1
|
Rujeedawa T, Mowforth OD, Davies BM, Yang C, Nouri A, Francis JJ, Aarabi B, Kwon BK, Harrop J, Wilson JR, Martin AR, Rahimi-Movaghar V, Guest JD, Fehlings MG, Kotter MR. Degenerative Thoracic Myelopathy: A Scoping Review of Epidemiology, Genetics, and Pathogenesis. Global Spine J 2024; 14:1664-1677. [PMID: 38146739 DOI: 10.1177/21925682231224768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Literature Review. OBJECTIVE Myelopathy affecting the thoracic spinal cord can arise secondary to several aetiologies which have similar presentation and management. Consequently, there are many uncertainties in this area, including optimal terminology and definitions. Recent collaborative cervical spinal research has led to the proposal and subsequent community adoption of the name degenerative cervical myelopathy(DCM), which has facilitated the establishment of internationally-agreed research priorities for DCM. We put forward the case for the introduction of the term degenerative thoracic myelopathy(DTM) and degenerative spinal myelopathy(DSM) as an umbrella term for both DCM and DTM. METHODS Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was performed to identify degenerative thoracic myelopathy literature in Embase and MEDLINE. RESULTS Conditions encompassed within DTM include thoracic spondylotic myelopathy, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, ossification of the ligamentum flavum, calcification of ligaments, hypertrophy of ligaments, degenerative disc disease, thoracic osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc herniation, and posterior osteophytosis. The classic presentation includes girdle pain, gait disturbance, leg weakness, sensory disturbance, and bladder or bowel dysfunction, often with associated back pain. Surgical management is typically favoured with post-surgical outcomes dependent on many factors, including the causative pathology, and presence of additional stenosis. CONCLUSION The clinical entities encompassed by the term DTM are interrelated, can manifest concurrently, and present similarly. Building on the consensus adoption of DCM in the cervical spine and the recent proposal of degenerative cervical radiculopathy(DCR), extending this common nomenclature framework to the terms degenerative spinal myelopathy and degenerative thoracic myelopathy will help improve recognition and communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanzil Rujeedawa
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Oliver D Mowforth
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin M Davies
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Cylene Yang
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Aria Nouri
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jibin J Francis
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Brian K Kwon
- Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James Harrop
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Allan R Martin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - James D Guest
- Department of Neurosurgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, The Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark R Kotter
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jiang Q, Gao G, Tao B, Gao H, Wang H, Wang P, Sun M, Shang A. Thoracic Anterior Spinal Cord Herniation: Treatment and Prognosis Outcome of Seven Patients. World Neurosurg 2023; 176:e697-e703. [PMID: 37295472 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.06.001] [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] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic anterior spinal cord herniation, a rare condition. METHODS Clinical data of 7 patients diagnosed with thoracic anterior spinal cord herniation were analyzed. All patients were diagnosed with a complete preoperative examination and scheduled for surgical treatment. In addition, regular follow-up was performed after the surgery, and the operation's efficacy was evaluated according to clinical symptoms, imaging findings, and improvement in neurologic function. RESULTS All patients underwent spinal cord release with an anterior dural patch. Notably, no severe postoperative surgical complications were observed. All patients were followed up for 12-75 months, with an average duration of approximately 46.5 months. Post-operative pain symptoms were controlled, neurological dysfunction and related symptoms improved to varying degrees, and anterior spinal cord herniation did not recur. The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score at the last follow-up was significantly higher than the preoperative score. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians should avoid misdiagnosing patients with thoracic anterior spinal cord herniation with intervertebral disc herniation, arachnoid cysts, and other related diseases, and patients should undergo surgical treatment as early as possible. In addition, surgical treatment can protect the neurologic function of patients and effectively prevent the aggravation of clinical symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gan Gao
- Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Benzhang Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China; Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Haihao Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Peixin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Mengchun Sun
- Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, China; Medical School, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Aijia Shang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ghosh R, Velagapudi L, Montenegro TS, Hines K, Gonzalez GA, Mahtabfar A, Prasad S, Jallo J, Sharan A, Heller J, Harrop J. Operative versus Nonoperative Management of Idiopathic Spinal Cord Herniation: Effect on Symptomatology and Disease Progression. World Neurosurg 2021; 152:e149-e154. [PMID: 34033961 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) is a rare pathology characterized by extravasation of the spinal cord through a dural defect. The optimal algorithm for choosing operative or nonoperative management is not well elucidated, partially because of the rarity of this pathology. We present the largest single-center series of ISCH and compare operative treatment to conservative management. METHODS A retrospective case series of all patients evaluated for treatment of ISCH at our institution between 2010 and 2019 was conducted. Demographic variables, presenting symptoms, and imaging characteristics were assessed for all patients. For patients who underwent operative treatment, surgical approach, postoperative course, and discharge outcomes were recorded. Follow-up notes were reviewed for status of symptoms and functional capabilities, which were synthesized into Odom's criteria score. RESULTS Sixteen patients met the inclusion criteria for this study, 8 of whom underwent operative treatment. No significant differences were found between operative and nonoperative groups with regard to demographic variables or pathology characteristics. Odom's criteria scores for the operative cohort were 12.5% (1 of 8) Excellent, 62.5% (5 of 8) Good, 12.5% (1 of 8) Fair, and 12.5% (1 of 8) Poor. Odom's criteria scores for the nonoperative cohort were 16.7% (1 of 6) Excellent, 33.3% (2 of 6) Good, 16.7% (1 of 6) Fair, and 33.3% (2 of 6) Poor. There was no significant difference between Odom's criteria score distribution between the operative and nonoperative groups at latest follow up (P = 0.715). CONCLUSIONS Conservative management of spinal cord herniation is an option that does not preclude symptomatic improvement in patients with idiopathic spinal cord herniation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritam Ghosh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lohit Velagapudi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Thiago S Montenegro
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin Hines
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Glenn A Gonzalez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aria Mahtabfar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Srinivas Prasad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jack Jallo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ashwini Sharan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joshua Heller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James Harrop
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Randhawa PS, Roark C, Case D, Seinfeld J. Idiopathic Spinal Cord Herniation Associated With a Thoracic Disc Herniation: Case Report, Surgical Video, and Literature Review. Clin Spine Surg 2020; 33:222-229. [PMID: 32101990 PMCID: PMC7337104 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000000896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this publication is to present a case of idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) associated with a transdural disk herniation, demonstrate an operative technique used to treat this condition and provide an updated review the literature. BACKGROUND CONTEXT ISCH is an infrequent condition that can cause progressive myelopathy leading to severe neurological dysfunction. This condition is characterized by ventral displacement of the spinal cord across a defect in the dura, either congenital or acquired, resulting in vascular compromise and adhesion that subsequently causes injury to the spinal cord. We present the management of such a patient, in addition to a review of the literature regarding management of ISCH. METHODS This patient underwent surgery using the dural graft sling technique for repair of the dural defect and restoration of normal spinal cord position within the thecal sac. A review of the literature revealed a total of 171 patients supplemented by our 1 patient, which were then analyzed. RESULTS The majority of patients, treated with a variety of surgical techniques, experienced improvements in symptomatology. Our patient experienced significant improvement in symptomatology. CONCLUSIONS Although ISCH is a rare clinical condition that causes myelopathy, patients managed with surgery generally, though not universally, have a favorable neurological outcome. The associated surgical technique video demonstrates the dural sling technique for the treatment of this rare disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pal S Randhawa
- CU Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Late Cervical Spinal Cord Herniation Resulting from Post-Traumatic Brachial Plexus Avulsion Injury. World Neurosurg 2020; 137:1-7. [PMID: 32004737 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.01.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord herniation (SCH) is often described as occurring spontaneously in the thoracic spine, with few cases of cervical SCH reported as a late complication of traumatic brachial plexus avulsion. We present 2 cases of nerve root avulsion and pseudomeningocele formation, resulting in delayed cervical SCH and neurologic deterioration. CASE DESCRIPTION Case 1: A 37-year old man presented with progressive leg weakness 2 years after experiencing traumatic C8 and T1 root avulsions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed previously documented C8-T1 nerve avulsions with new SCH in a T1 pseudomeningocele. A C7-T1 costotransversectomy and C4-T4 instrumented fusion were completed, allowing SCH reduction and patch graft repair of the dural defects without the need for adhesiolysis. At last follow-up, the patient's leg weakness had resolved. Case 2: A 32-year old man presented with progressive right arm numbness, weakness, and signs of myelopathy 9 years after experiencing C8 and T1 root avulsions. MRI showed previously documented root avulsions and new SCH with extensive and compressive pseudomeningocele formation. A C7 transpedicular approach with C5-T1 instrumented fusion was completed for dural repair. A large pseudomeningocele was found and drained on drilling the C7 pedicle, and adhesiolysis was required at the spinal cord avulsion site to reduce the SCH and allow patch graft repair. At last follow-up, the patient's right arm weakness was improving, although numbness persisted. CONCLUSIONS SCH is a rare cause of delayed neurologic deterioration after brachial plexus avulsion, with few case reports describing its occurrence. We present 2 cases of this complication and describe its successful surgical treatment through dural repair after instrumented fusion.
