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Costello JE, Shah LM, Peckham ME, Stilwill SE, Safazadeh G, Hutchins TA. Time for change? Radiologists highly concordant assessing change in stenoses on follow-up cervical spine MRI. Neuroradiol J 2023; 36:588-592. [PMID: 37042077 PMCID: PMC10569186 DOI: 10.1177/19714009231163562] [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: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is considerable variability among radiologists when grading spinal canal and foraminal stenosis on MRI. However, to date, studies have not evaluated radiologists' agreement when assessing interval change in cervical spine stenoses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiologists' concordance for change in cervical spine stenoses on follow-up MRIs, a major indication for these exams. METHODS Initial and follow-up cervical MRIs were retrospectively reviewed by three blinded radiologists. Spinal canal and foramina from C1 through T1 were rated for interval change and concordance between the blinded raters was calculated. The original MRI reports were also reviewed for specific language assessing interval change on the follow-up exams. RESULTS 40 cervical MRI exams and 40 corresponding MRI follow-ups were assessed. Agreement for interval change in spinal canal and foraminal stenosis was near perfect amongst all readers (kappa values of 0.78-0.94). 97% of the original MRI reports used the standard severity scale. 68% of follow-up MRI reports specifically assessed for change. DISCUSSION Blinded radiologists had high agreement when assessing for change in spinal canal and foraminal stenosis on follow-up cervical spine MRIs. Because of inter-rater variability in stenosis grading, reports that do not emphasize change assessment, may imply change that is not truly present. For clarity and consistency in reporting of cervical spine stenoses, change assessment should be emphasized and added to structured reporting templates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin E Costello
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Department of Neuroradiology, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lubdha M Shah
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Miriam E Peckham
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Sarah E Stilwill
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Ghazaleh Safazadeh
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Troy A Hutchins
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Traumatic cervical spinal cord injury: relationship of MRI findings to initial neurological impairment. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2021; 30:3666-3675. [PMID: 34545441 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-021-06996-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify the degree of available space for the cord and cord swelling in patients following traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (TCSCI), and to assess the relationship among the available space for the cord, cord swelling, and the severity of neurological impairment. METHODS This study included 91 patients. The following indexes were measured by two blinded observers: maximum cord available area (CAAmax) and maximum cord swelling area (CSAmax). The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale (AIS) grades were used to evaluate the extent of neurological injury. Relationship among CAAmax, CSAmax, and initial AIS grades was assessed via univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS Patients who were AIS grade A (complete injury) demonstrated significantly greater median CAAmax and CSAmax than AIS grade C or D (incomplete injury) (P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis identified only CAAmax (OR 20.88 [95% CI 1.50-291.21]; P = 0.024) and CSAmax (OR 17.84 [95% CI 1.15-276.56]; P = 0.039) were identified as independently influencing the likelihood of complete injury at the initial assessment. The classification accuracy was best for CAAmax and CSAmax; areas under the curve were 0.8998 (95% CI 0.7881-1.0000) and 0.9167 (95% CI 0.8293-1.0000), respectively. CONCLUSION The present study provides a novel radiologic method for identifying the severity of TCSCI with T2-weighted MRI findings. Greater available space for the cord (CAAmax > 38%) and cord swelling (CSAmax > 29%) can be used to identify patients at risk for TCSCI and both imaging characteristics are associated with an increased likelihood of severe neurological deficits. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with consistently applied reference standard and blinding.
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3
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Leister I, Altendorfer B, Maier D, Mach O, Wutte C, Grillhösl A, Arevalo-Martin A, Garcia-Ovejero D, Aigner L, Grassner L. Serum Levels of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and Neurofilament Light Protein Are Related to the Neurological Impairment and Spinal Edema after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:3431-3439. [PMID: 34541888 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological examination in the acute phase after spinal cord injury (SCI) is often impossible and severely confounded by pharmacological sedation or concomitant injuries. Therefore, diagnostic biomarkers that objectively characterize severity or the presence of SCI are urgently needed to facilitate clinical decision-making. This study aimed to determine if serum markers of neural origin are related to: 1) presence and severity of SCI, and 2) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters in the very acute post-injury phase. We performed a secondary analysis of serological parameters, as well as MRI findings in patients with acute SCI (n = 38). Blood samples were collected between Days 1-4 post-injury. Serum protein levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and neurofilament light protein (NfL) were determined. A group of 41 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals served as control group. In the group of individuals with SCI, pre-operative sagittal and axial T2-weighted and sagittal T1-weighted MRI scans were available for 21 patients. Serum markers of neural origin are different among individuals who sustained traumatic SCI depending on injury severity, and the extent of the lesion according to MRI in the acute injury phase. Unbiased Recursive Partitioning regression with Conditional Inference Trees (URP-CTREE) produced preliminary cut-off values for NfL (75.217 pg/mL) and GFAP (73.121 pg/mL), allowing a differentiation between individuals with SCI and healthy controls within the first 4 days after SCI. Serum proteins NfL and GFAP qualify as diagnostic biomarkers for the presence and severity of SCI in the acute post-injury phase, where the reliability of clinical exams is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Leister
- ParaMove, SCI Research Unit, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany, and Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury Center, Clinical Research Unit, Neuroradiology and Interventional Radiology, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Barbara Altendorfer
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Doris Maier
- ParaMove, SCI Research Unit, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany, and Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Orpheus Mach
- ParaMove, SCI Research Unit, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany, and Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury Center, Clinical Research Unit, Neuroradiology and Interventional Radiology, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany
| | - Christof Wutte
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroradiology and Interventional Radiology, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany.,Institute of Biomechanics, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Germany, and Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Andreas Grillhösl
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Interventional Radiology, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany
| | - Angel Arevalo-Martin
- Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain
| | - Daniel Garcia-Ovejero
- Laboratory of Neuroinflammation, Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos, SESCAM, Toledo, Spain
| | - Ludwig Aigner
- ParaMove, SCI Research Unit, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany, and Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury Center, Clinical Research Unit, Neuroradiology and Interventional Radiology, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Grassner
- ParaMove, SCI Research Unit, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany, and Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury Center, Clinical Research Unit, Neuroradiology and Interventional Radiology, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroradiology and Interventional Radiology, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany.,Institute of Biomechanics, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Germany, and Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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4
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Fisher J, Krisa L, Middleton DM, Leiby BE, Harrop JS, Shah LM, Schwartz ED, Doshi A, Faro SH, Mohamed FB, Flanders AE. Validation of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Spinal Cord Injury MRI Common Data Elements Instrument. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2021; 42:787-793. [PMID: 33574102 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke common data elements initiative was created to provide a consistent method for recording and reporting observations related to neurologic diseases in clinical trials. The purpose of this study is to validate the subset of common data elements related to MR imaging evaluation of acute spinal cord injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-five cervical and thoracic MR imaging studies of patients with acute spinal cord injury were evaluated independently in 2 rounds by 5 expert reviewers. Intra- and interrater agreement were calculated for 17 distinct MR imaging observations related to spinal cord injury. These included ordinal, categoric, and continuous measures related to the length and location of spinal cord hemorrhage and edema as well as spinal canal and cord measurements. Level of agreement was calculated using the interclass correlation coefficient and kappa. RESULTS The ordinal common data elements spinal cord injury elements for lesion center and rostral or caudal extent of edema or hemorrhage demonstrated agreement ranging from interclass correlation coefficient 0.68 to 0.99. Reproducibility ranged from 0.95 to 1.00. Moderate agreement was observed for absolute length of hemorrhage and edema (0.54 to 0.60) with good reproducibility (0.78 to 0.83). Agreement for the Brain and Spinal Injury Center score showed the lowest interrater agreement with an overall kappa of 0.27 (0.20, 0.34). For 7 of the 8 variables related to spinal cord injury, agreement improved between the first and second evaluation. Continuous diameter measures of the spinal cord and spinal canal using interclass correlation coefficient varied substantially (0.23 to 0.83). CONCLUSIONS Agreement was more consistent for the ordinal measures of spinal cord injury than continuous measures. Good to excellent agreement on length and location of spinal cord hemorrhage and edema can be achieved with ordinal measures alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Fisher
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.F., D.M.M., S.H.F., F.B.M., A.E.F.)
| | - L Krisa
- Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy (L.K.)
| | - D M Middleton
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.F., D.M.M., S.H.F., F.B.M., A.E.F.)
| | | | - J S Harrop
- Neurosurgery (J.S.H.), Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - L M Shah
- Department of Radiology (L.M.S.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - E D Schwartz
- Department of Radiology (E.D.S.), Saint Elizabeth's Medical Center, Brighton, Massachusetts
| | - A Doshi
- Department of Radiology (A.D.), Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - S H Faro
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.F., D.M.M., S.H.F., F.B.M., A.E.F.)
| | - F B Mohamed
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.F., D.M.M., S.H.F., F.B.M., A.E.F.)
| | - A E Flanders
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.F., D.M.M., S.H.F., F.B.M., A.E.F.)
