilated dorsal subarachnoid space. Computed tomography obtained after myelography showed no evidence of intradural spinal arachnoid cyst. She underwent surgical repair of the spinal cord herniation via laminectomy, and spinal cord herniation through the ventral dural defect was confirmed. Postoperative MR imaging revealed improvement of the spinal cord herniation, but her symptoms were not improved. Spontaneous spinal cord herniation is a rare cause of chronic myelopathy, occurring in the upper and mid-thoracic levels, and the spinal cord is usually herniated into the ventral extradural space. Early differential diagnosis from intradural spinal arachnoid cysts is important for a satisfactory outcome.

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation associated with intervertebral disc extrusion: a case report and review of the literature

STUDY DESIGN

A case of idiopathic spinal cord herniation is reported, and the literature is reviewed.

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of thoracic spinal cord herniation with a ventral dural defect, probably caused by thoracic disc extrusion.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Recently, reports of spinal cord herniation have been increasing. This increase can be attributed to the development of magnetic resonance imaging and increased awareness of this entity. However, the cause of the ventral dural defect remains unknown.

METHODS

A 54-year-old woman had experienced Brown-Séquard syndrome for 2 years. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an S-shaped anterior kinking of the spinal cord, with dilation of the dorsal subarachnoid space.

RESULTS

After incision of the dural sac and gentle retraction of the spinal cord, a dural defect was recognized into which the spinal cord had herniated. An extruded disc was visualized through the defect at T3-T4. The ventral dural defect and the dorsal incision of the dural sac were repaired with a fascial graft from the thigh.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative findings suggest that the thoracic disc herniation in the current case was the probable cause of the ventral dural defect. Surgical reconstruction using double fascial graft under careful spinal cord monitoring resulted in a satisfactory neurologic recovery.

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation

Spinal cord herniation is a rare condition that has become increasingly recognised in the last few years. The authors report a case of idiopathic spinal cord herniation in a 33 year old woman who presented with progressive Brown-Sequard syndrome. The diagnosis was made on MR imaging. After repairing the herniation the patient made a gradual improvement. Potential causes are discussed, including the possible role of dural tethering. In conclusion, idiopathic spinal cord herniation is a potentially treat able condition that should be more readily diagnosed with increased awareness and newer imaging techniques such as high resolution MRI.

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation: report of three cases and review of the literature

STUDY DESIGN

Three case reports and a literature review are presented.

OBJECTIVE

To describe characteristic clinical and radiographic findings of idiopathic spinal cord herniation.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation is a rare disease, with only 26 cases reported before the current study.

METHODS

Three cases of idiopathic spinal cord herniation are reported, and previous reports on this subject are reviewed.

RESULTS

The responsible regions were in the thoracic spine from T2 to T7. Symptoms were mainly unilateral muscle atrophy in the lower extremity and sensory disturbance below the thoracic level. These symptoms had been progressing gradually. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a unique feature: The spinal cord shifted anteriorly in a few segments. Computed tomographic myelogram showed another distinctive picture: There was no subarachnoid space anterior to the spinal cord.

CONCLUSIONS

Because idiopathic spinal cord herniation is out of the concept of "compression myelopathy," this condition may be a pitfall in the diagnosis. Idiopathic spinal cord herniation should be recognized as one of the treatable causes for thoracic myelopathy.

Spinal cord herniation into an extradural arachnoid cyst

A herniation of the thoracic spinal cord into the mouth of an extradural arachnoid cyst is reported in a 37 year old man. This is the 20th case, but the first posterior herniation; all the others were anterior. He presented with progressive paraparesis and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed kinking of the cord into the cyst. Surgical release of the neck of the hernia was successful.

Spinal cord herniation into an extensive extradural meningeal cyst: postoperative analysis of intracystic flow by phase-contrast cine MRI

We report a patient with idiopathic spinal cord herniation who underwent postoperative myelography and phase-contrast cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to clarify the condition of the ventral cystic lesion into which the spinal cord had been herniated. This 58-year-old man showed symptoms and signs compatible with Brown-Séquard syndrome. A myelogram and MRI showed that the spinal cord was incarcerated in a small space, and this finding led to the diagnosis of spinal cord herniation. In the operation, the herniated spinal cord was returned to the initial intradural space, and the dural defect was enlarged to prevent recurrence of the herniation. After the operation, leg muscle strength improved and bladder and bowel dysfunction resolved, but analgesia was unchanged. Postoperative myelography revealed a very large extradural cystic lesion, which extended from C2 to L1 vertebral level. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow study of the intradural space disclosed a near-normal pattern, but the intracystic CSF dynamics were abnormal. In the intracystic space at just the upper level of the lesion, cranial flow (reverse directional flow in comparison with the intradural flow) was seen in the systolic cycle after momentary fast caudal flow, and these CSF dynamics may have been related to the spinal cord herniation.

