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Mustafa R, Zalewski NL, Flanagan EP, Kumar N. Challenging Myelopathy Cases. Semin Neurol 2022; 42:723-734. [PMID: 36417994 DOI: 10.1055/a-1985-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Misdiagnosis of myelopathies is common and can lead to irreversible disability when diagnosis- and disease-specific treatments are delayed. Therefore, quickly determining the etiology of myelopathy is crucial. Clinical evaluation and MRI spine are paramount in establishing the correct diagnosis and subsequently an appropriate treatment plan. Herein, we review an approach to myelopathy diagnosis focused on the time course of neurologic symptom progression and neuroimaging pearls, and apply them to a variety of inflammatory, structural, and vascular myelopathy cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafid Mustafa
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Eoin P Flanagan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Neeraj Kumar
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota
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Stasolla A, Prosperini L, Haggiag S, Pezzella FR, Pingi A, Cozzolino V, Pampana E, Cotroneo E, Tortorella C, Menniti A, Gasperini C. Non-traumatic acute myelopathies: Clinical and imaging features in a real world emergency setting. Neuroradiol J 2022; 35:727-735. [PMID: 35575188 PMCID: PMC9626837 DOI: 10.1177/19714009221096823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aetiologic diagnosis of non-traumatic acute myelopathies (AMs), and their differentiation from other mimicking conditions (i.e. 'mimics'), are clinically challenging, especially in the emergency setting. Here, we sought to identify: (i) red flags suggesting diagnoses alternative to AMs and (ii) clinical signs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features differentiating non-compressive from compressive AMs. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively retrieved MRI scans of spinal cord dictated at emergency room from January 2016 to December 2020 in the suspicion of AMs. Patients with traumatic myelopathies and those with subacute/chronic myelopathies (i.e. MRI scans acquired >48 h from symptom onset) were excluded from analysis. RESULTS Our search retrieved 105 patients; after excluding 16 cases of traumatic myelopathies and 14 cases of subacute/chronic myelopathies, we identified 30 cases with non-compressive AMs, 30 cases with compressive AMs and 15 mimics. The presence of pyramidal signs (p = 0.012) and/or pain (p = 0.048) correctly identified 88% of cases with AMs. We failed to identify clinical indicators for distinguishing non-compressive and compressive AMs, although cases with inflammatory AMs were younger than cases with all the remaining conditions (p < 0.05). Different MRI patterns could be described according to the final diagnosis: among non-compressive AMs, inflammatory lesions were more often posterior or central; vascular malformation had a fairly widespread distribution; spine ischaemia was more often central. Anterior or lateral compression were more often associated with neoplasms and disc herniation , whereas hemorrhages and infections produced spine compression on all sides. CONCLUSION We propose a simple clinical indicator (i.e. pyramidal signs and/or pain) to distinguish AMs from their mimics in an emergency setting. Urgent spinal cord MRI remains essential to discriminate compressive and non-compressive aetiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Enrico Cotroneo
- Neuroradiology Unit, S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital
- Neurology Unit, S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital
- Stroke Unit, S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital
- Neurosurgery Unit, S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital
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Features of non-traumatic spinal cord infarction on MRI: Changes over time. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274821. [PMID: 36137128 PMCID: PMC9499193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Spinal cord infarction (SCI) is difficult to diagnosis using MRI findings. We aimed to suggest the optimal timing of MRI studies for diagnosing SCI. Materials and methods This retrospective study was approved by our institutional review board. The requirement for informed consent was waived. MRI scans of SCI patients diagnosed between January 2015 and August 2019 were enrolled in the SCI group and subdivided according to the interval between symptom onset and time of MRI scan (A, within 6 h; B, 6–12 hours; C, 12–24 hours; D, 24–72 hours; E, 3–7 days). Three radiologists analyzed the T2WI scans and evaluated the confidence level of diagnosing SCI using a five-point Likert scale: 1, certainly not; 2, probably not; 3, equivocal; 4, probably yes; 5, certainly yes. Scores of 4 and 5 were defined as “T2WI-positive SCI” and scores of 1–3 were defined as “T2WI-negative SCI”. Results The SCI group included 58 MRI scans of 34 patients (mean age, 60.6 ± 14.0 years; 18 women). The T2WI positivity rate was 72.4% (42/58). In contrast to the other subgroups, subgroup A included fewer cases of T2WI-positive SCI (1/4, 25%) than T2WI-negative SCI. A confidence score of 5 was the most common in subgroup D (4/27, 14.8%). Among the 12 patients who underwent MRI studies more than twice, confidence scores increased with time. Conclusion In patients with suspected SCI showing equivocal initial MRI findings, follow-up MRI studies are helpful, especially when performed between 24 and 72 hours after symptom onset.
