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Mosleh MM, Sohn MJ. Optimizing Therapeutic Strategies for Syringomyelia Associated with Tethered Cord Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:961. [PMID: 39201896 PMCID: PMC11352496 DOI: 10.3390/children11080961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
This review highlights the need for therapeutic guidelines for syringomyelia associated with tethered cord syndrome (TCS) caused by spinal dysraphism (SD). A comprehensive literature review was conducted, selecting twelve articles to analyze common therapeutic strategies. Surgical cord untethering alone has recently become a preferred treatment, with 45 ± 21.1% of patients experiencing remission or improvement, 47 ± 20.4% unchanged and asymptomatic, and 4 ± 8% worsened. Untethering with direct surgical drainage for the syrinx had better outcomes than untethering alone (78% vs. 45%, p = 0.05). Terminal syringostomy was beneficial for syrinxes extending to the filum terminale but not for asymptomatic small syrinxes with a syrinx index < 0.4. Syrinx shunting was recommended for symptomatic large syrinxes (>2 cm in length and syrinx index > 0.5). Various shunt procedures for syrinxes are still advocated, mainly for refractory syringomyelia in Chiari malformation, posttraumatic cases, SD, or other causes. Personalized surgical methods that address the root cause of syringomyelia, particularly those improving cerebrospinal fluid flow, offer promising results with minimized complications. Ongoing studies are required to enhance management strategies for syringomyelia associated with TCS, optimize patient outcomes, and reduce the risk of recurrent symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mohsen Mosleh
- Department of Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Inje University, 75 Bokji-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea;
| | - Moon-Jun Sohn
- Department of Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Inje University, 75 Bokji-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience and Radiosurgery Hybrid Research Center, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, College of Medicine, Juhwa-ro 170, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang City 10380, Republic of Korea
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Findlay MC, Tenhoeve S, Terry SA, Iyer RR, Brockmeyer DL, Kelly MP, Kestle JRW, Gonda D, Ravindra VM. Disparities in indications and outcomes reporting for pediatric tethered cord surgery: The need for a standardized outcome assessment tool. Childs Nerv Syst 2024; 40:1111-1120. [PMID: 38072858 PMCID: PMC10972940 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-06246-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is characterized by abnormal attachment of the spinal cord neural elements to surrounding tissues. The most common symptoms include pain, motor or sensory dysfunction, and urologic deficits. Although TCS is common in children, there is a significant heterogeneity in outcomes reporting. We systematically reviewed surgical indications and postoperative outcomes to assess the need for a grading/classification system. METHODS PubMed and EMBASE searches identified pediatric TCS literature published between 1950 and 2023. Studies reporting surgical interventions, ≥ 6-month follow-up, and ≥ 5 patients were included. RESULTS Fifty-five studies representing 3798 patients were included. The most commonly reported non-urologic symptoms were nonspecific lower-extremity motor disturbances (36.4% of studies), lower-extremity/back pain (32.7%), nonspecific lower-extremity sensory disturbances (29.1%), gait abnormalities (29.1%), and nonspecific bowel dysfunction/fecal incontinence (25.5%). Urologic symptoms were most commonly reported as nonspecific complaints (40.0%). After detethering surgery, retethering was the most widely reported non-urologic outcome (40.0%), followed by other nonspecific findings: motor deficits (32.7%), lower-extremity/back/perianal pain (18.2%), gait/ambulation function (18.2%), sensory deficits (12.7%), and bowel deficits/fecal incontinence (12.7%). Commonly reported urologic outcomes included nonspecific bladder/urinary deficits (27.3%), bladder capacity (20.0%), bladder compliance (18.2%), urinary incontinence/enuresis/neurogenic bladder (18.2%), and nonspecific urodynamics/urodynamics score change (16.4%). CONCLUSION TCS surgical literature is highly variable regarding surgical indications and reporting of postsurgical outcomes. The lack of common data elements and consistent quantitative measures inhibits higher-level analysis. The development and validation of a standardized outcomes measurement tool-ideally encompassing both patient-reported outcome and objective measures-would significantly benefit future TCS research and surgical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Findlay
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Samuel Tenhoeve
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Skyler A Terry
- College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rajiv R Iyer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Douglas L Brockmeyer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael P Kelly
- Division of Pediatric Orthopedics, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - John R W Kestle
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - David Gonda
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Vijay M Ravindra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Naval Medical Center San Diego, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA 92134, USA.
