Cervical spontaneous epidural hematoma as a complication of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Surgical Intervention for Primary B-cell Lymphoma of the Spine: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical Presentation, Treatment, Postoperative Outcomes, and Histologic Markers

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of the clinical symptoms, radiographic findings, and outcomes after spinal decompression in B-cell lymphoma.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

B-cell lymphoma is a potential cause of spinal cord compression that presents ambiguously with nonspecific symptoms and variable imaging findings. Surgical decompression is a mainstay for both diagnosis and management, especially in patients with acute neurological deficits; however, the efficacy of surgical intervention compared with nonoperative management is still unclear.

METHODS

The databases of Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews were queried for all articles reporting spinal B-cell lymphoma. Data on presenting symptoms, treatments, survival outcomes, and histologic markers were extracted. Using the R software "survival" package, we generated bivariate and multivariate Cox survival regression models and Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

In total, 65 studies were included with 72 patients diagnosed with spinal B-cell lymphoma. The mean age was 56.22 (interquartile range: 45.00-70.25) with 68% of patients being males and 4.2% of patients being immunocompromised. Back pain was the most common symptom (74%), whereas B symptoms and cauda equina symptoms were present in 6% and 29%, respectively. The average duration of symptoms before presentation was 3.81 months (interquartile range: 0.45-3.25). The most common location was the thoracic spine (53%), with most lesions being hyperintense (28%) on T2 magnetic resonance imaging. Surgical resection was performed in 83% of patients. Symptoms improved in 91% of patients after surgery and in 80% of patients treated nonoperatively. For all 72 patients, the overall survival at 1 and 5 years was 85% (95% CI: 0.749-0.953; n = 72) and 66% (95% CI: 0.512-0.847; n = 72), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although surgery is usually offered in patients with acute spinal cord compression from B-cell lymphoma, chemotherapy and radiation alone offer a hopeful alternative to achieve symptomatic relief, particularly in patients who are unable to undergo surgery.

Spontaneous spinal extradural hematoma in a child with hemophilia B, surgery or medical management - A dilemma?

Spontaneous spinal extradural hematoma is a rare clinical scenario which may be secondary to a variety of etiologies. Spinal epidural hematoma is an extremely rare complication in hemophiliacs. It usually runs an acute course often leading to rapid onset of neurological deficits. MR imaging is the diagnostic modality of choice and early, prompt treatment will often yield fruitful results. We report a case of spontaneous spinal EDH in a 5-year-old male child with Hemophilia B, who was managed conservatively and was doing well at last follow-up, 2 years after treatment. The authors discuss the role of factor replacement therapy vis-a-vis surgery in such a scenario.

Spinal osteoblastoma complicated with epidural hematoma: two case reports

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

OBJECTIVE

To describe 2 patients of spinal osteoblastoma in upper thoracic lamina, complicated with epidural hematoma and symptoms of cord compression.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Review the clinical presentation, radiologic findings, and treatment in these 2 cases, with an emphasis on surgical management and outcomes.

METHODS

Two patients initially presented with symptoms of incomplete neurological deficit after mild injury. Computer tomography scan indicated osteolytic destruction of thoracic lamina; magnetic resonance imaging illustrated that lesion in the posterior element of thoracic spine with epidural hematoma and sign of spinal cord compression. Marginal surgical resection and hematoma evacuation were performed.

RESULTS

Histologic diagnosis indicated destructive osteoblastomas with hemorrhage. Complete neurologic recovery was achieved at 1 week and 3 months after surgery. Both patients had no evidence of tumor recurrence at an average follow-up of 37 months.

CONCLUSION

By using surgical resection and hematoma evacuation, good outcome could be achieved for spinal osteoblastoma complicated with epidural hematoma.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in an 11-month-old girl

An 11-month-old girl was admitted for a 2-month history of regression of motor milestones and lateralizing neurologic findings. Tests for hypercoagulability were all within normal limits except for a moderately elevated fibrinogen level. Urine and blood cultures were negative for growth. Complete MRI of the spine revealed a well-defined extradural inhomogeneous signal intensity extending from C(4) to T(3) suggestive of a subacute hematoma with evidence of evolving hemorrhagic change. There was no evidence of underlying arterial venous fistula or malformation. She underwent a cervicothoracic laminoplasty and evacuation of the hematoma. The clot was confirmed to be a hematoma on pathologic investigation. She made an uneventful recovery with gradual return of neurologic function. This case represents the longest known duration between initial symptoms and definitive management of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma.

Spontaneous spinal extradural hematomas

We review three patients who presented with acute spontaneous spinal extradural hematomas (SSEH). We discuss the presentation, imaging and management strategies. All three patients were adult women with thoracic SSEH. All had motor weakness prior to surgery. One patient recovered completely, one partially recovered and one did not recover. SSEH, although rare, should be considered in cases of acute onset paraparesis. The diagnostic modality of choice is magnetic resonance imaging. Favourable outcome is related to aetiology, interval between the ictus and presentation, and the severity of the neurological deficits. Emergent surgical drainage is the treatment of choice.