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Deep Learning Model for Grading Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression on Staging CT. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133219. [PMID: 35804990 PMCID: PMC9264856 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is a disastrous complication of advanced malignancy. Deep learning (DL) models for automatic MESCC classification on staging CT were developed to aid earlier diagnosis. Methods: This retrospective study included 444 CT staging studies from 185 patients with suspected MESCC who underwent MRI spine studies within 60 days of the CT studies. The DL model training/validation dataset consisted of 316/358 (88%) and the test set of 42/358 (12%) CT studies. Training/validation and test datasets were labeled in consensus by two subspecialized radiologists (6 and 11-years-experience) using the MRI studies as the reference standard. Test sets were labeled by the developed DL models and four radiologists (2−7 years of experience) for comparison. Results: DL models showed almost-perfect interobserver agreement for classification of CT spine images into normal, low, and high-grade MESCC, with kappas ranging from 0.873−0.911 (p < 0.001). The DL models (lowest κ = 0.873, 95% CI 0.858−0.887) also showed superior interobserver agreement compared to two of the four radiologists for three-class classification, including a specialist (κ = 0.820, 95% CI 0.803−0.837) and general radiologist (κ = 0.726, 95% CI 0.706−0.747), both p < 0.001. Conclusion: DL models for the MESCC classification on a CT showed comparable to superior interobserver agreement to radiologists and could be used to aid earlier diagnosis.
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Abstract
Acute myelopathies are spinal cord disorders characterized by a rapidly progressive course reaching nadir within hours to a few weeks that may result in severe disability. The multitude of underlying etiologies, complexities in confirming the diagnosis, and often unforgiving nature of spinal cord damage have always represented a challenge. Moreover, certain slowly progressive myelopathies may present acutely or show abrupt worsening in specific settings and thus further complicate the diagnostic workup. Awareness of the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of different myelopathies and the specific settings where they occur is fundamental for a correct diagnosis. Neuroimaging helps distinguish compressive etiologies that may require urgent surgery from intrinsic etiologies that generally require medical treatment. Differentiation between various myelopathies is essential to establish timely and appropriate treatment and avoid harm from unnecessary procedures. This article reviews the contemporary spectrum of acute myelopathy etiologies and provides guidance for diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia Sechi
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Eoin P Flanagan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Raffa PEAZ, Vencio RCC, Ponce ACC, Malamud BP, Vencio IC, Pacheco CC, Costa FD, Franceschini PR, Medeiros RTR, Aguiar PHP. Spinal intramedullary abscess due to Candida albicans in an immunocompetent patient: A rare case report. Surg Neurol Int 2021; 12:275. [PMID: 34221606 PMCID: PMC8247672 DOI: 10.25259/sni_435_2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A spinal intramedullary abscess is a rare clinical entity in which patients classically present with a subacute myelopathy and progressive paraplegia, sensory deficits, and/or bowel and bladder dysfunction. We report the second case of spinal intramedullary abscess caused by Candida albicans to ever be published and the first case of its kind to be surgically managed. Case Description: A 44-year-old female presented with severe lumbar pain associated with paraparesis, incontinence, and paraplegia. She reported multiple hospital admissions and had a history of seizures, having already undergone treatment for neurotuberculosis and fungal infection of the central nervous system unsuccessfully. Nevertheless, no laboratory evidence of immunosuppression was identified on further investigation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a D10-D11, well-circumscribed, intramedullary mass within the conus, which was hypointense on T1-weighted imaging and hyperintense on T2/STIR weighted. The patient underwent surgery for removal and biopsy of the lesion, which provided the diagnosis of an intramedullary abscess caused by C. albicans, a very rare condition with only one case reported in literature so far. Conclusion: C. albicans intramedullary abscess is a very rare clinical entity, especially in immunocompetent patients. We highlight C. albicans as an important etiology that must be considered in differential diagnosis. Critical evaluation of every case, early diagnosis, timely referral and surgical management of the abscess is essential to improve neurological outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Isabela Caiado Vencio
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine of Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Paulo Roberto Franceschini
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo Henrique Pires Aguiar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Catholic Pontifical University of São Paulo, Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article provides an update on the clinical diagnosis and management of immune-mediated myelopathies, including the relevance of imaging, ancillary testing with an emphasis on autoantibody biomarkers, recognition of myelitis mimics, and therapeutic approach. RECENT FINDINGS The imaging characterization of immune-mediated myelopathies and the discovery of neural autoantibodies have been crucial in improving our ability to accurately diagnose myelitis. The identification of autoantibodies directed against specific central nervous system targets has led to major improvements in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying inflammation in myelitis. It has also allowed distinction of these myelopathy etiologies from noninflammatory etiologies of myelopathy and from multiple sclerosis and provided insight into their risk of recurrence, treatment response, and long-term clinical outcomes. Prompt recognition and appropriate testing in the setting of acute and subacute myelopathies is critical as timely administration of immunotherapy can help improve symptoms and prevent permanent neurologic disability. A patient should not be classified as having "idiopathic transverse myelitis" without a comprehensive evaluation for a more specific etiology. Achieving the correct diagnosis and learning to recognize noninflammatory myelitis mimics is crucial as they have therapeutic and prognostic implications. SUMMARY Identifying the clinical and radiographic features of immune-mediated myelitis and recognizing mimics and pitfalls will help clinicians treat confirmed autoimmune myelitis appropriately.