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3
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Abraham AP, Vora TK, Selvi BT, Rajshekhar V. Characterizing syringomyelia and its clinical significance in 140 patients with lipomyelomeningocele. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2022; 30:349-356. [PMID: 35901676 DOI: 10.3171/2022.6.peds2286] [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] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to characterize syringomyelia in patients with lipomyelomeningocele (LMMC) and investigate the association between the presence of a syrinx and patient neurological deficits. METHODS Patients with LMMC who had been admitted between 2007 and 2020 were included in the study. Syringomyelia on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was classified into three groups: true syrinx, early syrinx, and presyrinx. The correlation of clinical deficits (at birth, new onset, and progressive) and type of lipoma with the presence and type of syrinx was studied. RESULTS Among a total of 140 patients, the median age was 2.5 (IQR 1.3-9) years. Neurological deficits were present at birth in 75 (53.6%) patients, but 67 (47.9%) had new-onset deficits or progression of their birth deficits. The most common type of spinal lipoma was the transitional type (75.7%). Thirty-nine (27.9%) patients had a syrinx (37 with a true syrinx, 2 with an early syrinx), and 25 (17.9%) patients had a presyrinx. There was no significant correlation between the presence of a syrinx and patient neurological deficits. However, patients with a syrinx that was not adjacent to the lipoma (≥ 1 vertebral level away) had a higher incidence of deficits at birth (p = 0.045), whereas those with a syrinx spanning ≥ 5 vertebral levels had a higher incidence of progressive neurological deficits (p = 0.04). Six (75%) of 8 patients in whom serial MRI had shown syrinx progression had clinical worsening. CONCLUSIONS Syrinx location with respect to the spinal lipoma, syrinx length, and progressive syringomyelia may have clinical significance in patients with LMMC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bernice T Selvi
- 2Radiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Saletti V, Farinotti M, Peretta P, Massimi L, Ciaramitaro P, Motta S, Solari A, Valentini LG. The management of Chiari malformation type 1 and syringomyelia in children: a review of the literature. Neurol Sci 2021; 42:4965-4995. [PMID: 34591209 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05565-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In anticipation of the "Chiari and Syringomyelia Consensus Conference" held in Milan in 2019, we performed a systematic literature review on the management of Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1) and syringomyelia (Syr) in children.We aimed to summarize the available evidence and identify areas where consensus has not been reached and further research is needed.In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, we formulated seven questions in Patients-Interventions-Comparators-Outcomes (PICO) format. Six PICOs concerned CM1 children with/without additional structural anomalies (Syr, craniosynostosis, hydrocephalus, tethered cord, and cranio-vertebral junction anomalies), and one PICO Syr without CM1. We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and NICE databases from January 1, 1999, to May 29, 2019. Cohort studies, controlled and randomized clinical trials (CCTs, RCTs), and systematic reviews were included, all pertinent only to patients ≤ 18 years of age.For CM1, 3787 records were found, 460 full texts were assessed and 49 studies (46 cohort studies, one RCT, and two systematic reviews) were finally included. For Syr, 376 records were found, 59 full texts were assessed, and five studies (one RCT and four cohort studies) were included. Data on each PICO were synthetized narratively due to heterogeneity in the inclusion criteria, outcome measures, and length of follow-up of the included studies.Despite decades of experience on CM1 and Syr management in children, the available evidence remains limited. Specifically, there is an urgent need for collaborative initiatives focusing on the adoption of shared inclusion criteria and outcome measures, as well as rigorous prospective designs, particularly RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Saletti
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Mariani Foundation Center for Complex Disabilities, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Giovanni Celoria, 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Mariangela Farinotti
- Unit of Neuroepidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Peretta
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Unit, Ospedale Infantile Regina Margherita, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Massimi
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Palma Ciaramitaro
- Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, Presidio CTO, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Saba Motta
