Primary thoracolumbar Ewing's sarcoma presenting as isolated epidural mass

Background contextEwing's sarcoma is the most common childhood malignancy of bone, but it rarely occurs as a primary extraosseous epidural tumor.PurposeTo heighten awareness and treatment options of this rare (epidural) presentation of Ewing's sarcoma.Study designCase report.MethodsRetrospective review.ResultsWe present a 13-year-old boy with progressive low back and bilateral lower extremity pain and normal neurologic examination. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an extradural tumor in the dorsal epidural space from T11 to L1. He underwent a posterior laminoplasty and gross total resection of tumor; histopathological diagnosis was consistent with Ewing's sarcoma. After surgery, the patient underwent adjuvant chemotherapy and irradiation. At 10 months follow-up, the patient is neurologically intact without evidence of residual disease.ConclusionsEwing's sarcoma of the epidural space should be considered in the differential diagnosis of epidural mass lesions. Because wide surgical margins cannot be obtained, close follow-up with a low threshold for reoperation is mandatory.     

颈椎布鲁杆菌性脊柱炎合并硬膜外脓肿的手术治疗

目的探讨颈椎布鲁杆菌性脊柱炎合并硬膜外脓肿的诊断及外科治疗。方法 2012年1月—2015年4月,本院采用前路一期病灶清除植骨融合内固定术治疗12例颈椎布鲁杆菌性脊柱炎合并硬膜外脓肿患者。病变侵犯节段:C3/C4 1例,C4/C5 2例,C5/C6 6例,C6/C7 3例。术前神经功能美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)分级:B级1例,C级2例,D级7例,E级2例。术前日本骨科学会(JOA)评分为(9.83±4.45)分。术前红细胞沉降率(ESR)为(34.67±18.25)mm/h。术前所有患者规范抗感染治疗1周,术后继续抗感染治疗6~12个月。观察患者术后疗效及植骨融合情况。结果所有手术均顺利完成,无感染播散。随访12~30个月,平均16.6个月,切口均一期愈合。术后1年随访时,B级和C级各1例患者恢复至D级,余C级1例和D级7例患者恢复至E级。术后1年随访时JOA评分改善至(15.50±2.02)分,与术前相比差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后3个月ESR为(7.58±5.32)mm/h,与术前相比差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。末次随访时,所有患者均获得植骨融合,无内固定相关并发症发生,无布鲁杆菌性脊柱炎复发。结论颈椎布鲁杆菌性脊柱炎合并硬膜外脓肿较为少见,容易误诊,对可疑病例应进行血清学排查。在规范抗感染治疗的基础上,行前路病灶清除植骨融合内固定术可获得良好的临床疗效。     

Acute spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma with neurological deficit after low-molecular-weight heparin therapy: role of conservative management

Background ContextSpontaneous spinal hematoma (SSH) after low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) therapy is a rare cause of compressive myelopathy with neurological deficit. Emergent surgical decompression is commonly advocated for optimal neurological recovery. Only three cases of spontaneous spinal subdural hematomas after LMWH therapy have been reported in the literature, and this is the first report of a spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma (EDH).PurposeTo highlight the importance of conservative management in an unusual case of cervical EDH with neurological deficit after LMWH therapy.Study DesignClinical case report.MethodsA 65-year-old man presented with weakness of upper and lower limbs with bowel and bladder dysfunction after LMWH therapy for an acute coronary syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an anterior cervical EDH extending from C4 to T1 with significant cord compression. Associated comorbidities precluded emergent surgical intervention, and the patient was managed conservatively with cessation of LMWH therapy.ResultsThe patient showed signs of early neurological recovery within 24 hours (ASIA C [American Spinal Injury Association] to ASIA D) of cessation of LMWH, and hence surgery was deferred. Complete motor and sensory recovery was observed at 1-month follow up with resolution of the cervical EDH without any cord compression evident on the MRI.ConclusionsLMWH therapy is an important cause of SSH leading to significant neurological deficits. Conservative management is a viable treatment option in patients who demonstrate early and sustained neurological recovery with the cessation of LMWH therapy.     