Spontaneous spinal cord herniation: case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE

Spontaneous herniation of the spinal cord substance through a previously uninjured and/or untouched dura is a very exceptional occurrence. Spontaneous spinal cord herniation, which was first reported 25 years ago, is a cause of myelopathy that is treatable but difficult to diagnose.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 49-year-old female patient who presented with a 3-year history of a burning sensation and hyperesthesia in her right leg and a 3-month history of left leg stiffness was diagnosed as exhibiting signs of Brown-Séquard syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spinal canal demonstrated S-shaped anterior kinking and transdural herniation of the spinal cord at the T3-T4 levels.

INTERVENTION

The patient underwent surgery via a three-level laminectomy. The herniated part of the spinal cord was microsurgically reduced, and the dural defect was repaired with Gore-Tex membrane (WL Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ). The outcome of surgery was excellent.

CONCLUSION

Review of the world literature revealed 29 reported cases, with 27 of these cases being published since 1990. The clinical features, radiological diagnosis, and treatment options for this unique entity are summarized, with a synopsis of numerous misconceptions that appeared in the literature. With more familiarity with and increased awareness of this entity, more cases will be diagnosed.

Progressive spontaneous herniation of the thoracic spinal cord: case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE

We report one case of spontaneous thoracic spinal cord herniation. To our knowledge, this is the first case involving radiological documentation of the development of herniation. Clinical features and surgical techniques are also presented.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

We describe the case of a 51-year-old female patient who experienced progressive Brown-Sequard syndrome for 2 years. Three magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed; they revealed the progressive development of anterolateral spinal cord herniation at the level of T6 during those 2 years.

INTERVENTION

After laminectomy at T6, the herniated myelon was microsurgically removed and the neurological symptoms improved.

CONCLUSION

We present the possible causes, the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms, and the clinical and radiological development of this rare entity, with a review of the literature published to date. We propose that a preexisting weakness of the ventral dural fibers, combined with abnormal adhesion of the spinal cord to the anterior dural sleeve, leads to progressive herniation throughout life. Microsurgical treatment may halt the exacerbation of the neurological symptoms.

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation

The authors describe two occurrences of idiopathic spinal cord herniation, an entity that has been reported previously in only 11 cases. The patients described in this report presented in midlife with Brown-Séquard syndrome. Computerized tomography myelography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed ventral displacement of the spinal cord with no apparent dorsal mass. Intraspinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow studies in which phase-contrast pulse sequence cine MR imaging was used displayed a normal pattern dorsal to the spinal cord. Percutaneous intrathecal endoscopic observation did not disclose dorsal intradural cysts, but ventral adhesions were seen between the spinal cord and the dura. Microsurgical intradural exploration revealed ventrolateral herniation of the cord and a ventral root through a dural defect into an epidural arachnoid cyst. The adhesions were released, the cord was repositioned intradurally, and the dural defect was patched. The patients showed gradual improvement postsurgery, as did most of the patients in the previously reported cases. The CSF flow and endoscopic studies were found to be particularly informative, and dural patching with surgical membrane is recommended.

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation: case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) is a rare condition, reported in only 25 patients thus far, in which the thoracic cord is prolapsed through an anterior dural defect. It typically presents in middle age as either Brown-Sequard syndrome or spastic paraparesis.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 55-year-old woman initially presented at the age of 41 years with Brown-Sequard syndrome at the T8 disc space level on the left side. Investigations, including primitive magnetic resonance imaging, were deemed negative at that time. After a stepwise deterioration over 14 years, she presented again with spastic paraparesis and double incontinence, in addition to her previous spinothalamic dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging at this stage suggested either ISCH or a dorsal arachnoid cyst.

INTERVENTION

Through a T7-T8 laminectomy, a left-of-midline ISCH was identified and easily reduced by gentle cord traction. No dorsal arachnoid cyst was identified. The anterior dural defect was repaired with a XenoDerm patch (LifeCell Corp., Woodlands, TX). After surgery, there was improved motor and sphincter function. However, there was continued sensory disturbance.

CONCLUSION

ISCH is rare cause of thoracic cord dysfunction. Despite prolonged diagnostic delay, significant clinical improvement may be obtained with ISCH reduction and anterior dural repair.