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Boudreau E, Otamendi A, Levine J, Griffin JF, Gilmour L, Jeffery N. Relationship between Machine-Learning Image Classification of T 2-Weighted Intramedullary Hypointensity on 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical Outcome in Dogs with Severe Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2020; 38:725-733. [PMID: 33054592 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early prognostic information in cases of severe spinal cord injury can aid treatment planning and stratification for clinical trials. Analysis of intraparenchymal signal change on magnetic resonance imaging has been suggested to inform outcome prediction in traumatic spinal cord injury. We hypothesized that intraparenchymal T2-weighted hypointensity would be associated with a lower potential for functional recovery and a higher risk of progressive neurological deterioration in dogs with acute, severe, naturally occurring spinal cord injury. Our objectives were to: 1) demonstrate capacity for machine-learning criteria to identify clinically relevant regions of hypointensity and 2) compare clinical outcomes for cases with and without such regions. A total of 95 dogs with complete spinal cord injury were evaluated. An image classification system, based on Speeded-Up Robust Features (SURF), was trained to recognize individual axial T2-weighted slices that contained hypointensity. The presence of such slices in a given transverse series was correlated with a lower chance of functional recovery (odds ratio [OR], 0.08; confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.38; p < 10-3) and with a higher risk of neurological deterioration (OR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.05-0.42; p < 10-3). Identification of intraparenchymal T2-weighted hypointensity in severe, naturally occurring spinal cord injury may be assisted by an image classification tool and is correlated with functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Boudreau
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Arturo Otamendi
- VCA San Francisco Veterinary Specialists, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jonathan Levine
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - John F Griffin
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Lindsey Gilmour
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Nicholas Jeffery
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas, USA
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Shanmuganathan K, Zhuo J, Bodanapally UK, Kuladeep S, Aarabi B, Adams J, Miller C, Gullapallie RP, Menakar J. Comparison of Acute Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Conventional Magnetic Resonance Parameters in Predicting Long-Term Outcome after Blunt Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2020; 37:458-465. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiachen Zhuo
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Uttam K. Bodanapally
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sudini Kuladeep
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jason Adams
- Department of Rehabilitation Services, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Catriona Miller
- Aeromedical Research Department, U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Center for the Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rao P. Gullapallie
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jay Menakar
- R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Goulet J, Richard-Denis A, Mac-Thiong JM. The use of classification and regression tree analysis to identify the optimal surgical timing for improving neurological outcomes following motor-complete thoracolumbar traumatic spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2020; 58:682-688. [DOI: 10.1038/s41393-020-0412-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Sritharan K, Chamoli U, Kuan J, Diwan AD. Assessment of degenerative cervical stenosis on T2-weighted MR imaging: sensitivity to change and reliability of mid-sagittal and axial plane metrics. Spinal Cord 2019; 58:238-246. [PMID: 31558777 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-019-0358-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A retrospective cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE To assess the sensitivity to change and reliability of various mid-sagittal and axial plane metrics in the assessment of patients with single-level degenerative cervical stenosis on T2-weighted MR imaging. SETTING A diagnostic MR imaging facility in Sydney (Australia). METHODS We retrospectively reviewed T2-weighted MR images of 85 consecutive patients (48 M and 37 F) with single-level degenerative cervical stenosis. Canal compromise and cord compression were evaluated using three mid-sagittal plane metrics (M1, M2, and M3) and two axial plane metrics (M4 and M5), at the level of stenosis and nonstenotic cephalad and caudal levels (controls). Sensitivity to change (SC) for each metric was evaluated as the percentage deviation of the measured value from the estimated normal value based on cephalad and caudal controls. Reliability for each metric was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS Degenerative cervical stenosis showed a bimodal distribution peaking at C5-6 (n = 32) and C3-4 (n = 29) levels. The changes in the canal and cord geometry along the rostrocaudal axis were inconsistent. Across all individual subjects (reflecting a range of stenosis severity), M3 (-32.87% ± 10.60%) was more sensitive to change compared with M1 (16.64% ± 16.48%) and M2 (-23.95% ± 11.12%). Similarly, M4 (-24.62% ± 12.17%) was more sensitive to change compared with M5 (-6.71% ± 11.08%). The level of reliability was "moderate" to "excellent" for mid-sagittal plane measurements, and "poor" to "excellent" for axial plane measurements. CONCLUSION Changes in canal dimensions in the mid-sagittal plane and cord shape in the axial plane are sensitive indicators of degenerative cervical stenosis on T2-weighted MR images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keerthana Sritharan
- Spine Labs, St. George & Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales Australia, Kogarah, Sydney, NSW, 2217, Australia
| | - Uphar Chamoli
- Spine Labs, St. George & Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales Australia, Kogarah, Sydney, NSW, 2217, Australia. .,School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Jeffrey Kuan
- St George MRI, Kirk Place, 1/15 Kensington Street, Kogarah, Sydney, NSW, 2217, Australia
| | - Ashish D Diwan
- Spine Labs, St. George & Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales Australia, Kogarah, Sydney, NSW, 2217, Australia
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Naduvanahalli Vivekanandaswamy A, Kannan M, Sharma V, Shetty AP, Maheswaran A, Kanna RM, Rajasekaran S. Prognostic utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting neurological outcomes in patients with acute thoracolumbar spinal cord injury. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2019; 29:1227-1235. [PMID: 31501968 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-019-06135-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Utility of MRI for predicting neurological outcomes in acute cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) is well established but its value in thoracolumbar (TL) SCI needs to be evaluated. METHODS Seventy-six patients operated for acute TL spinal injuries between January 2014 and March 2016 were reviewed to obtain demographic details, neurology at admission and at the final follow-up. Patients were divided based on the neurology at presentation into group 1 (ASIA A), group 2 (ASIA B, C, D) and group 3 (normal neurology). Preoperative MRI and CT scans were evaluated to measure parameters like osseus canal compromise, spinal cord compression (SCC), spinal cord swelling, length of cord swelling (LOS), length of edema (LOE) and the presence of hemorrhage. The MRI parameters were compared between the groups for their predictive value of neurology on admission and at the final follow-up. RESULTS Of the 38 patients in group 1, six patients recovered by 1 grade, nine patients recovered by 2 grades and there was no recovery in 23 (60.5%) patients. Among group 2 patients, nine (40.9%) out of 22 recovered to ASIA E neurology. On univariate analysis, SCC (P = 0.009), LOS (P = 0.021) and length of edema (P = 0.002) were associated with complete neurological deficit at presentation. However, on multivariate regression analysis only LOE was significant (P = 0.007) in predicting neurology at admission and at follow-up. CONCLUSION Greater the rostrocaudal LOE, worse is the neurology at presentation, and it is associated with poor neurological recovery at follow-up. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhil Kannan
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Ganga Medical Centre and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd, Mettupalayam Road, Coimbatore, 641001, India
| | - Vyom Sharma
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Medical Centre and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd, Mettupalayam Road, Coimbatore, 641001, India
| | - Ajoy Prasad Shetty
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Medical Centre and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd, Mettupalayam Road, Coimbatore, 641001, India. .,Department of Orthopaedics and Spine Surgery, Ganga Medical Centre and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd, #313, Mettupalayam Road, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, 641001, India.