- Scientific Library, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Solari
- Unit of Neuroepidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Grazia Valentini
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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5
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Komori Y, Nonaka M, Kamei T, Takeda J, Hashiba T, Yoshimura K, Asai A. Rapid deterioration of an asymptomatic lumbosacral lipoma due to formation of an extracanalicular syrinx: case report. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2021; 27:368-373. [PMID: 33361476 DOI: 10.3171/2020.7.peds20512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The authors present the case of a 1-month-old girl with a lumbosacral lipoma who then developed an extracanalicular syrinx and experienced rapid deterioration. The patient's initial MRI study, obtained before she became symptomatic, revealed a spinal lipoma with a syrinx in contact with the lipoma-cord interface. She was initially asymptomatic but developed loss of motor function in the left leg 14 days after MRI. Emergency surgery was performed. Intraoperative findings revealed a swollen spinal cord. Lipomatous tissue on the caudal side of the conus was removed subtotally, and the central canal was opened. Expansion of the syrinx was observed intraoperatively. Postoperatively, the patient's left leg paresis remained. Postoperative MRI revealed rostral and extracanalicular expansion of the syrinx. This is the first report on the rapid deterioration of a conus lipoma due to extracanalicular expansion of a syrinx. Careful follow-up and repeat MRI should be considered for patients with spinal lipomas with syringomyelia, especially when the syrinx is attached to the lipoma-cord interface.
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Lee JY, Kim KH, Wang KC. Syringomyelia in the Tethered Spinal Cords. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2020; 63:338-341. [PMID: 32336060 PMCID: PMC7218206 DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2020.0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cases of syringomyelia associated with spinal dysraphism are distinct from those associated with hindbrain herniation or arachnoiditis in terms of the suspected pathogenetic mechanism. The symptoms of terminal syringomyelia are difficult to differentiate from the symptoms caused by spinal dysraphism. Nonetheless, syringomyelia has important clinical implications, as it is an important sign of cord tethering. The postoperative assessment of syringomyelia should be performed with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Yeoun Lee
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Hyun Kim
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyu-Chang Wang
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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7
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Lee JY, Kim KH, Park K, Wang KC. Retethering : A Neurosurgical Viewpoint. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2020; 63:346-357. [PMID: 32336063 PMCID: PMC7218204 DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2020.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
During the follow-up period after surgery for spinal dysraphism, a certain portion of patients show neurological deterioration and its secondary phenomena, such as motor, sensory or sphincter changes, foot and spinal deformities, pain, and spasticity. These clinical manifestations are caused by tethering effects on the neural structures at the site of previous operation. The widespread recognition of retethering drew the attention of medical professionals of various specialties because of its incidence, which is not low when surveillance is adequate, and its progressive nature. This article reviews the literature on the incidence and timing of deterioration, predisposing factors for retethering, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, surgical treatment and its complications, clinical outcomes, prognostic factors after retethering surgery and preventive measures of retethering. Current practice and opinions of Seoul National University Children’s Hospital team were added in some parts. The literature shows a wide range of data regarding the incidence, rate and degree of surgical complications and long-term outcomes. The method of prevention is still one of the main topics of this entity. Although alternatives such as spinal column shortening were introduced, re-untethering by conventional surgical methods remains the current main management tool. Re-untethering surgery is a much more difficult task than primary untethering surgery. Updated publications include strong skepticism on re-untethering surgery in a certain group of patients, though it is from a minority of research groups. For all of the abovementioned reasons, new information and ideas on the early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of retethering are critically necessary in this era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Yeoun Lee
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Hyun Kim