Collapse
|
6
|
Tyagi G, A R P, Bhat DI, Rao MB, Devi BI. Duplication of Ventral Dura as a Cause of Ventral Herniation of Spinal Cord-A Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature. World Neurosurg 2019; 126:346-353. [PMID: 30851464 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.02.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) is a treatable spinal disease. It is rare and often misdiagnosed, causing a delay in management. The etiology is multifactorial, with one of the causes being duplication of the ventral dura. The spinal cord herniates within this defect and becomes strangulated, causing neurological deficits. We report the duplication of a ventral spinal cord as an important cause of ISCH in our review. CASE DESCRIPTION We present 2 cases of ISCH with duplication of the dura, including their relevant clinical and imaging features. The patients underwent surgical reduction of the herniated spinal cord with enlargement of the defect and placement of a dural substitute ventral to the cord. We have also reported the outcomes of the 2 patients, with an emphasis on the factors predictive of poor outcomes (i.e., long-standing symptoms, a delay in intervention, poor neurological status at presentation, and a thinned out atrophic spinal cord found during surgery). We also reviewed the available data for duplication of the dura with ISCH. CONCLUSIONS Very few asymptomatic patients can be treated conservatively. The surgical outcomes have been favorable for symptomatic patients. Proper exposure, gentle manipulation while reducing the herniated spinal cord, enlargement of the defect, and the use of intraoperative monitoring will help limit the postoperative deficits. Duplication of the ventral dura is an important cause of ISCH. It prevents the formation of an anterior pseudomeningocele after surgery. Owing to the rarity of the disease and the lack of follow-up data with recurrence rates, it has not been possible to form clear guidelines for management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Tyagi
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Prabhuraj A R
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India.
| | - Dhananjaya I Bhat
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Malla Bhaskara Rao
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Bhagavatula Indira Devi
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Groen RJ, Lukassen JN, Boer GJ, Vergeer RA, Coppes MH, Drost G, Middel B. Anterior Thoracic Spinal Cord Herniation: Surgical Treatment and Postoperative Course. An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis of 246 Cases. World Neurosurg 2019; 123:453-463.e15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.11.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
8
|
Operative Management of Idiopathic Spinal Cord Herniation: Case Series and Novel Technique for Repair of Recurrent Herniation. Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown) 2018; 16:415-423. [DOI: 10.1093/ons/opy129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) is a rare pathology of the spine defined by herniation of the spinal cord through a dural defect.
OBJECTIVE
To highlight the operative management of ISCH and the surgical nuances of ISCH repairs conducted at our institution.
METHODS
This retrospective review examines consecutive patients with ISCH who were treated surgically between January 1, 2010, and July 31, 2017, at Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.
RESULTS
Four patients with ISCH presented with thoracic myelopathy and lower extremity weakness during the study period. Treatment consisted of reduction of the herniated spinal cord and filling of the dural defect with a collagen-based dural regeneration matrix. In 3 patients the dural edges were covered with a collagen-matrix intradural sling, and in 1 patient they were repaired primarily with interrupted sutures. Three of the 4 patients experienced improvement in myelopathic symptoms; the fourth patient suffered neurological decline in the immediate postoperative period.
CONCLUSION
ISCH is a complex pathological condition likely to result in progressive myelopathy. Surgery offers patients the possibility of stabilizing the progression of the spinal cord dysfunction and perhaps restoring neurological function. However, extreme care must be taken during surgery to minimize manipulation of the fragile herniated cord.
Collapse
|
9
|
Idiopathic thoracic spinal cord herniation. J Clin Neurosci 2018; 51:1-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2017.10.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
10
|
Bartels RHMA, Brunner H, Hosman A, van Alfen N, Grotenhuis JA. The Pathogenesis of Ventral Idiopathic Herniation of the Spinal Cord: A Hypothesis Based on the Review of the Literature. Front Neurol 2017; 8:476. [PMID: 28955299 PMCID: PMC5601982 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic ventral herniation of the spinal cord (SC) is not often encountered in daily practice. Its clinical prevalence, however, will increase through increasing awareness and more frequent use of MRI. A clear explanation of its pathophysiology has never been formulated. It was hypothesized that the findings during surgery might indicate the real causative mechanism. An extensive literature search was performed, using Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Titles and abstracts were screened by two investigators, using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Reference lists of the full paper versions of each included article were checked. The following data were registered for the articles included: age, gender, level of herniation, relation to intervertebral disk, duration of symptoms, findings from surgery, and outcomes. Nine cases treated at our department were added. A total of 117 articles reporting on 259 patients were included. Including our cases, 268 patients were reviewed. Females outnumbered males (160/100). The mean age was 51.3 ± 12.0 years. In 236 patients, the duration of symptoms was reported: 55.5 ± 55.6 months. In 178 patients, the intraoperative findings for the herniated part of the SC were not mentioned. In 59 patients, a tumor-like extrusion was seen, without any alteration to the SC. Deformation of the SC itself was never observed. Biopsies of these structures were without clinical consequence. Based on the intraoperative findings reported in literature and the cases presented, acquired causes, such as trauma and erosion of the dura due to a herniated disk, were not plausible. We hypothesize that a non-functioning appendix to the SC can only develop during an early embryologic phase, in which several layers separate. We propose renaming this entity as congenital transdural appendix of the SC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald H M A Bartels