| | - Anupama Maheswaran
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Ganga Medical Centre and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd, Mettupalayam Road, Coimbatore, 641001, India
| | - Rishi Mugesh Kanna
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Medical Centre and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd, Mettupalayam Road, Coimbatore, 641001, India
| | - Shanmuganathan Rajasekaran
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganga Medical Centre and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd, Mettupalayam Road, Coimbatore, 641001, India
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10
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The relevance of MRI for predicting neurological recovery following cervical traumatic spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2019; 57:866-873. [DOI: 10.1038/s41393-019-0295-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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11
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Aarabi B, Olexa J, Chryssikos T, Galvagno SM, Hersh DS, Wessell A, Sansur C, Schwartzbauer G, Crandall K, Shanmuganathan K, Simard JM, Mushlin H, Kole M, Le E, Pratt N, Cannarsa G, Lomangino CD, Scarboro M, Aresco C, Curry B. Extent of Spinal Cord Decompression in Motor Complete (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale Grades A and B) Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Patients: Post-Operative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis of Standard Operative Approaches. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:862-876. [PMID: 30215287 PMCID: PMC6484360 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.5834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although decompressive surgery following traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is recommended, adequate surgical decompression is rarely verified via imaging. We utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to analyze the rate of spinal cord decompression after surgery. Pre-operative (within 8 h of injury) and post-operative (within 48 h of injury) MRI images of 184 motor complete patients (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale [AIS] grade A = 119, AIS grade B = 65) were reviewed to verify spinal cord decompression. Decompression was defined as the presence of a patent subarachnoid space around a swollen spinal cord. Of the 184 patients, 100 (54.3%) underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), and 53 of them also underwent laminectomy. Of the 184 patients, 55 (29.9%) underwent anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF), with (26 patients) or without (29 patients) laminectomy. Twenty-nine patients (16%) underwent stand-alone laminectomy. Decompression was verified in 121 patients (66%). The rates of decompression in patients who underwent ACDF and ACCF without laminectomy were 46.8% and 58.6%, respectively. Among these patients, performing a laminectomy increased the rate of decompression (72% and 73.1% of patients, respectively). Twenty-five of 29 (86.2%) patients who underwent a stand-alone laminectomy were found to be successfully decompressed. The rates of decompression among patients who underwent laminectomy at one, two, three, four, or five levels were 58.3%, 68%, 78%, 80%, and 100%, respectively (p < 0.001). In multi-variate logistic regression analysis, only laminectomy was significantly associated with successful decompression (odds ratio 4.85; 95% confidence interval 2.2-10.6; p < 0.001). In motor complete TSCI patients, performing a laminectomy significantly increased the rate of successful spinal cord decompression, independent of whether anterior surgery was performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joshua Olexa
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Timothy Chryssikos
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Samuel M. Galvagno
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David S. Hersh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Aaron Wessell
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Charles Sansur
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gary Schwartzbauer
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kenneth Crandall
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kathirkamanathan Shanmuganathan
- R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Radiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - J. Marc Simard
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Harry Mushlin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mathew Kole
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Elizabeth Le
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Nathan Pratt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gregory Cannarsa
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Cara D. Lomangino
- R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Maureen Scarboro
- R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carla Aresco
- R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Brian Curry
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
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12
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Quarrington RD, Jones CF, Tcherveniakov P, Clark JM, Sandler SJI, Lee YC, Torabiardakani S, Costi JJ, Freeman BJC. Traumatic subaxial cervical facet subluxation and dislocation: epidemiology, radiographic analyses, and risk factors for spinal cord injury. Spine J 2018; 18:387-398. [PMID: 28739474 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2017.07.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Distractive flexion injuries (DFIs) of the subaxial cervical spine are major contributors to spinal cord injury (SCI). Prompt assessment and early intervention of DFIs associated with SCI are crucial to optimize patient outcome; however, neurologic examination of patients with subaxial cervical injury is often difficult, as patients commonly present with reduced levels of consciousness. Therefore, it is important to establish potential associations between injury epidemiology and radiographic features, and neurologic involvement. PURPOSE The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiology and radiographic features of DFIs presenting to a major Australian tertiary hospital and to identify those factors predictive of SCI. The agreement and repeatability of radiographic measures of DFI severity were also investigated. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING This is a combined retrospective case-control and reliability-agreement study. PATIENT SAMPLE Two hundred twenty-six patients (median age 40 years [interquartile range = 34]; 72.1% male) who presented with a DFI of the subaxial cervical spine between 2003 and 2013 were reviewed. OUTCOME MEASURES The epidemiology and radiographic features of DFI, and risk factors for SCI were identified. Inter- and intraobserver agreement of radiographic measurements was evaluated. METHODS Medical records, radiographs, and computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans were examined, and the presence of SCI was evaluated. Radiographic images were analyzed by two consultant spinal surgeons, and the degree of vertebral translation, facet apposition, spinal canal occlusion, and spinal cord compression were documented. Multivariable logistic regression models identified epidemiology and radiographic features predictive of SCI. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) examined inter- and intraobserver agreement of radiographic measurements. RESULTS The majority of patients (56.2%) sustained a unilateral (51.2%) or a bilateral facet (48.8%) dislocation. The C6-C7 vertebral level was most commonly involved (38.5%). Younger adults were over-represented among motor-vehicle accidents, whereas falls contributed to a majority of DFIs sustained by older adults. Greater vertebral translation, together with lower facet apposition, distinguished facet dislocation from subluxation. Dislocation, bilateral facet injury, reduced Glasgow Coma Scale, spinal canal occlusion, and spinal cord compression were predictive of neurologic deficit. Radiographic measurements demonstrated at least a "moderate" agreement (ICC>0.4), with most demonstrating an "almost perfect" reproducibility. CONCLUSIONS This large-scale cohort investigation of DFIs in the cervical spine describes radiographic features that distinguish facet dislocation from subluxation, and associates highly reproducible anatomical and clinical indices to the occurrence of concomitant SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D Quarrington
- School of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Centre for Orthopaedic & Trauma Research, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, 30 Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Adelaide Centre for Spinal Research, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
| | - Claire F Jones
- School of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Centre for Orthopaedic & Trauma Research, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, 30 Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Adelaide Centre for Spinal Research, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | | | - Jillian M Clark
- Centre for Orthopaedic & Trauma Research, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, 30 Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Adelaide Centre for Spinal Research, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; South Australian Spinal Cord Injury Service, Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre, SA, Australia
| | - Simon J I Sandler
- The Spinal Injuries Unit, Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA, Australia
| | - Yu Chao Lee
- The Spinal Injuries Unit, Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA, Australia
| | | | - John J Costi
- Biomechanics and Implants Research Group, The Medical Device Research Institute, Flinders University, SA, Australia
| | - Brian J C Freeman
- Centre for Orthopaedic & Trauma Research, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, 30 Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Adelaide Centre for Spinal Research, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; The Spinal Injuries Unit, Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA, Australia
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13
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Skeers P, Battistuzzo CR, Clark JM, Bernard S, Freeman BJC, Batchelor PE. Acute Thoracolumbar Spinal Cord Injury: Relationship of Cord Compression to Neurological Outcome. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2018; 100:305-315. [PMID: 29462034 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.16.00995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury in the cervical spine is commonly accompanied by cord compression and urgent surgical decompression may improve neurological recovery. However, the extent of spinal cord compression and its relationship to neurological recovery following traumatic thoracolumbar spinal cord injury is unclear. The purpose of this study was to quantify maximum cord compression following thoracolumbar spinal cord injury and to assess the relationship among cord compression, cord swelling, and eventual clinical outcome. METHODS The medical records of patients who were 15 to 70 years of age, were admitted with a traumatic thoracolumbar spinal cord injury (T1 to L1), and underwent a spinal surgical procedure were examined. Patients with penetrating injuries and multitrauma were excluded. Maximal osseous canal compromise and maximal spinal cord compression were measured on preoperative mid-sagittal computed tomography (CT) scans and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by observers blinded to patient outcome. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) grades from acute hospital admission (≤24 hours of injury) and rehabilitation discharge were used to measure clinical outcome. Relationships among spinal cord compression, canal compromise, and initial and final AIS grades were assessed via univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS Fifty-three patients with thoracolumbar spinal cord injury were included in this study. The overall mean maximal spinal cord compression (and standard deviation) was 40% ± 21%. There was a significant relationship between median spinal cord compression and final AIS grade, with grade-A patients (complete injury) exhibiting greater compression than grade-C and D patients (incomplete injury) (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression identified mean spinal cord compression as independently influencing the likelihood of complete spinal cord injury (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Traumatic thoracolumbar spinal cord injury is commonly accompanied by substantial cord compression. Greater cord compression is associated with an increased likelihood of severe neurological deficits (complete injury) following thoracolumbar spinal cord injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peta Skeers
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Camila R Battistuzzo
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jillian M Clark
- Centre for Orthopaedic and Trauma Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Stephen Bernard
- Intensive Care Unit, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brian J C Freeman
- Centre for Orthopaedic and Trauma Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Spinal Injuries Unit, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peter E Batchelor
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Dalkilic T, Fallah N, Noonan VK, Salimi Elizei S, Dong K, Belanger L, Ritchie L, Tsang A, Bourassa-Moreau E, Heran MK, Paquette SJ, Ailon T, Dea N, Street J, Fisher CG, Dvorak MF, Kwon BK. Predicting Injury Severity and Neurological Recovery after Acute Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Comparison of Cerebrospinal Fluid and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers. J Neurotrauma 2018; 35:435-445. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Turker Dalkilic
- Vancouver Spine Program, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nader Fallah
- Rick Hansen Institute, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Vanessa K. Noonan
- Rick Hansen Institute, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sanam Salimi Elizei
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kevin Dong
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lise Belanger
- Vancouver Spine Program, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Leanna Ritchie
- Vancouver Spine Program, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Angela Tsang
- Vancouver Spine Program, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Manraj K.S. Heran
- Diagnostic & Therapeutic Neuroradiology, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Scott J. Paquette
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tamir Ailon
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicolas Dea
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John Street
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Charles G. Fisher
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marcel F. Dvorak
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brian K. Kwon
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopedics, University of British Columbia, Blusson Spinal Cord Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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A prospective serial MRI study following acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2017; 26:2324-2332. [DOI: 10.1007/s00586-017-5097-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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16
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Haefeli J, Mabray MC, Whetstone WD, Dhall SS, Pan JZ, Upadhyayula P, Manley GT, Bresnahan JC, Beattie MS, Ferguson AR, Talbott JF. Multivariate Analysis of MRI Biomarkers for Predicting Neurologic Impairment in Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2017; 38:648-655. [PMID: 28007771 PMCID: PMC5671488 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a5021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Acute markers of spinal cord injury are essential for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes. The goal of this study was to assess the relationship between early MR imaging biomarkers after acute cervical spinal cord injury and to evaluate their predictive validity of neurologic impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of 95 patients with acute spinal cord injury and preoperative MR imaging within 24 hours of injury. The American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale was used as our primary outcome measure to define neurologic impairment. We assessed several MR imaging features of injury, including axial grade (Brain and Spinal Injury Center score), sagittal grade, length of injury, maximum canal compromise, and maximum spinal cord compression. Data-driven nonlinear principal component analysis was followed by correlation and optimal-scaled multiple variable regression to predict neurologic impairment. RESULTS Nonlinear principal component analysis identified 2 clusters of MR imaging variables related to 1) measures of intrinsic cord signal abnormality and 2) measures of extrinsic cord compression. Neurologic impairment was best accounted for by MR imaging measures of intrinsic cord signal abnormality, with axial grade representing the most accurate predictor of short-term impairment, even when correcting for surgical decompression and degree of cord compression. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the utility of applying nonlinear principal component analysis for defining the relationship between MR imaging biomarkers in a complex clinical syndrome of cervical spinal cord injury. Of the assessed imaging biomarkers, the intrinsic measures of cord signal abnormality were most predictive of neurologic impairment in acute spinal cord injury, highlighting the value of axial T2 MR imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Haefeli
- From the Departments of Neurological Surgery (J.H., S.S.D., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F.).,Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Brain and Spinal Injury Center (J.H., W.D.W., S.S.D., J.Z.P., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F., J.F.T.)