Spinal dural enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging associated with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Report of three cases and review of the literature

This report offers a description of typical changes seen on gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the entire spine that indicate spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of its kind. They describe three cases of SIH that were accompanied by dural enhancement throughout the neuraxis on imaging, with the evolution of associated subdural and epidural fluid collections in the spine. Recognition of this disorder is important to be able to distinguish it from an infectious or neoplastic process in which surgical intervention might be warranted. Evaluation using gadolinium-enhanced cranial and spinal MR imaging in patients with postural headaches and an (111)In-labeled cerebrospinal fluid leak study are discussed. Treatment with an epidural blood patch is shown to be particularly effective, with resolution of the radiological and clinical findings.

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation. Report of two cases and review of the literature

The authors describe two occurrences of idiopathic spinal cord herniation, an entity that has been reported previously in only 11 cases. The patients described in this report presented in midlife with Brown-Séquard syndrome. Computerized tomography myelography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed ventral displacement of the spinal cord with no apparent dorsal mass. Intraspinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow studies in which phase-contrast pulse sequence cine MR imaging was used displayed a normal pattern dorsal to the spinal cord. Percutaneous intrathecal endoscopic observation did not disclose dorsal intradural cysts, but ventral adhesions were seen between the spinal cord and the dura. Microsurgical intradural exploration revealed ventrolateral herniation of the cord and a ventral root through a dural defect into an epidural arachnoid cyst. The adhesions were released, the cord was repositioned intradurally, and the dural defect was patched. The patients showed gradual improvement postsurgery, as did most of the patients in the previously reported cases. The CSF flow and endoscopic studies were found to be particularly informative, and dural patching with surgical membrane is recommended.

Tethered thoracic cord resulting from spinal cord herniation

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) usually involves tethering of the lower cord at the conus medullaris from dural abnormalities, but may occur after spinal cord herniation. A tethered thoracic spinal cord is rare. We present an unusual case of a 30-year-old woman with a history of myelopathy presumed to be secondary to T6 cord compression resulting from T6-T8 arachnoid cyst. She continued to deteriorate after partial excision of the cyst. Repeat magnetic resonance imaging suggested recurrence of the presumed arachnoid cyst with cord compression and showed tethering at T6-T8. Surgical exploration revealed myelocele with cord herniation through the anterior thoracic dura. Pathologic diagnosis showed neural tissue with gliosis. After physical therapy treatments, the patient had increased lower extremity strength, ambulated with a cane, and regained some bladder control. Progressive myelopathy may represent tethering of the cord resulting from cord herniation. Early recognition of TCS, even in patients with minimal neurologic deficits, could prevent progressive disability.

Traumatic interdural arachnoid cyst in the upper cervical spine. Case report

The case of an interdural arachnoid cyst of traumatic origin at the C3-5 level in an 18-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a 1-year history of progressive weakness in left limbs and numbness below the clavicles is reported. He had had a C-2 fracture at the age of 9 years without definite neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic lesion in the C3-5 level. Laminectomy was performed, and an interdural cyst was found. Histological examination revealed fibrous thickening of the arachnoid membrane. A cyst located in the interdural space of upper cervical spine is extremely rare.

Idiopathic dural herniation of the thoracic spinal cord

Symptomatic anterior or anterolateral dural herniation of the spinal cord is rare, and not uncommonly misdiagnosed, both clinically and radiologically. We present four patients with a radiological diagnosis of herniation of the thoracic spinal cord, and review the current literature. All affected patients have been adults, typically presenting with long-standing, unexplained sensory symptoms and eventually developing a Brown-Séquard syndrome, with or without motor changes. Herniation occurs in the upper or midthoracic region, between the T2 and T8 levels.

Spontaneous thoracic spinal cord herniation. A case report

STUDY DESIGN

This is a case report.

OBJECTIVE

To focus attention on spontaneous spinal cord herniation as a rare cause of myelopathy that can be diagnosed preoperatively and can be corrected surgically.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

A 34-year-old woman presented with spastic paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging scan of the thoracic spine revealed anterior displacement and tethering of the cord at T6-T7 and a dorsal intradural arachnoid cyst. Excision of the cyst was performed without improvement in symptomatology. During reoperation the thoracic spinal cord hernia was discovered and was reduced intradurally.

METHODS

The authors describe the clinical, radiographic, and surgical findings of this patient and review the findings from other reported cases. They discuss the proposed theories for the pathophysiology of the cord herniation and the surgical management.

RESULTS

The patient had idiopathic thoracic spinal cord herniation as there was no history of previous spine surgery or injury. The authors believe that the cord herniated through a congenital dural defect, which resulted in the development of a pseudoarachnoid cyst dorsally to the hernia. The patient improved after intradural reduction of the hernia and closure of the dural defect.