- Department of Neurosurgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Han Brunner
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Allard Hosman
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Nens van Alfen
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Donders Center for Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - J André Grotenhuis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shimizu S, Kobayashi Y, Oka H, Kumabe T. Idiopathic spinal cord herniation: consideration of its pathogenesis based on the histopathology of the dura mater. 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; 28:298-305. [PMID: 28593382 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-017-5147-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We present a patient with idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) whose dura mater was histopathologically examined to elucidate its pathogenesis. CASE REPORT A 33-year-old previously healthy man presented with progressive walking difficulty, spasticity of the right lower leg, and hyperesthesia below the right chest. Neuroimaging revealed right ventral displacement of the spinal cord at T5-6. The diagnosis was ISCH and he underwent release of the herniation from the ventral dural opening. Dural biopsy at the edge of the ventral opening and in the dorsal durotomy was performed. Postoperatively, his gait was improved. Histopathological examination of the ventral dural specimen showed non-specific degeneration, i.e., loose arrangements of collagen fibers, edematous changes, minor inflammatory cell infiltration, and angiogenesis. The specimen from the dorsal durotomy was normal. CONCLUSION It is unclear whether the observed degeneration besides the ventral opening was the primary cause of ISCH or reflected secondary changes resulting from cumulative damage due to pulsation of the herniated spinal cord. However, the degeneration limited to the ventral opening suggests that ISCH was a local event in an individual with a normal dural theca.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Shimizu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yokohama Brain and Spine Center, l-2-1 Takigashira, Isogo-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 235-0012, Japan.
| | - Yosuke Kobayashi
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Yokohama Brain and Spine Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hidehiro Oka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kitasato University Medical Center, Kitamoto, Saitama, Japan.,Department of Neurosurgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Kumabe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Delgado-López PD, Gil-Polo C, Martín-Velasco V, Martín-Alonso J, Galacho-Harriero AM, Araus-Galdós E. Spinal cord herniation repair with microstaples: case report. J Neurosurg Spine 2017; 26:384-387. [DOI: 10.3171/2016.8.spine16318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) is a relatively rare and frequently misdiagnosed condition. It preferentially affects women and causes progressive thoracic myelopathy that presents as a Brown-Séquard syndrome or as spastic paraparesis. Although its etiology and pathogenesis are controversial, ISCH is characterized by the presence of an anterior dural defect that allows the incarceration of a segment of the cord. Typically, a C-shaped ventral displacement and kinking of the cord are visible on sagittal MRI. Surgery aimed at stopping or reversing myelopathic symptoms is usually recommended for symptomatic patients. Surgical options include reduction of the hernia and direct suturing, or enlargement of the dural defect, with or without patching. Suturing under the cord in a very tight space can be troublesome and may lead to neurological deterioration. The authors present the case of a symptomatic ISCH in which nonpenetrating titanium microstaples were used to close the dural defect after cord reduction. The patient experienced a good outcome, and the follow-up MRI study showed adequate cord repositioning and stability of the suture. The use of microstaples, which allows for an easier and faster dural closure than conventional suturing, is a novel technical adjunct that has not been previously reported for this condition. In addition, microstaples produce minimal metallic artifact that does not hinder the quality of follow-up MR images.
Collapse
|
13
|
Payer M, Zumsteg D, De Tribolet N, Wetzel S. Surgical management of thoracic idiopathic spinal cord herniation. Technical case report and review. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2016; 158:1579-82. [PMID: 27221089 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-016-2840-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) is a rare spinal disease, in which chronic cerebrospinal fluid pulsations push the arachnoid and adjacent thoracic spinal cord region through an antero-lateral dural defect of congenital, post-traumatic, or inflammatory/erosive origin. Symptomatic patients commonly present around the 5th decade of life with slowly progressive myelopathy. Diagnosis relies on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. Stable mild cases may be observed, whereas in progressive symptomatic situations, surgical spinal cord reposition and dural defect repair with a dural patch is the preferred treatment. We present a case of ISCH at T5/6 and a review the literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Payer
- Klinik Hirslanden, Witellikerstrasse 40, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland.
- University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Dominik Zumsteg
- Klinik Hirslanden, Witellikerstrasse 40, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Stephan Wetzel
- Klinik Hirslanden, Witellikerstrasse 40, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|