| | - M C Mabray
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (M.C.M., J.F.T.)
| | - W D Whetstone
- Emergency Medicine (W.D.W.).,Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Brain and Spinal Injury Center (J.H., W.D.W., S.S.D., J.Z.P., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F., J.F.T.)
| | - S S Dhall
- From the Departments of Neurological Surgery (J.H., S.S.D., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F.).,Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Brain and Spinal Injury Center (J.H., W.D.W., S.S.D., J.Z.P., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F., J.F.T.)
| | - J Z Pan
- Anesthesia and Perioperative Care (J.Z.P.), University of California San Francisco and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California.,Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Brain and Spinal Injury Center (J.H., W.D.W., S.S.D., J.Z.P., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F., J.F.T.)
| | - P Upadhyayula
- From the Departments of Neurological Surgery (J.H., S.S.D., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F.).,Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Brain and Spinal Injury Center (J.H., W.D.W., S.S.D., J.Z.P., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F., J.F.T.)
| | - G T Manley
- From the Departments of Neurological Surgery (J.H., S.S.D., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F.).,Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Brain and Spinal Injury Center (J.H., W.D.W., S.S.D., J.Z.P., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F., J.F.T.)
| | - J C Bresnahan
- From the Departments of Neurological Surgery (J.H., S.S.D., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F.).,Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Brain and Spinal Injury Center (J.H., W.D.W., S.S.D., J.Z.P., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F., J.F.T.)
| | - M S Beattie
- From the Departments of Neurological Surgery (J.H., S.S.D., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F.).,Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Brain and Spinal Injury Center (J.H., W.D.W., S.S.D., J.Z.P., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F., J.F.T.)
| | - A R Ferguson
- From the Departments of Neurological Surgery (J.H., S.S.D., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F.) .,Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Brain and Spinal Injury Center (J.H., W.D.W., S.S.D., J.Z.P., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F., J.F.T.).,San Francisco VA Medical Center (A.R.F.), San Francisco, California
| | - J F Talbott
- Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (M.C.M., J.F.T.).,Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Brain and Spinal Injury Center (J.H., W.D.W., S.S.D., J.Z.P., P.U., G.T.M., J.C.B., M.S.B., A.R.F., J.F.T.)
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17
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Furlan JC, Catharine Craven B. Psychometric analysis and critical appraisal of the original, revised, and modified versions of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score in the assessment of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Neurosurg Focus 2017; 40:E6. [PMID: 27246489 DOI: 10.3171/2016.3.focus1648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common cause of nontraumatic spinal cord impairment and disability in the world. Given that the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score is the most frequently used outcome measure in clinical research and practice for treating patients with CSM, this review was undertaken to comprehensively and critically evaluate the psychometric properties of the JOA score. METHODS The authors identified studies (published in the period of January 1975 to November 2015) on the psychometric properties of the original, revised, and modified versions of the JOA score in Medline, PsycINFO, Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), American College of Physicians Journal Club, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Additional publications were captured in a secondary search of the bibliographies in both original research articles and literature reviews identified in the original search. The JOA scores were evaluated for item generation and reduction, internal consistency, reliability, validity, and responsiveness. This review included all those versions of the JOA score whose psychometric properties had been reported in at least 2 published studies. RESULTS The primary search strategy identified 59 studies, of which 9 fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. An additional 18 publications were captured in the secondary search and included in the analysis. The key findings from the 27 studies analyzed indicated the following: 1) the original JOA score (1975) was the source for the revised JOA score (1994) and 3 modified versions (1991, 1993, and 1999 JOA scores) reported or used in at least 2 published studies; 2) the revised and modified versions of the JOA score are markedly different from each other; 3) only the revised JOA score (1994) was validated with the original JOA score; and 4) the 1975 JOA score is the most appropriate instrument for assessing patients in Asian populations (especially from Japan) because of its psychometric attributes, and the 1991 JOA score is the most appropriate version for use in Western populations. CONCLUSIONS The authors' results indicate that the original (1975), revised (1994), and modified (1991, 1993, and 1999) versions of the JOA score are substantially different from each other in terms of their content and have been incompletely examined for their psychometric properties and cultural sensitivity. Whereas the 1975 JOA score is the most appropriate version for assessing individuals from Asian populations (particularly those eating with chopsticks), the 1991 JOA score is most suitable for evaluating patients in Western populations. Nonetheless, further investigation of the psychometric properties of the 1975 and 1991 JOA scores is recommended because of a paucity of studies reporting on the responsiveness of these 2 scoring instruments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio C Furlan
- Division of Neurology;,Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; and.,Lyndhurst Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - B Catharine Craven
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; and.,Lyndhurst Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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18
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Clinical Predictors of Neurological Outcome within 72 h after Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38909. [PMID: 27941855 PMCID: PMC5150991 DOI: 10.1038/srep38909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the prognostic values of clinical factors 72 h within traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (TCSCI). Data were extracted from the medical materials of 57 TCSCI cases. AIS was used as the outcome measure and divided into dichotomous variables by two methods, i.e. “complete(AIS = A)/incomplete(AIS ≠ A) SCI” and “motor complete(AIS = A or B)/incomplete(AIS ≠ A and B) SCI”. Relationships between evaluated factors and outcomes were investigated by univariate and multivariate methods. MRI Cord transection (MCT) cases, most significantly related to complete SCIs by univariate analysis (P = 0.006), all showed complete SCIs when discharged, which makes it unsuitable for logistic regression. With MCT cases removed, univariate analysis was conducted again, then logistic regression. At last, only C5 spine injury (P = 0.024, OR = 0.241) was related to complete SCI. Cases with compression flexion injury mechanism (CFIM), most significantly related to motor complete SCIs by univariate analysis (P = 0.001), was also unsuitable for logistic regression for the same reason. At last, C3 spine injury (P = 0.033, OR = 0.068) and high energy injury (P = 0.033, OR = 14.763) were related to motor complete SCIs with CFIM cases removed. The results show that MCT and C5 spine injury are good predictors for complete/incomplete SCIs. CFIM, C3 spine injury and high energy injury are good predictors for motor complete/incomplete SCIs.