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwanjin Park
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyu-Chang Wang
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Morioka T, Murakami N, Yanagida H, Yamaguchi T, Noguchi Y, Takahata Y, Tsukamoto A, Suzuki SO. Terminal syringomyelia associated with lumbar limited dorsal myeloschisis. Childs Nerv Syst 2020; 36:819-826. [PMID: 31317225 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-019-04297-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Limited dorsal myeloschisis (LDM) is characterized by a fibroneural tethering stalk linking the skin lesion to the underlying spinal cord. Terminal syringomyelia, which is located at the lower third of the cord, is often associated with a tethered cord caused by various spinal dysraphisms; however, terminal syringomyelia has not been documented in LDM. The purpose of this study was to clarify the pathophysiological mechanisms of syringomyelia in LDM. METHODS In our 16 patients with lumbar LDM, three patients had terminal syringomyelia. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, neuroradiological, intraoperative, and histopathological findings for these patients, with particular attention to the clinical course of the syrinx. RESULTS Patient 1 had a saccular skin lesion and patients 2 and 3 had flat lesions. In all patients, the syringomyelic cavity was located in the lower thoracolumbar cord, immediately rostral to the stalk-cord attachment at the lumbar level. The caudal pole of the syrinx extended to the thickened stalk at the attachment instead of at the caudal cord. Patient 3 had another syrinx in the stalk itself. The longitudinal axis of the syrinx and central canal coincided with the traveling angle of the LDM stalk at the stalk-cord attachment. In patient 1, histology revealed an ependyma-lined central canal in both the LDM stalk and meningocele sac. Patients 1 and 2 underwent syringostomy, but long-term effects were not obtained. Preoperative spontaneous resolution occurred in patient 3. CONCLUSIONS The histological findings in patient 1 supported the idea that segmental myelocystocele is involved in the development of saccular LDM. The hydromyelic central canal herniates and distends the stalk, resulting in the formation of the myelocystocele. It is possible that the hydromyelic central canal also distends the stalk of flat LDM lesions. The syrinx in patient 3 differed from that in patients 1 and 2, in that the syrinx resolved spontaneously. Further studies are needed to clarify the outcomes of syrinxes associated with LDM stalks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takato Morioka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, 5-1-1 Kashii-teriha, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 813-0017, Japan.
| | - Nobuya Murakami
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, 5-1-1 Kashii-teriha, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 813-0017, Japan
| | - Haruhisa Yanagida
- Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toru Yamaguchi
- Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yushi Noguchi
- Department of Neonatology, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yasushi Takahata
- Department of Neonatology, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ayumi Tsukamoto
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Satoshi O Suzuki
- Department of Neuropathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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9
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Tominey S, Kaliaperumal C, Gallo P. External validation of a new classification of spinal lipomas based on embryonic stage. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2020; 25:394-401. [PMID: 31978883 DOI: 10.3171/2019.11.peds19575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Contention exists regarding appropriate classification and management of spinal lipomas (SLs). Given the heterogeneity of SLs, omissions and overlap between surgically incomparable groups exist in conventional classification systems. The new classification of spinal lipoma (NCSL) recently proposed by Morota et al. delineates morphology by embryological pathogenesis and the resultant operative difficulty. Here, the authors aimed to validate the NCSL by applying it to patients who had been operated on at their institution. METHODS All children who had undergone resection for SL between 2014 and 2018 were included in this analysis. MRI studies were independently reviewed and classified by three adjudicators. Baseline characteristics, inter-adjudicator agreement, coexisting anomalies and/or malformations, and postoperative outcomes and complications were analyzed. RESULTS Thirty-six patients underwent surgical untethering for SL: NCSL type 1 in 5 patients (14%), type 2 in 14 patients (39%), type 3 in 4 patients (11%), and type 4 in 13 patients (36%). All classification was agreed on first assignment by the adjudicators. Radical or near-radical resection, which was attempted in all patients, was always possible in those with type 1 and 4 SL, but never in those with type 2 and 3 SL. Neurological stabilization and/or improvement were observed in all patients at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The NCSL was found to be a logical and reproducible system to apply in this SL population. All cases were successfully classified with a high degree of inter-assessor agreement. Widespread establishment of a commonly adopted and clinically useful classification system will enable clinicians to improve patient selection as well as discussion with patient representatives during the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pasquale Gallo