CONCLUSION

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation should be recognized as a cause of progressive myelopathy that can be managed successfully with microsurgical techniques.

Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks and intracranial hypotension

Spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are often implicated as the cause of the syndrome of spontaneous intracranial hypotension, but they have rarely been demonstrated radiographically or surgically. The authors reviewed their experience with documented cases of spinal CSF leaks of spontaneous onset in 11 patients including their surgical observations in four of the patients. The mean age of the six women and five men included in the study was 38 years (range 22-51 years). All patients presented with a postural headache; however, most had additional symptoms, including nausea, emesis, sixth cranial-nerve paresis, or local back pain at the level of the CSF leak. All patients underwent indium-111 radionucleotide cisternography or computerized tomographic (CT) myelography. The location of the spontaneous CSF leak was in the cervical spine in two patients, the cervicothoracic junction in three patients, the thoracic spine in five patients, and the lumbar spine in one patient. The false negative rate for radionucleotide cisternography was high (30%). Subdural fluid collections, meningeal enhancement, and downward displacement of the cerebellum, resembling a Chiari I malformation, were commonly found on cranial imaging studies. In most patients, the symptoms resolved in response to supportive measures or an epidural blood patch. Leaking meningeal diverticula were found to be the cause of the CSF leak in four patients who underwent surgery. In three patients these diverticula could be ligated with good result but in one patient an extensive complex of meningeal diverticula was found to be inoperable. Two patients had an unusual body habitus and joint hypermobility, and two other patients had suffered a spontaneous retinal detachment at a young age. In conclusion, spontaneous spinal CSF leaks are uncommon, but they are increasingly recognized as a cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Most spinal CSF leaks are located at the cervicothoracic junction or in the thoracic spine, and they may be associated with meningeal diverticula. The radiographic study of choice is CT myelography. The disease is usually self-limiting, but in selected cases our experience with surgical ligation of leaking meningeal diverticula has been satisfactory. An underlying connective tissue disorder may be present in some patients with a spontaneous spinal CSF leak.

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation is a rare disease, few cases having been reported. We encountered a case of idiopathic spinal cord herniation presenting with severe spasticity in the right leg and urinary dysfunction. The spinal cord was herniated into a cavity created by duplication of the dura mater and resection of the inner layer improved the neurological deficits. MRI, myelography, and CT myelography were useful for diagnosing this disease. Four radiological signs of spinal cord herniation are described.

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation: a treatable cause of the Brown-Sequard syndrome--case report

Symptomatic herniation of the spinal cord through the dura is an uncommon clinical problem. Since 1989, we have encountered three patients who each presented with an unexplained, longstanding Brown-Sequard syndrome and were found to have idiopathic herniation of the thoracic spinal cord. This report describes the clinical, radiographic, and surgical findings in these three patients and reviews the five previously reported patients with this syndrome. Idiopathic herniation of the spinal cord is a treatable cause of the Brown-Sequard syndrome that may be more common than is currently recognized and should be known to all surgeons managing spinal disorders.

Herniation of the spinal cord. Case report

Herniation of the spinal cord, or displacement of the cord outside the dura, is so rare that only 13 cases have been reported in the literature. The authors report a new case of spontaneous herniation of the spinal cord in a 38-year-old man who presented with lower left limb paresis and Brown-Séquard syndrome, with a T-8 sensory level. Displacement of the spinal cord was noted on computerized tomography following myelography and on magnetic resonance imaging. The herniated cord was confirmed at operation and reduced intradurally. Postoperatively, the patient showed complete neurological recovery. Based on a review of the literature, herniation of the spinal cord may be classified as spontaneous, iatrogenic, or traumatic. At cervical levels, the spinal cord has herniated into an iatrogenic pseudomeningocele located dorsally. At thoracic levels, spinal cord herniations were reported to be in a preexisting extradural arachnoid cyst located ventrally. The authors propose a pathogenesis for spinal cord herniation based on abnormal positioning of the spinal cord in the dural sleeve and the known anteroposterior movements of the cord that occur with cardiac and respiratory pulsations. The presence of a dural defect situated on the concavity of the spinal curvature is a prerequisite for this rare condition. As adhesions develop between the cord and the edges of the dural defect, cerebrospinal fluid pulsations push the cord into a preexisting cyst. The authors suggest modifying the classification by Nabors, et al., of spinal meningeal cysts to include this mechanism of spinal cord herniation. This diagnosis should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of myelopathy in the absence of a mass lesion.