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19
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Mabray MC, Talbott JF, Whetstone WD, Dhall SS, Phillips DB, Pan JZ, Manley GT, Bresnahan JC, Beattie MS, Haefeli J, Ferguson AR. Multidimensional Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predicts Early Impairment in Thoracic and Thoracolumbar Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2016; 33:954-62. [PMID: 26414451 PMCID: PMC4876497 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2015.4093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Literature examining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in acute spinal cord injury (SCI) has focused on cervical SCI. Reproducible systems have been developed for MRI-based grading; however, it is unclear how they apply to thoracic SCI. Our hypothesis is that MRI measures will group as coherent multivariate principal component (PC) ensembles, and that distinct PCs and individual variables will show discriminant validity for predicting early impairment in thoracic SCI. We undertook a retrospective cohort study of 25 patients with acute thoracic SCI who underwent MRI on admission and had American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) assessment at hospital discharge. Imaging variables of axial grade, sagittal grade, length of injury, thoracolumbar injury classification system (TLICS), maximum canal compromise (MCC), and maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC) were collected. We performed an analytical workflow to detect multivariate PC patterns followed by explicit hypothesis testing to predict AIS at discharge. All imaging variables loaded positively on PC1 (64.3% of variance), which was highly related to AIS at discharge. MCC, MSCC, and TLICS also loaded positively on PC2 (22.7% of variance), while variables concerning cord signal abnormality loaded negatively on PC2. PC2 was highly related to the patient undergoing surgical decompression. Variables of signal abnormality were all negatively correlated with AIS at discharge with the highest level of correlation for axial grade as assessed with the Brain and Spinal Injury Center (BASIC) score. A multiple variable model identified BASIC as the only statistically significant predictor of AIS at discharge, signifying that BASIC best captured the variance in AIS within our study population. Our study provides evidence of convergent validity, construct validity, and clinical predictive validity for the sampled MRI measures of SCI when applied in acute thoracic and thoracolumbar SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc C. Mabray
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - Jason F. Talbott
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - William D. Whetstone
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - Sanjay S. Dhall
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - David B. Phillips
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - Jonathan Z. Pan
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - Geoffrey T. Manley
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - Jacqueline C. Bresnahan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - Michael S. Beattie
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - Jenny Haefeli
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
| | - Adam R. Ferguson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California
- San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California
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20
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Fu MC, Webb ML, Buerba RA, Neway WE, Brown JE, Trivedi M, Lischuk AW, Haims AH, Grauer JN. Comparison of agreement of cervical spine degenerative pathology findings in magnetic resonance imaging studies. Spine J 2016; 16:42-8. [PMID: 26291398 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2015.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used in the evaluation of degenerative conditions of the cervical spine. However, the agreement of interpreting and reporting varying degenerative findings on cervical MRI has not been well assessed. PURPOSE This study aimed to compare the inter-rater and intra-rater agreement of MRI findings between common degenerative findings of the cervical spine. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective diagnostic study was used as study design. PATIENT SAMPLE The sample consisted of 48 patients who underwent routine cervical spine MRI at our institution between January 2011 and June 2012. OUTCOME MEASURES Reviewers evaluated each MRI study at each vertebral level for disc hydration, disc space height, central stenosis, foraminal stenosis, end plate changes, spondylolisthesis, and cord signal change. METHODS A panel of two orthopedic spine surgeons and four musculoskeletal radiologists independently reviewed 48 sets of T2-weighted axial and sagittal MRI sequences for a series of preselected criteria, and their findings were compared with those of the other panelists to determine inter-rater agreement. Each panelist also re-reviewed the first 10 studies to determine intra-rater agreement. Absolute inter-rater and intra-rater agreements were then calculated and compared for different findings. A modified analysis ignored disagreements between the least severe grades of findings to determine the inter-rater and intra-rater agreements of the most clinically important severity grades. RESULTS Absolute inter-rater agreement ranged from 54.6% to 95.0%. Disc hydration (54.6%), central stenosis (72.7%), and foraminal stenosis (73.1%) demonstrated the lowest inter-rater agreement, whereas spondylolisthesis (95.0%) and cord signal change (92.9%) demonstrated the highest agreement. The modified analysis found better inter-rater agreement, ranging from 80.9% to 95.0%. Absolute intra-rater agreement ranged from 74.2% to 94.7%. The modified analysis again found better agreement, ranging from 85.0% to 94.7%. As would be expected, overall intra-rater agreement (81.6%, 95% CI 78.9%-84.3%) was higher than inter-rater agreement (75.7%, 95% CI 74.4%-77.0%). The clinical specialty of the reviewer had no significant impact on inter- or intra-rater agreement. CONCLUSIONS MRI findings play an important role in the management of patients with cervical spine conditions. For this reason, consistent descriptions of these findings are essential and physicians should be aware of the relative reliability of these findings. This systematic study developed standardized grading criteria and nomenclature for common clinically significant MRI findings in the cervical spine. Even in this optimized research setting, we found significant ranges in agreement across these MRI findings. In the clinical setting, inter- and intra-rater agreements may be lower, and the range of agreements between findings may be greater. Physicians should be aware of inconsistencies inherent in the interpretation of cervical MRI findings and should be aware that some findings demonstrate lower agreement than others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Fu
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew L Webb
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rafael A Buerba
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - William E Neway
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Surgery, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - J Elliott Brown
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mitesh Trivedi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Andrew W Lischuk
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Andrew H Haims
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jonathan N Grauer
- Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Preexisting severe cervical spinal cord compression is a significant risk factor for severe paralysis development in patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury without bone injury: a retrospective cohort study. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00586-015-4142-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Zohrabian VM, Parker L, Harrop JS, Vaccaro AR, Marino RJ, Flanders AE. Can anatomic level of injury on MRI predict neurological level in acute cervical spinal cord injury? Br J Neurosurg 2015; 30:204-10. [PMID: 26168300 DOI: 10.3109/02688697.2015.1056089] [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: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Determining neurological level of injury (NLI) is of paramount importance after spinal cord injury (SCI), although its accuracy depends upon the reliability of the neurologic examination. Here, we determine if anatomic location of cervical cord injury by MRI (MRI level of injury) can predict NLI in the acute traumatic setting. METHODS A retrospective review was undertaken of SCI patients with macroscopic evidence of cervical cord injury from non-penetrating trauma, all of whom had undergone cervical spine MRI and complete neurologic testing. The recorded MRI information included cord lesion type (intra-axial edema, hemorrhage) and MRI locations of upper and lower lesion boundary, as well as lesion epicenter. Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman analyses were used to assess the relationship between MRI levels of injury and NLI. RESULTS All five MRI parameters, namely (1) upper and (2) lower boundaries of cord edema, (3) lesion epicenter, and (4) upper and (5) lower boundaries of cord hemorrhage demonstrated statistically significant, positive correlations with NLI. The MRI locations of upper and lower boundary of hemorrhage were found to have the strongest correlation with NLI (r = 0.72 and 0.61, respectively; p < 0.01). A weaker (low to moderate) correlation existed between lower boundary of cord edema and NLI (r = 0.30; p < 0.01). Upper boundary of cord hemorrhage on MRI demonstrated the best agreement with NLI (mean difference 0.03 ± 0.73; p < 0.01) by Bland-Altman analysis. CONCLUSIONS MRI level of injury has the potential to serve as a surrogate for NLI in instances where the neurologic examination is either unavailable or unreliable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahe M Zohrabian
- a Department of Diagnostic Radiology , Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven , USA
| | - Laurence Parker
- b Department of Radiology , Thomas Jefferson University Hospital , PA , USA
| | - James S Harrop
- c Department of Neurological Surgery , Thomas Jefferson University Hospital , PA , USA
| | - Alex R Vaccaro
- d Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , The Rothman Institute, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital , PA , USA
| | - Ralph J Marino
- e Department of Rehabilitation Medicine , Regional Spinal Cord Injury Centre of the Delaware Valley, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital , PA , USA
| | - Adam E Flanders
- b Department of Radiology , Thomas Jefferson University Hospital , PA , USA
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Le E, Aarabi B, Hersh DS, Shanmuganathan K, Diaz C, Massetti J, Akhtar-Danesh N. Predictors of intramedullary lesion expansion rate on MR images of patients with subaxial spinal cord injury. J Neurosurg Spine 2015; 22:611-21. [DOI: 10.3171/2014.10.spine14576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT
Studies of preclinical spinal cord injury (SCI) in rodents indicate that expansion of intramedullary lesions (IMLs) seen on MR images may be amenable to neuroprotection. In patients with subaxial SCI and motor-complete American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) Grade A or B, IML expansion has been shown to be approximately 900 μm/hour. In this study, the authors investigated IML expansion in a cohort of patients with subaxial SCI and AIS Grade A, B, C, or D.
METHODS
Seventy-eight patients who had at least 2 MRI scans within 6 days of SCI were enrolled. Data were analyzed by regression analysis.
RESULTS
In this cohort, the mean age was 45.3 years (SD 18.3 years), 73 patients were injured in a motor vehicle crash, from a fall, or in sport activities, and 77% of them were men. The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 26.7 (SD 16.7), and the AIS grade was A in 23 patients, B in 7, C in 7, and D in 41. The mechanism of injury was distraction in 26 patients, compression in 22, disc/osteophyte complex in 29, and Chance fracture in 1. The mean time between injury onset and the first MRI scan (Interval 1) was 10 hours (SD 8.7 hours), and the mean time to the second MRI scan (Interval 2) was 60 hours (SD 29.6 hours). The mean IML lengths of the first and second MR images were 38.8 mm (SD 20.4 mm) and 51 mm (SD 36.5 mm), respectively. The mean time from the first to the second MRI scan (Interval 3) was 49.9 hours (SD 28.4 hours), and the difference in IML lengths was 12.6 mm (SD 20.7 mm), reflecting an expansion rate of 366 μm/ hour (SD 710 μm/hour). IML expansion in patients with AIS Grades A and B was 918 μm/hour (SD 828 μm/hour), and for those with AIS Grades C and D, it was 21 μm/hour (SD 304 μm/hour). Univariate analysis indicated that AIS Grade A or B versus Grades C or D (p < 0.0001), traction (p= 0.0005), injury morphology (p < 0.005), the surgical approach (p= 0.009), vertebral artery injury (p= 0.02), age (p < 0.05), ISS (p < 0.05), ASIA motor score (p < 0.05), and time to decompression (p < 0.05) were all predictors of lesion expansion. In multiple regression analysis, however, the sole determinant of IML expansion was AIS grade (p < 0.005).