- 2Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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10
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Bruzek AK, Starr J, Garton HJL, Muraszko KM, Maher CO, Strahle JM. Syringomyelia in children with closed spinal dysraphism: long-term outcomes after surgical intervention. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2020; 25:319-325. [PMID: 31835253 DOI: 10.3171/2019.9.peds1944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The nature of the relationship between spinal cord syrinx and tethered cord is not well known. It is unclear if surgical cord untethering results in resolution or improvement of an associated syrinx. The objective of this study was to report the response of spinal cord syrinx to surgical cord untethering. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed all patients with a syrinx and tethered cord who presented to a single institution over an 11-year interval. Patients with open neural tube defects were excluded. Thirty-one patients were identified, 25 of whom had both clinical and imaging follow-up after surgery. Patients were grouped according to etiology of the tethered cord. Clinical outcomes and syrinx characteristics were recorded. RESULTS Of the 25 patients with tethered cord, 68% (n = 17) were male. The average age at presentation was 2.5 years (0-10.1 years) and age at surgery was 3.7 years (range 1 day to 17 years). Etiologies of tethered cord were lipomyelomeningocele (n = 8), thickened/fatty filum (n = 7), intradural lipoma (n = 5), myelocystocele (n = 2), meningocele (n = 2), and diastematomyelia (n = 1). Twenty-three of the patients underwent primary untethering, whereas 2 patients had received untethering previously at another institution. The average syrinx length and width prior to surgery were 4.81 vertebral levels (SD 4.35) and 5.19 mm (SD 2.55 mm), respectively. Conus level ranged from L1 to S3. Patients were followed for an average of 8.4 years (1.35-15.85 years). Overall there was no significant change in syrinx length or width postoperatively; the average syrinx length increased by 0.86 vertebral levels (SD 4.36) and width decreased by 0.72 mm (SD 2.94 mm). Seven of 25 patients had improvement in at least one presenting symptom, including scoliosis, weakness, bowel/bladder dysfunction, and pain. Eight patients had stable presenting symptoms. Six patients were asymptomatic and 5 patients had new or worsening symptoms, which included scoliosis, pain, or sensory changes. CONCLUSIONS Although some syrinxes improved after surgery for tethered cord, radiological improvement was not consistent and did not appear to be associated with change in clinical symptoms. The decision to surgically untether a cord should be focused on the clinical symptoms and not the presence of a syrinx alone. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Bruzek
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and
| | - Jordan Starr
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and
| | - Hugh J L Garton
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and
| | - Karin M Muraszko
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and
| | - Cormac O Maher
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and
| | - Jennifer M Strahle
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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11
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Chong S, Lee JY, Kim KH, Shin HI, Kim K, Park K, Kim SK, Wang KC. Radical excision of lumbosacral lipoma: an early experience of "followers". Childs Nerv Syst 2019; 35:1591-1597. [PMID: 31152216 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-019-04212-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indication, timing, and method for surgical treatment of lumbosacral lipoma are controversial. Radical resection of the lumbosacral lipoma and complete reconstruction of the placode are supported in that better long-term outcome can be achieved without increasing complication rate compared with traditional surgical techniques. OBJECTIVE We analyzed the early surgical outcomes of lumbosacral lipoma treated with the untethering and radical excision of fat. METHODS Retrospective analysis of surgically treated 81 fresh lumbosacral lipoma cases with dorsal, transitional, and chaotic types and true lipomyelomeningocele (LMMC) was performed. Caudal and filar types were excluded. RESULTS