Anterior spinal hernia: an increasingly recognised cause of thoracic cord dysfunction

Two cases of anterior spinal hernia are presented. The medical literature is reviewed, the syndrome characterised, and its cause and treatment discussed. The patient is typically middle aged with a history of stepwise slowly progressive mid-thoracic anterior hemicord syndrome manifesting as hemianalgesia below the affected segment, followed by contralateral lower limb spasticity that develops into an asymmetric paraparesis with sparing of dorsal column sensation. Radiological investigation demonstrates an enlarged dorsal arachnoid space in association with an apparently focally narrowed thoracic cord, kinked towards the anterior dura. At operation the cord is found to be prolapsed into an anterolateral dural diverticulum. The most likely cause of this syndrome is anterior spinal artery segmental branch ischaemia, in a cord chronically incarcerated in a congenital anterior meningocele. This readily treatable condition should be considered in all cases of thoracic cord dysfunction and surgical repair effected early to prevent stepwise progression to paraplegia.

CT demonstration of complex dorsal spinal dysraphism

An unusual case of dorsal spinal dysraphism in a four year old child is presented. Various abnormalities including diastematomyelia, an extradural arachnoid cyst arising from one of the two dural tubes, and lipomeningomyelocele with a related rib-like bony structure were demonstrated with Iohexol CT and subsequently confirmed at surgery.

Spinal meningeal malformations in children (without meningoceles or meningomyeloceles)

Multiple meningeal malformations are described: anterior or lateral meningoceles, extradural meningeal cysts, and intradural arachnoid cysts. All diverticulae appear to be extensions of the subarachnoid space, producing symptoms early or later. It is impossible to unify all these lesions because they cause multiple pathological conditions, depending upon the anatomical form or level, other systemic malformations, spinal abnormalities, or associated familial diseases. Surgical treatment requires complete evaluation of each anatomical aspect before procedure.

An unusual presentation of Brown-Sequard syndrome

We report the case of a man with Brown-Sequard syndrome following a fall in which he sustained fractures of the thoracic and lumbosacral spine. Despite characteristic neurological findings, the diagnosis was delayed due to the absence of history of penetrating spinal trauma and incorrect attribution of unilateral-like weakness and numbness to lumbosacral trauma. A directed history and examination revealed that the patient was stabbed in the back with a penknife while leaving a bus and stepped down onto a paralyzed leg, which collapsed beneath him. The patient was given an antibiotic, underwent a negative peritoneal lavage, and had myelography and nerve conduction velocity confirmatory for Brown-Sequard syndrome. With rehabilitation he became ambulatory with a cane one month after the stabbing.

Percutaneous insertion of the spinal end of a cysto-peritoneal shunt as definitive treatment to relieve cord compression from a spinal arachnoid cyst

A case of myelopathy with both intradural and extradural spinal arachnoid cysts is reported treated by cysto-peritoneal shunt, the spinal end of which was inserted percutaneously under fluoroscopic control. The site of drainage was determined by findings at computed myelography. The case illustrates the value of the latter in demonstrating the pathological bio-mechanics producing myelopathy in this condition.

Case report: Brown-Séquard's syndrome associated with histiocytic lymphoma

Brown-Séquard's syndrome is a rare spinal cord lesion usually produced by penetrating injuries in which ipsilateral hemiparesis and loss of position sense is associated with loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side of the body. Reported here is an unusual cause of the syndrome, and a review of the pathophysiology of the syndrome is presented.

Communicating spinal arachnoid cysts: diagnosis by delayed metrizamide computed tomography

A case of an extradural spinal arachnoid cyst is presented with emphasis on the neuroradiologic characteristics of this lesion. The cyst was definitely diagnosed by delayed metrizamide spinal computed tomography. Extradural spinal arachnoid cysts, or diverticula, have been the subject of much discussion in the neuroradiologic and neurosurgical literature. However, the appearance of a communicating arachnoid cyst on delayed spinal computed tomography after metrizamide myelography is heretofore undescribed in the English language neurosurgical literature.

Brown-Sequard syndrome following heroin injection

Reported is a case of Brown-Sequard syndrome following attempted heroin injection into the right external jugular vein. A right-sided hemiparalysis with a contralateral sensory loss of touch, pain, proprioception, and temperature developed over several hours to the C3 dermatome level. A myelogram showed a vasculitis pattern in the lower cervical region. Treatment was with high-dose dexamethasone for ten days. After six weeks of inpatient physical therapy, only minimal motor and sensory return was seen. Although this syndrome is usually due to lateral hemisection of the spinal cord by a stab wound or a gunshot wound, in this case we believe it resulted from chemical transection due to the heroin or quinine diluent or both.