CONCLUSIONS
After traumatic subaxial cervical spine or spinal cord injury, patients with motor-complete injury (AIS Grade A or B) had a significantly higher rate of IML expansion than those with motor-incomplete injury (AIS Grade C or D).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bizhan Aarabi
- 1Department of Neurosurgery and
- 2R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; and
| | | | | | - Cara Diaz
- 2R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; and
| | - Jennifer Massetti
- 2R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; and
| | - Noori Akhtar-Danesh
- 3School of Nursing and Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Biering-Sørensen F, Alai S, Anderson K, Charlifue S, Chen Y, DeVivo M, Flanders AE, Jones L, Kleitman N, Lans A, Noonan VK, Odenkirchen J, Steeves J, Tansey K, Widerström-Noga E, Jakeman LB. Common data elements for spinal cord injury clinical research: a National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke project. Spinal Cord 2015; 53:265-77. [PMID: 25665542 PMCID: PMC4393777 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2014.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Revised: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop a comprehensive set of common data elements (CDEs), data definitions, case report forms and guidelines for use in spinal cord injury (SCI) clinical research, as part of the CDE project at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) of the US National Institutes of Health. SETTING International Working Groups. METHODS Nine working groups composed of international experts reviewed existing CDEs and instruments, created new elements when needed and provided recommendations for SCI clinical research. The project was carried out in collaboration with and cross-referenced to development of the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) International SCI Data Sets. The recommendations were compiled, subjected to internal review and posted online for external public comment. The final version was reviewed by all working groups and the NINDS CDE team before release. RESULTS The NINDS SCI CDEs and supporting documents are publically available on the NINDS CDE website and the ISCoS website. The CDEs span the continuum of SCI care and the full range of domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. CONCLUSION Widespread use of CDEs can facilitate SCI clinical research and trial design, data sharing and retrospective analyses. Continued international collaboration will enable consistent data collection and reporting, and will help ensure that the data elements are updated, reviewed and broadcast as additional evidence is obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fin Biering-Sørensen
- Department of Spinal Cord Injuries, Rigshospitalet and Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Kim Anderson
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Yuying Chen
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael DeVivo
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Adam E. Flanders
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Linda Jones
- Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, Encino, California, USA
| | | | - Aria Lans
- The EMMES Corporation, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Joanne Odenkirchen
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John Steeves
- University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Keith Tansey
- Emory University and Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Eva Widerström-Noga
- Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Lyn B. Jakeman
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Development and validation of a risk prediction model for tracheostomy in acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury patients. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2014; 24:975-84. [PMID: 25542384 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-014-3731-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tracheostomy may become indispensable for patients with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries. However, the early prediction of a tracheostomy is often difficult. Previous prediction models using the pulmonary function test (PFT) have limitations because some severely injured patients could not provide acceptable PFT results. We aim to develop an alternative model for predicting tracheostomy using accessible data obtained from the bedside. METHOD Clinical, neurological and radiological data from 345 consecutive patients with acute tetraplegia were retrospectively reviewed. We applied multiple logistic regression analysis (MLRA) and classification and regression tree (CART) analysis to develop the prediction model for tracheostomy. By train-test cross-validation, we used the sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) and correction rate to evaluate the performance of these models. RESULTS According to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) standards, an admission ASIA motor score (AAMS) ≤ 22, ASIA grade A and presence of respiratory complications were identified as independent predictors of tracheostomy by both models. The model derived by CART suggested that the highest signal change (HSC) in the spinal cord on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also affected a patient's requirement for a tracheostomy, while MLRA demonstrated that tracheostomy was also influenced by the presence of an ASIA grade B injury. The CART model had a sensitivity of 73.7%, specificity of 89.7%, AUC of 0.909 and overall correction rate of 87.3%. The sensitivity, specificity, AUC and correction rate of the MLRA model were 81.8, 86.4, 0.889 and 85.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We suggest using the CART model in clinical applications. Patients with AAMS ≤ 1 exhibit an increased likelihood of requiring a tracheostomy. For patients with an AAMS in the range of 2-22, surgeons should consider giving these patients a tracheostomy once respiratory complications occur. Surgeons should be cautious to give a tracheostomy to patients with an AAMS ≥ 23, if the patient experiences an incomplete spinal cord injury and the HSC in the spinal cord is at C3 level or lower based on MRI. For other patients, close observation is necessary; generally, patients with complete SCI might require a tracheostomy more frequently.
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Kalsi-Ryan S, Wilson J, Yang JM, Fehlings MG. Neurological Grading in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. World Neurosurg 2014; 82:509-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2013.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Revised: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Aarabi B, Hadley MN, Dhall SS, Gelb DE, Hurlbert RJ, Rozzelle CJ, Ryken TC, Theodore N, Walters BC. Management of Acute Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome (ATCCS). Neurosurgery 2013; 72 Suppl 2:195-204. [DOI: 10.1227/neu.0b013e318276f64b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, and University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mark N. Hadley
- Division of Neurological Surgery, and Children's Hospital of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sanjay S. Dhall
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Daniel E. Gelb
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - R. John Hurlbert
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary Spine Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Curtis J. Rozzelle
- Division of Neurological Surgery, Children's Hospital of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Timothy C. Ryken
- Iowa Spine & Brain Institute, University of Iowa, Waterloo/Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Nicholas Theodore
- Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Beverly C. Walters
- Division of Neurological Surgery, and Children's Hospital of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
- Department of Neurosciences, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia
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28
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Aarabi B, Harrop JS, Tator CH, Alexander M, Dettori JR, Grossman RG, Fehlings MG, Mirvis SE, Shanmuganathan K, Zacherl KM, Burau KD, Frankowski RF, Toups E, Shaffrey CI, Guest JD, Harkema SJ, Habashi NM, Andrews P, Johnson MM, Rosner MK. Predictors of pulmonary complications in blunt traumatic spinal cord injury. J Neurosurg Spine 2013; 17:38-45. [PMID: 22985369 DOI: 10.3171/2012.4.aospine1295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Pulmonary complications are the most common acute systemic adverse events following spinal cord injury (SCI), and contribute to morbidity, mortality, and increased length of hospital stay (LOS). Identification of factors associated with pulmonary complications would be of value in prevention and acute care management. Predictors of pulmonary complications after SCI and their effect on neurological recovery were prospectively studied between 2005 and 2009 at the 9 hospitals in the North American Clinical Trials Network (NACTN). METHODS The authors sought to address 2 specific aims: 1) define and analyze the predictors of moderate and severe pulmonary complications following SCI; and 2) investigate whether pulmonary complications negatively affected the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale conversion rate of patients with SCI. The NACTN registry of the demographic data, neurological findings, imaging studies, and acute hospitalization duration of patients with SCI was used to analyze the incidence and severity of pulmonary complications in 109 patients with early MR imaging and long-term follow-up (mean 9.5 months). Univariate and Bayesian logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data. RESULTS In this study, 86 patients were male, and the mean age was 43 years. The causes of injury were motor vehicle accidents and falls in 80 patients. The SCI segmental level was in the cervical, thoracic, and conus medullaris regions in 87, 14, and 8 patients, respectively. Sixty-four patients were neurologically motor complete at the time of admission. The authors encountered 87 complications in 51 patients: ventilator-dependent respiratory failure (26); pneumonia (25); pleural effusion (17); acute lung injury (6); lobar collapse (4); pneumothorax (4); pulmonary embolism (2); hemothorax (2), and mucus plug (1). Univariate analysis indicated associations between pulmonary complications and younger age, sports injuries, ASIA Impairment Scale grade, ascending neurological level, and lesion length on the MRI studies at admission. Bayesian logistic regression indicated a significant relationship between pulmonary complications and ASIA Impairment Scale Grades A (p = 0.0002) and B (p = 0.04) at admission. Pulmonary complications did not affect long-term conversion of ASIA Impairment Scale grades. CONCLUSIONS The ASIA Impairment Scale grade was the fundamental clinical entity predicting pulmonary complications. Although pulmonary complications significantly increased LOS, they did not increase mortality rates and did not adversely affect the rate of conversion to a better ASIA Impairment Scale grade in patients with SCI. Maximum canal compromise, maximum spinal cord compression, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II score had no relationship to pulmonary complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA.