Complete untethering was accomplished in 98%. Radical excision of the lipoma was attempted in all cases and achieved in 83%. Postoperative neurological complication was observed in 8 cases (10%). Group of lipoma types (dorsal + transitional vs. chaotic + true LMMC) and availability of radical lipoma excision turn out to be factors related to neurological outcomes in univariate analysis (p < 0.001 and p = 0.027, respectively). Group of lipoma types, availability of radical excision, and postoperative cord/dural sac (C/D) ratio are related factors in multivariate analysis (p = 0.025, p = 0.049, and p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS As a follower of untethering and radical excision of fat, careful consideration is required to plan the surgery of lumbosacral lipoma on account of the "underestimated" complication rate. Type of the lipoma is the important factor determining the surgical outcome. Availability of complete radical excision and postoperative C/D ratio are the operative factors related to the neurological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangjoon Chong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yeoun Lee
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hyun Kim
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Ik Shin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Keewon Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwanjin Park
- Department of Urology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ki Kim
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Chang Wang
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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Yi YG, Kim K, Shin HI, Bang MS, Kim HS, Choi J, Wang KC, Kim SK, Lee JY, Phi JH, Seo HG. Feasibility of intraoperative monitoring of motor evoked potentials obtained through transcranial electrical stimulation in infants younger than 3 months. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2019; 23:758-766. [PMID: 30875681 DOI: 10.3171/2019.1.peds18674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of intraoperative motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring in infants less than 3 months of age. METHODS The authors investigated 25 cases in which infants younger than 3 months (mean age 72.8 days, range 39-87) underwent neurosurgery between 2014 and 2017. Myogenic MEPs were obtained through transcranial electrical stimulation. In all cases, surgery was performed under total intravenous anesthesia, maintained with remifentanil and propofol. RESULTS MEPs were documented in 24 infants, the sole exception being 1 infant who was lethargic and had 4-limb weakness before surgery. The mean stimulation intensity maintained during monitoring was 596 ± 154 V (range 290-900 V). In 19 of 24 infants MEP signals remained at ≥ 50% of the baseline amplitude throughout the operation. Among 5 cases with a decrease in intraoperative MEP amplitude, the MEP signal was recovered in one during surgery, and in the other case a neurological examination could not be performed after surgery. In the other 3 cases, 2 infants had relevant postoperative weakness and the other did not show postoperative neurological deficits. Postoperative weakness was not observed in any of the 20 infants who had no deterioration (n = 19) or only temporary deterioration (n = 1) in MEP signal during surgery. CONCLUSIONS Transcranial electrical MEPs could be implemented during neurosurgery in infants between 1 and 3 months of age. Intraoperative MEP monitoring may be a safe adjunct for neurosurgical procedures in these very young patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kyu-Chang Wang
- 3Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital; and
- 4Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ki Kim
- 3Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital; and
- 4Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yeoun Lee
- 3Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital; and
- 4Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Phi
- 3Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital; and
- 4Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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13
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Lee JY, Kim SW, Kim SP, Kim H, Cheon JE, Kim SK, Paek SH, Pang D, Wang KC. A rat model of chronic syringomyelia induced by epidural compression of the lumbar spinal cord. J Neurosurg Spine 2017; 27:458-467. [DOI: 10.3171/2016.9.spine16188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEThere has been no established animal model of syringomyelia associated with lumbosacral spinal lipoma. The research on the pathophysiology of syringomyelia has been focused on Chiari malformation, trauma, and inflammation. To understand the pathophysiology of syringomyelia associated with occult spinal dysraphism, a novel animal model of syringomyelia induced by chronic mechanical compression of the lumbar spinal cord was created.METHODSThe model was made by epidural injection of highly concentrated paste-like kaolin solution through