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Korshunova GA, Shul'ga AE, Zaretskov VV, Smol'kin AA. [Functional state of spinal cord and its radices in patients with thoracic and lumbar spine injuries]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2019; 119:44-48. [PMID: 30874526 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201911902144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM To estimate the character of neurophysiological monitoring in patients with thoracic and lumbar spine injuries at different treatment stages. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-eight patients with non-complicated (22 patients, group 1) and complicated (16 patients, group 2) thoracic and lumbar spine injuries underwent electroneuromyography (ENM) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The examination was performed at early (up to 2 weeks) and later (more than 1 month) post-injury periods, before the operation and on the 10th day after decompressing-stabilizing interventions. RESULTS Before the operation, 71.4% patients of group 1 had ENM-signs of suppressed motor neuron activity in L5 segment of the spinal cord with peroneal nerve axonopathy. The most significant changes in ENM-indexes were observed in medullary channel stenosis of more than 30%. TMS parameters in group 1 were normal while in the 2nd group, EMN and TMS results before the operation demonstrated preserved motor neuron activity at the injury level despite gross neurological symptoms and 100% of medullary channel lumen deficit. In the postoperative period, ENM and TMS revealed no definite negative dynamics in patients of both groups. Patients with locomotor disorders, who underwent surgery at late post-injury periods, showed neurophysiological dynamics on the 10th day postoperatively. Low amplitude motor evoked potentials (kMEP), which were not present before, suggested initial signs of conductibility restoration (in 22% of patients) that proved the effectiveness of decompressive interventions in the long-term post-injury period. CONCLUSION ENM- and TMS monitoring in patients with complicated and non-complicated injuries of thoracic and lumbar spine allowed revealing the positive influence of decompressing-stabilizing operations conducted both at early and late post-injury periods on the state of spinal cord conductibility and segmental apparatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Korshunova
- Research Institute of Traumatology, Orthopedics and Neurosurgery 'Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University' of Ministry Health of the Russian Federation, Saratov, Russia
| | - A E Shul'ga
- Research Institute of Traumatology, Orthopedics and Neurosurgery 'Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University' of Ministry Health of the Russian Federation, Saratov, Russia
| | - V V Zaretskov
- Research Institute of Traumatology, Orthopedics and Neurosurgery 'Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University' of Ministry Health of the Russian Federation, Saratov, Russia
| | - A A Smol'kin
- Research Institute of Traumatology, Orthopedics and Neurosurgery 'Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University' of Ministry Health of the Russian Federation, Saratov, Russia
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Gorospe-Sarasúa L, Arrieta P, Muñoz-Molina G, Almeida-Aróstegui N. Emergencias oncológicas torácicas del paciente con cáncer de pulmón. Rev Clin Esp 2019; 219:44-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rce.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Oncologic thoracic emergencies of patients with lung cancer. Rev Clin Esp 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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De Lipsis L, Belmonte R, Cusano M, Giannetti MA, Muccio CF, Mancinelli M. Subdural Hematoma as a Consequence of Labor Epidural Analgesia. Asian J Neurosurg 2018; 13:931-934. [PMID: 30283586 PMCID: PMC6159069 DOI: 10.4103/ajns.ajns_115_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Subdural hematoma (SDH) following labor epidural analgesia is a rare neurological complication. SDH is a late complication of this procedure; it is caused by a leak of cerebrospinal fluid that may damage the vascular structures of the brain. Persistent headache in the days after labor epidural analgesia is a nonspecific clinical symptom caused by hematoma. Preexisting vascular malformations can be a concomitant cause of headache. Clinical cases have been reported even after epidural anesthesia. The differential diagnosis includes unspecified headache, sinusitis headache, drug-induced headache, cortical vein thrombosis, fistula of the dura mater, and bacterial, viral, and aseptic meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Lipsis
- Department of Anesthesia, Sacred Heart of Jesus Hospital, Benevento, Italy
| | - Rossella Belmonte
- Department of Anesthesia, Sacred Heart of Jesus Hospital, Benevento, Italy
| | - Maria Cusano
- Department of Anesthesia, Sacred Heart of Jesus Hospital, Benevento, Italy
| | | | | | - Mauro Mancinelli
- Department of Radiology, Sacred Heart of Jesus Hospital, Benevento, Italy
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Potter CA, Hsu L. Emergent Neuroimaging in the Oncologic and Immunosuppressed Patient. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2018; 28:397-417. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Farias LABG, Ferragut JM, Pires Neto RDJ. Encephalitis and transverse myelitis in dengue and chikungunya coinfection. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2018; 51:403. [PMID: 29972580 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0259-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roberto da Justa Pires Neto
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil.,Hospital São José de Doenças Infecciosas, Secretaria de Saúde do Estado do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
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