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Khan L, Mitera G, Probyn L, Ford M, Christakis M, Finkelstein J, Donovan A, Zhang L, Zeng L, Rubenstein J, Yee A, Holden L, Chow E. Inter-rater reliability between musculoskeletal radiologists and orthopedic surgeons on computed tomography imaging features of spinal metastases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 18:e282-7. [PMID: 22184495 DOI: 10.3747/co.v18i6.797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The primary objective of this pilot study was to examine the inter-rater reliability in scoring the computed tomography (ct) imaging features of spinal metastases in patients referred for radiotherapy (rt) for bone pain. METHODS In a retrospective review, 3 musculoskeletal radiologists and 2 orthopedic spinal surgeons independently evaluated ct imaging features for 41 patients with spinal metastases treated with rt in an outpatient radiation clinic from January 2007 to October 2008. The evaluation used spinal assessment criteria that had been developed in-house, with reference to osseous and soft tissue tumour extent,presence of a pathologic fracture,severity of vertebral height loss, andpresence of kyphosis.The Cohen kappa coefficient between the two specialties was calculated. RESULTS Mean patient age was 69.2 years (30 men, 11 women). The mean total daily oral morphine equivalent was 73.4 mg. Treatment dose-fractionation schedules included 8 Gy/1 (n = 28), 20 Gy/5 (n = 12), and 20 Gy/8 (n = 1). Areas of moderate agreement in identifying the ct imaging appearance of spinal metastasis included extent of vertebral body involvement (κ = 0.48) and soft-tissue component (κ = 0.59). Areas of fair agreement included extent of pedicle involvement (κ = 0.28), extent of lamina involvement (κ = 0.35), and presence of pathologic fracture (κ = 0.20). Areas of poor agreement included nerve-root compression (κ = 0.14) and vertebral body height loss (κ = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS The range of agreement between musculoskeletal radiologists and orthopedic surgeons for most spinal assessment criteria is moderate to poor. A consensus for managing challenging vertebral injuries secondary to spinal metastases needs to be established so as to best triage patients to the most appropriate therapeutic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Khan
- Bone Metastases Site Group, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
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Arvin B, Kalsi-Ryan S, Karpova A, Mercier D, Furlan JC, Massicotte EM, Fehlings MG. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging can predict neurological recovery after surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a prospective study with blinded assessments. Neurosurgery 2012; 69:362-8. [PMID: 21471834 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0b013e31821a418c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Factors that can predict the recovery of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients postoperatively are of significant interest to physicians and patients and their families. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are a common method of examination after surgery, and thus of interest as a predictor of outcome. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether findings on MRI at 6 months postoperatively could predict recovery at 1 year in CSM patients. METHODS In 52 consecutive prospective patients, MRI was performed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. T1 and T2 signal change (area, height, and segmentation) and spinal cord re-expansion were measured. Outcome measures evaluated at 1 year postoperatively were compared with preoperative values. Univariate and stepwise multiple regressions were undertaken. RESULTS Using univariate analysis, patients whose cord failed to re-expand had poorer outcome according to the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score and Nurick score (P = .014) and grip test (P = .006) postoperatively. Stepwise multivariate regression showed lack of cord re-expansion to be predictive of prognosis postoperatively in the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score (P = .013) and Berg Balance Scale (P = .014), and walking test (P = .011). Postoperative hyperintense T2 signal change was predictive of worse outcome on the Berg Balance Scale (P = .014) and walking test (P = .020), Nurick score (P = .001), and Short Form-36 scores (P = .020). In cases in which the T2 signal intensified, there was a poorer outcome on Nurick scores (P = .013), grip test (P = .017), and Short Form-36 scores (P = .030). CONCLUSION Findings on postoperative MRI at 6 months is of predictive value in determining outcomes in CSM patients. The persistence and type of T2 signal change and lack of re-expansion of the cord correlate with poorer recovery and likely reflect irreversible structural changes in the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Arvin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Queens Hospital, Romford Essex, United Kingdom
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Kim JH, Song SK, Burke DA, Magnuson DSK. Comprehensive locomotor outcomes correlate to hyperacute diffusion tensor measures after spinal cord injury in the adult rat. Exp Neurol 2011; 235:188-96. [PMID: 22119625 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Revised: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In adult rats, locomotor deficits following a contusive thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) are caused primarily by white matter loss/dysfunction at the epicenter. This loss/dysfunction decreases descending input from the brain and cervical spinal cord, and decreases ascending signals in long propriospinal, spinocerebellar and somatosensory pathways, among many others. Predicting the long-term functional consequences of a contusive injury acutely, without knowledge of the injury severity is difficult due to the temporary flaccid paralysis and loss of reflexes that accompany spinal shock. It is now well known that recovery of high quality hindlimb stepping requires only 12-15% spared white matter at the epicenter, but that forelimb-hindlimb coordination and precision stepping (grid or horizontal ladder) require substantially more trans-contusion communication. In order to translate our understanding of the neural substrates for functional recovery in the rat to the clinical arena, common outcome measures and imaging modalities are required. In the current study we furthered the exploration of one of these approaches, diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI), a technique now used commonly to image the brain in clinical research but rarely used diagnostically or prognostically for spinal cord injury. In the adult rat model of SCI, we found that hyperacute (<3h post-injury) DTI of the lateral and ventral white matter at the injury epicenter was predictive of both electrophysiological and behavioral (locomotor) recovery at 4 weeks post-injury, despite the presence of flaccid paralysis/spinal shock. Regions of white matter with a minimum axial diffusivity of 1.5 μm(2)/ms at 3h were able to conduct action potentials at 4 weeks, and axial diffusivity within the lateral funiculus was highly predictive of locomotor function at 4 weeks. These observations suggest that acute DTI should be useful to provide functional predictions for spared white matter following contusive spinal cord injuries clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joong H Kim
- Department of Radiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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A novel approach to quantitatively assess posttraumatic cervical spinal canal compromise and spinal cord compression: a multicenter responsiveness study. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2011; 36:784-93. [PMID: 21192294 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0b013e3181e7be3a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Multicenter retrospective study. OBJECTIVE To examine whether posttraumatic cervical spinal canal compromise and spinal cord compression are responsive to changes in motor and sensory functions. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The maximum canal compromise (MCC) and maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC) were developed to quantitatively assess canal stenosis and spinal cord compression using computed tomographic (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the setting of acute spine trauma. METHODS We included 100 consecutive patients with acute spine trauma. Patients were classified into three groups as follows: patients with acute spine trauma without spinal cord injury (group 1), patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (group 2), and patients with complete spinal cord injury (group 3). We studied three quantitative imaging parameters given as follows: MCC using CT-based measurements, MCC using T1-MRI based measurements, and MSCC using T2-MRI based measurements. RESULTS There were 78 male patients and 22 female patients with ages from 17 to 82 years (mean age = 45 years). In group 1, there were no significant differences regarding the mean MRI-MCC and MSCC among the spine levels. Although most spine levels were statistically comparable regarding the CT-MCC in patients of group 1, the C7 level significantly differed from the C3 level. Comparisons among all three patient groups showed significant differences regarding the mean MRI-MCC and MSCC, but no significant differences were observed in the mean CT-MCC between groups 1 and 2, and between groups 1 and 3. Data analyses using operating characteristics of each radiologic parameter indicated that only the MRI parameters had consistently optimal cutoff points to distinguish between groups 1 and 2, and between groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the MRI-based measurements of canal compromise and spinal cord compression are responsive to changes in motor and sensory functions. However, the MCC using CT-based measurements provides inconsistent results that can result in misdiagnosis in the clinical setting.
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Aarabi B, Alexander M, Mirvis SE, Shanmuganathan K, Chesler D, Maulucci C, Iguchi M, Aresco C, Blacklock T. Predictors of outcome in acute traumatic central cord syndrome due to spinal stenosis. J Neurosurg Spine 2011; 14:122-30. [DOI: 10.3171/2010.9.spine09922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Object
The objective of this study was to elucidate the relationship between admission demographic data, validated injury severity measures on imaging studies, and clinical indicators on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), manual dexterity, and dysesthetic pain at least 12 months after surgery for acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) due to spinal stenosis.
Methods
Over a 100-month period (January 2000 to April 2008), of 211 patients treated for ATCCS, 59 cases were due to spinal stenosis, and these patients underwent surgical decompression. Five of these patients died, 2 were lost to follow-up, 10 were not eligible for the study, and the remaining 42 were followed for at least 12 months.
Results
In the cohort of 42 patients, mean age was 58.3 years, 83% of the patients were men, and 52.4% of the accidents were due to falls. Mean admission ASIA motor score was 63.8 (upper extremities score, 25.8 and lower extremities score, 39.8), the spinal cord was most frequently compressed at skeletal segments C3–4 and C4–5 (71%), mean midsagittal diameter at the point of maximum compression was 5.6 mm, maximum canal compromise (MCC) was 50.5%, maximum spinal cord compression was 16.5%, and length of parenchymal damage on T2-weighted MR imaging was 29.4 mm. Time after injury until surgery was within 24 hours in 9 patients, 24–48 hours in 10 patients, and more than 48 hours in 23 patients. At the 1-year follow-up, the mean ASIA motor score was 94.1 (upper extremities score, 45.7 and lower extremities score, 47.6), FIM was 111.1, manual dexterity was 64.4% of baseline, and pain level was 3.5. Stepwise regression analysis of 10 independent variables indicated significant relationships between ASIA motor score at follow-up and admission ASIA motor score (p = 0.003), MCC (p = 0.02), and midsagittal diameter (p = 0.02); FIM and admission ASIA motor score (p = 0.03), MCC (p = 0.02), and age (p = 0.02); manual dexterity and admission ASIA motor score (p = 0.0002) and length of parenchymal damage on T2-weighted MR imaging (p = 0.002); and pain level and age (p = 0.02) and length of parenchymal lesion on T2-weighted MR imaging (p = 0.04).
