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Abdulrazeq H, Leary OP, Tang OY, Karimi H, McElroy A, Gokaslan Z, Punsoni M, Donahue JE, Klinge PM. The Surgical Histopathology of the Filum Terminale: Findings from a Large Series of Patients with Tethered Cord Syndrome. J Clin Med 2023; 13:6. [PMID: 38202013 PMCID: PMC10779556 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010006] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence of embryonic and connective tissue elements in the filum terminale (FT) of patients with tethered cord syndrome (TCS), examining both typical and pathological histology. The FT specimens from 288 patients who underwent spinal cord detethering from 2013 to 2021 were analyzed. The histopathological examination involved routine hematoxylin and eosin staining and specific immunohistochemistry when needed. The patient details were extracted from electronic medical records. The study found that 97.6% of the FT specimens had peripheral nerves, and 70.8% had regular ependymal cell linings. Other findings included ependymal cysts and canals, ganglion cells, neuropil, and prominent vascular features. Notably, 41% showed fatty infiltration, and 7.6% had dystrophic calcification. Inflammatory infiltrates, an underreported finding, were observed in 3.8% of the specimens. The research highlights peripheral nerves and ganglion cells as natural components of the FT, with ependymal cell overgrowth and other tissues potentially linked to TCS. Enlarged vessels may suggest venous congestion due to altered FT mechanics. The presence of lymphocytic infiltrations and calcifications provides new insights into structural changes and mechanical stress in the FT, contributing to our understanding of TCS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hael Abdulrazeq
- Department of Neurosurgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (O.P.L.); (J.E.D.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Owen P. Leary
- Department of Neurosurgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (O.P.L.); (J.E.D.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Oliver Y. Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (O.Y.T.)
| | - Helen Karimi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tufts Medical School, Boston, MA 02111, USA;
| | - Abigail McElroy
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (O.Y.T.)
| | - Ziya Gokaslan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (O.P.L.); (J.E.D.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Michael Punsoni
- Department of Neurosurgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (O.P.L.); (J.E.D.)
- Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - John E. Donahue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (O.P.L.); (J.E.D.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Petra M. Klinge
- Department of Neurosurgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (O.P.L.); (J.E.D.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Xu JK, Ye M, Yu JX, Zhang HQ. Filum terminale arteriovenous shunt with nidus structure: a report of rare condition and treatment consideration. Int J Neurosci 2023; 133:492-495. [PMID: 33931000 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2021.1924708] [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: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the literature, filum terminale arteriovenous shunts (FTAVSs) always feature a single shunt point. Nidus-type FTAVSs have rarely been reported, and the best treatment strategy is unclear. This is a report of one exceptional case of a nidus-type FTAVS and surgical treatment of the lesion. CASE DESCRIPTION The patient suffered from cauda equina syndrome for 9 months. Magnetic resonance imaging and spinal angiography revealed a nidus-type FTAVF at the L2 level. Surgical resection was performed in the hybrid operating room, and the nidus was completely resected with the assistance of intraoperative methylene blue angiography and neurophysiological monitoring. The postoperative neurological function was stable. CONCLUSIONS A nidus-type arteriovenous shunt could originate from the FT, and in such cases, complete surgical resection with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in a hybrid operating room should be suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Kun Xu
- Radiation Oncology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Ye
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Xing Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Qi Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
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A case of arteriovenous fistula of the cauda equina fed by the proximal radicular artery: anatomical features and treatment precautions. 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; 27:281-286. [PMID: 28501955 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-017-5129-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) of the cauda equina (CE) fed by the proximal radicular artery (PRA) is very rare, and the differentiation from that of the filum terminale (FT) is important to avoid treatment-related injury to the CE when endovascular treatment is selected. The authors describe a case of AVF of the CE fed by the PRA, demonstrate the anatomical features and discuss the treatment precautions. METHODS A 69-year-old man presented with a transient weakness of lower limbs. Spinal angiography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed AVF, of which the feeding artery arose from the anterior spinal artery (ASA), forming the fistula at L2 level to be drained into the longitudinal venous trunk. Under a tentative diagnosis of AVF of the FT, endovascular treatment was attempted but failed due to impossible catheterization into the ASA. Therefore, surgery was performed. RESULTS Intraoperative finding revealed that the feeding artery and draining vein were not on the FT but on the CE, resulting in the proper diagnosis of AVF of the CE. Surgical clips were applied to the draining vein closest to the fistula, and postoperatively the symptom improved gradually. Although we thoroughly reevaluated spinal angiography and MR images postoperatively, AVF of the CE fed by the PRA and that of the FT were not distinguishable. CONCLUSIONS The authors described a case of AVF of the CE fed by the PRA and demonstrated the difficulty of the differentiation from that of the FT. The utmost precautions are necessary when endovascular treatment is selected.
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Hong T, Park JE, Ling F, terBrugge KG, Tymianski M, Zhang HQ, Krings T. Comparison of 3 Different Types of Spinal Arteriovenous Shunts below the Conus in Clinical Presentation, Radiologic Findings, and Outcomes. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2016; 38:403-409. [PMID: 27884878 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a5001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Spinal arteriovenous shunts below the conus constitute 3 types of lesions, which have previously been mainly described in case reports, given their rarity, and are sometimes misdiagnosed. The purpose of this study was to describe the features of each type and compare these types as to epidemiologic features, clinical and radiologic presentations, treatment, and outcomes in a consecutive series of 48 cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS The prospectively collected data bases of 2 referral centers for spinal vascular lesions were retrospectively reviewed. Spinal arteriovenous shunts below the conus were defined as all dural and intradural shunts below the conus medullaris. Clinical features, radiologic findings, treatment results, and clinical outcomes were assessed. RESULTS There were filum terminale arteriovenous fistulas in 11 patients (22.9%), radicular arteriovenous shunts in 7 patients (14.6%), and spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas in 30 patients (62.5%). Radicular arteriovenous shunts presented at a younger age (P = .017) and with a higher incidence of back pain symptoms (P = .037). A tethered spinal cord was found in 54.5% of patients with filum terminale arteriovenous fistulas and 23.3% of patients with spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas. After treatment, the angiographic complete obliteration rate was 89.4% and spinal function was improved significantly (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Three groups of spinal arteriovenous shunts below the conus can be differentiated according to clinical and radiologic features. Filum terminale arteriovenous fistulas are frequently associated with dysraphic malformations, which may suggest a particular embryologic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Hong
- From the Department of Neurosurgery (T.H., F.L., H.Q.Z.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - J E Park
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology (J.E.P.), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - F Ling
- From the Department of Neurosurgery (T.H., F.L., H.Q.Z.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | - M Tymianski
- Division of Neurosurgery (M.T.), Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - H Q Zhang
- From the Department of Neurosurgery (T.H., F.L., H.Q.Z.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - T Krings
- Department of Medical Imaging (K.G.T., T.K.)
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