windows created by partial laminectomy of L-1 and L-5 vertebrae. Behavioral outcome in terms of motor (Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan score) and urinary function was assessed serially for 12 weeks. Magnetic resonance images were obtained in some animals to confirm the formation of a syrinx and to monitor changes in its size. Immunohistochemical studies, including analysis for glial fibrillary acidic protein, NeuN, CC1, ED-1, and caspase-3, were done.RESULTSBy 12 weeks after the epidural compression procedure, syringomyelia formation was confirmed in 85% of the rats (34 of 40) on histology and/or MRI. The syrinx cavities were found rostral to the epidural compression. Motor deficit of varying degrees was seen immediately after the procedure in 28% of the rats (11 of 40). In 13 rats (33%), lower urinary tract dysfunction was seen. Motor deficit improved by 5 weeks after the procedure, whereas urinary dysfunction mostly improved by 2 weeks. Five rats (13%, 5 of 40) died 1 month postoperatively or later, and 3 of the 5 had developed urinary tract infection. At 12 weeks after the operation, IHC showed no inflammatory process, demyelination, or accelerated apoptosis in the spinal cords surrounding the syrinx cavities, similar to sham-operated animals.CONCLUSIONSA novel experimental model for syringomyelia by epidural compression of the lumbar spinal cord has been created. The authors hope that it will serve as an important research tool to elucidate the pathogenesis of this type of syringomyelia, as well as the CSF hydrodynamics of the lumbar spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Yeoun Lee
- Departments of 1Anatomy and
- 2Neural Development and Anomaly Laboratory, Seoul National University College of Medicine
- 3Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery,
| | - Shin Won Kim
- 2Neural Development and Anomaly Laboratory, Seoul National University College of Medicine
| | - Saet Pyoul Kim
- Departments of 1Anatomy and
- 2Neural Development and Anomaly Laboratory, Seoul National University College of Medicine
| | | | | | - Seung-Ki Kim
- 3Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery,
- 5Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Ha Paek
- 5Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dachling Pang
- 6Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, University of California, Davis; and
- 7Regional Center of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Oakland Medical Center, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals of Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Kyu-Chang Wang
- 2Neural Development and Anomaly Laboratory, Seoul National University College of Medicine
- 3Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery,
- 5Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Children's Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Kemp J, Guzman MA, Fitzpatrick CM, Elbabaa SK. Holocord syringomyelia secondary to tethered spinal cord associated with anterior sacral meningocele and tailgut cyst: case report and review of literature. Childs Nerv Syst 2014; 30:1141-6. [PMID: 24562417 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-014-2379-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE Anterior sacral meningoceles are lesions that are uncommonly reported and can be associated with other pathology including presacral masses, tethered spinal cord, and syringomyelia. Tethered spinal cord and syringomyelia can result in neurologic deficits, while large meningoceles and presacral masses can have gastroenterologic, urologic, reproductive, and oncologic consequences. CLINICAL PRESENTATION The authors report a case of a 14-year-old girl with an anterior sacral meningocele, tailgut cyst, and tethered cord with holocord syringomyelia who presented with a tethered cord syndrome, manifested by constipation, urinary retention, bilateral lower extremity weakness, and sensory deficits. After extensive radiographic and urodynamic workups were performed, the patient was treated by the neurosurgery and pediatric surgery teams with a posterior sagittal approach for cord detethering, resection of an intradural cystic mass, resection of the anterior sacral meningocele, and resection of the adjacent presacral mass. After surgical treatment, motor weakness and sensory deficits were resolved, though urinary symptoms persisted. The syrinx resolved after detethering alone. Pathology of the intradural cystic mass and the presacral mass inferior to the anterior sacral meningocele were consistent with tailgut cyst. CONCLUSION The patient's clinical and surgical management are discussed, and a literature review related to anterior sacral meningoceles and their related pathologies is presented. An interdisciplinary approach is required for the best treatment of this constellation of findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kemp
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1465 South Grand Blvd, Suite 2705, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, USA,
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