Conclusions
The main indicators of long-term ASIA motor score, FIM, manual dexterity, and dysesthetic pain were admission ASIA motor score, midsagittal diameter, MCC, length of parenchymal damage on T2-weighted MR imaging, and age, but different domains of outcome were determined by different predictors.
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A comparison of film and computer workstation measurements of degenerative spondylolisthesis: intraobserver and interobserver reliability. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2010; 35:1300-3. [PMID: 20512026 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0b013e3181c2177f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A comparison of measurements of degenerative spondylolisthesis made on film and on computer workstations. OBJECTIVE To determine whether the 2 methodologies are comparable in some of the parameters used to assess lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Digital radiology has been replacing analog radiographs. In scoliosis, several studies have shown that measurements made on digital and analog films are similar and that they are also similar to those made on computer workstations. Such work has not been done in spondylolisthesis. METHODS Twenty-four cases of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis were identified from our clinic practice. Three observers measured anterior displacement, sagittal rotation, and lumbar lordosis on digital films using the same protractor and pencil. The same parameters were measured on the same studies at clinical workstations. All measurements were repeated 2 weeks later. A statistician determined the intra and interobserver reliability of the 2 measurement methods and the degree of agreement between the 2 methods. RESULTS The differences between the first and second readings did reach statistical significance in some cases, but none of them were large enough to be clinically meaningful. The interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were >or=0.80 except for one (0.67). The difference among the 3 observers was similarly statistically significant in a few instances but not enough to influence clinical decisions and with good ICCs (0.67 and better). Similarly, the differences in the 2 methods were small, and ICCs ranged from 0.69 to 0.98. CONCLUSION This study supports the use of computer workstation measurements in lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. The parameters used in this study were comparable, whether measured on film or at clinical workstations.
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A novel classification system for traumatic central cord syndrome: the central cord injury scale (CCIS). Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2010; 35:E238-43. [PMID: 20228699 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0b013e3181c15887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study of 37 patients with traumatic central cord syndrome. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to review a series of patients with central cord syndrome and to introduce a classification system that is predictive of functional outcome. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Central cord syndrome is the most common incomplete spinal cord injury, yet a predictive classification system does not exist. METHODS Thirty-seven patients with traumatic central cord syndrome had 1-year results of the motor portion of the Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) Score. Ten factors were analyzed for their predictive effect on the 1-year Motor FIM Score. RESULTS There were 8 women and 29 men with a mean age of 55.1 years. The mean injury motor FIM was 21.9 and mean 1-year Motor FIM: 70.2 (P < 0.001). The following had a predictive effect on 1-year Motor FIM: Injury ASIA Motor Score (P < 0.013) and magnetic resonance imaging evidence of abnormal signal intensity (P < 0.007). Points were assigned to these factors, and patients were categorized as Central Cord Injury Scale (CCIS) 1, 2, or 3. CCIS 1: n = 6, mean 1-year Motor FIM = 40.8; CCIS 2: n = 19 and FIM = 72.4; and CCIS 3: n = 12 and FIM = 81.5. Each classification had an increasing percentage of patients who could walk without ever using a wheelchair and had independence in bladder and bowel function. CONCLUSION The CCIS is predictive of a patient's functional outcome at 1 year and has the potential to help patients and physicians establish realistic expectations for functional recovery based on ASIA Motor Score and magnetic resonance imaging findings.
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Kwon BK, Curt A, Belanger LM, Bernardo A, Chan D, Markez JA, Gorelik S, Slobogean GP, Umedaly H, Giffin M, Nikolakis MA, Street J, Boyd MC, Paquette S, Fisher CG, Dvorak MF. Intrathecal pressure monitoring and cerebrospinal fluid drainage in acute spinal cord injury: a prospective randomized trial. J Neurosurg Spine 2009; 10:181-93. [PMID: 19320576 DOI: 10.3171/2008.10.spine08217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Ischemia is an important factor in the pathophysiology of secondary damage after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and, in the setting of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair, can be the primary cause of paralysis. Lowering the intrathecal pressure (ITP) by draining CSF is routinely done in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm surgery but has not been evaluated in the setting of acute traumatic SCI. Additionally, while much attention is directed toward maintaining an adequate mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) in the acute postinjury phase, little is known about what is happening to the ITP during this period when spinal cord perfusion pressure (MABP - ITP) is important. The objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate the safety and feasibility of draining CSF to lower ITP after acute traumatic SCI; 2) evaluate changes in ITP before and after surgical decompression; and 3) measure neurological recovery in relation to the drainage of CSF. METHODS Twenty-two patients seen within 48 hours of injury were prospectively randomized to a drainage or no-drainage treatment group. In all cases a lumbar intrathecal catheter was inserted for 72 hours. Acute complications of headache/nausea/vomiting, meningitis, or neurological deterioration were carefully monitored. Acute Spinal Cord Injury motor scores were documented at baseline and at 6 months postinjury. RESULTS On insertion of the catheter, mean ITP was 13.8 +/- 1.3 mm Hg (+/- SD), and it increased to a mean peak of 21.7 +/- 1.5 mm Hg intraoperatively. The difference between the starting ITP on catheter insertion and the observed peak intrathecal pressure after decompression was, on average, an increase of 7.9 +/- 1.6 mm Hg (p < 0.0001, paired t-test). During the postoperative period, the peak recorded ITP in the patients randomized to the no-drainage group was 30.6 +/- 2.3 mm Hg, which was significantly higher than the peak intraoperative ITP (p = 0.0098). During the same period, the peak recorded ITP in patients randomized to receive drainage was 28.1 +/- 2.8 mm Hg, which was not statistically higher than the peak intraoperative ITP (p = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS The insertion of lumbar intrathecal catheters and the drainage of CSF were not associated with significant adverse events, although the cohort was small and only a limited amount of CSF was drained. Intraoperative decompression of the spinal cord results in an increase in the ITP measured caudal to the injury site. Increases in intrathecal pressure are additionally observed in the postoperative period. These increases in intrathecal pressure result in reduced spinal cord perfusion that will otherwise go undetected when measuring only the MABP. Characteristic changes in the observed intrathecal pressure waveform occur after surgical decompression, reflecting the restoration of CSF flow across the SCI site. As such, the waveform pattern may be used intraoperatively to determine if adequate decompression of the thecal sac has been accomplished.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian K Kwon
- Departments of Orthopaedics, Combined Neurosurgical and Orthopaedic Spine Program, University of British Columbia, Canada.
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Aarabi B, Koltz M, Ibrahimi D. Hyperextension cervical spine injuries and traumatic central cord syndrome. Neurosurg Focus 2009; 25:E9. [PMID: 18980483 DOI: 10.3171/foc.2008.25.11.e9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic central cord syndrome (TCCS), regardless of its biomechanics, is the most frequently encountered incomplete spinal cord injury. Patients with TCCS present with disproportionate weakness of the upper extremities, and variable sensory loss and bladder dysfunction. Fractures and/or subluxations, forced hyperextension, and herniated nucleus pulposus are the main pathogenetic mechanisms of TCCS. Nearly 50% of patients with TCCS suffer from congenital or degenerative spinal stenosis and sustained their injuries during hyperextension as originally described by Schneider in 1954. Immunohistochemical and imaging studies indicate mild to moderate insult to axons and their ensheathing myelin in the lateral funiculi culminating in cytoskeletal injury and impaired conduction. More than one-half of these patients enjoy spontaneous recovery of motor weakness; however, as time goes on, lack of manual dexterity, neuropathic pain, spasticity, bladder dysfunction, and imbalance of gait render their activities of daily living nearly impossible. Based on the current level of evidence, there is no clear indication of the timing of decompression for relief of sustained spinal cord compression in hyperextension injuries. Future research, taking advantage of validated digital imaging data such as maximum canal compromise, maximum spinal cord compression, and lesion length on the CT and MR images, as well as more sensitive measures of bladder and hand function, spasticity, and neuropathic pain may help tailor surgery for a specific group of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA.
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Abstract
Historically, magnetic resonance imaging has offered poor specificity in the diagnosis of back pain. Researchers currently are engaged in developing new techniques, and clinicians are successfully utilizing existing technologies (ie, diffusion-weighted imaging) that previously were not used to evaluate the spine. Magnetic resonance imaging may be used in several spinal applications: intervertebral disk and facet joint degeneration, spinal canal stenosis, suspected diskitis or osteomyelitis, suspected spinal column neoplasia, vascular disorders, trauma, and demyelinating disease.
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Furlan JC, Fehlings MG, Tator CH, Davis AM. Motor and Sensory Assessment of Patients in Clinical Trials for Pharmacological Therapy of Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Psychometric Properties of the ASIA Standards. J Neurotrauma 2008; 25:1273-301. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2008.0617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julio C. Furlan
- Division of Genetics and Development, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Spinal Program, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, and Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Charles H. Tator
- Division of Genetics and Development, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Spinal Program, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, and Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aileen M. Davis
- Health Care and Outcomes Research, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy and Surgery, and Departments of Rehabilitation Science, Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Clinical Epidemiology), and Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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