自发性椎管内硬膜外血肿的影像学及临床特征

目的分析自发性椎管内硬膜外血肿(SSEH)的影像学特征及临床治疗效果。方法回顾性分析2008年6月—2018年9月泰州市人民医院脊柱外科收治的SSEH患者临床资料,分析其影像学表现。采用硬膜外脊髓压迫(ESCC)分级评估硬膜外占位对硬膜囊及脊髓的压迫程度,美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)分级评估神经功能,疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分评估疼痛情况。结果本研究共纳入12例患者,年龄25 ～ 74岁,中位年龄64.5岁。MRI显示SSEH大多呈梭形、椭圆形,且多位于脊髓侧后方或后方的硬膜外腔。血肿最多发于颈段(4例)或颈胸段(4例)。血肿累及1 ～ 4个节段,平均2.6个节段。T1WI MRI上7例表现为等信号,4例表现为高信号,1例表现为低信号;T2WI MRI上10例表现为高/混杂信号,2例表现为低信号。血肿压迫脊髓程度(ESCC分级)与患者神经功能损伤程度(AISA分级)密切相关(r=0.85,P 0.01)。7例患者行手术治疗,其中5例术后神经功能有所恢复,2例术前ASIA分级为A级的患者末次随访时仍为A级;5例采用非手术治疗,治疗后神经功能均有所恢复,VAS评分下降。结论 MRI是诊断SSEH的最佳检查方法。根据患者神经功能损伤及进展情形,可选择非手术治疗或尽早手术治疗。     

寰椎后弓半切除在高位上颈椎哑铃状神经鞘瘤手术的应用

目的:探讨寰椎后弓半切除在高位上颈椎哑铃状神经鞘瘤手术的可行性及临床疗效。方法:回顾性分析2005年1月至2018年12月高位上颈椎哑铃状神经鞘瘤患者13例,男10例,女3例;年龄19~67岁;枕骨大孔至C1平面4例,C1,2平面9例。进行寰椎后弓半切除摘除肿瘤,未内固定,临床疗效采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS),日本骨科协会(Japanese Orthopaedic Association,JOA)评分及美国脊髓损伤学会(American Spinal Injury Association,ASIA)分级等进行比较。结果:13例均顺利完成手术,术中均未出现椎动脉损伤及脊髓损伤。13例均随访12个月以上,未发现局部复发,VAS评分及JOA评分均较术前改善。术前ASIA分级:C级1例,D级6例,E级6例;末次随访D级3例,E级10例。结论:寰椎后弓半切除可Ⅰ期切除高位上颈椎哑铃状神经鞘瘤,短期临床疗效好,无颈椎不稳等并发症。     

Therapeutic systemic hypothermia for a pediatric patient with an isolated cervical spinal cord injury

Context: While uncommon, spinal cord injuries most frequently occur in adolescent and young adult males. Established treatment options are limited and focused on supportive care. Therapeutic systemic hypothermia is an emerging experimental treatment currently undergoing clinical trials in adults.

Findings: Here we report a case of a 13-year-old male with an American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale grade C traumatic cervical spinal cord injury treated with 48 hours of therapeutic systemic hypothermia who made a complete neurological recovery. To our knowledge, this is the youngest such case report.

Clinical relevance: This case suggests that consideration should be given to including pediatric patients in future clinical trials of therapeutic hypothermia for spinal cord injury.     

Spinal epidural cavernous hemangioma in an HIV-positive patient

BackgroundSpinal epidural cavernous hemangioma is rare.PurposeHere, we report a case of spinal epidural cavernous hemangioma in an HIV-positive patient.Study designSingle case report.MethodA 40-year-old known HIV-positive woman presented with a 6-month history of slowly progressive bilateral leg weakness and pain. Neuroimaging showed an epidural mass lesion, which was isointense on T1–WI, hyperintense on T2–WI, and homogenously enhanced with gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (Gd-DTPA), from T8 to T10.ResultsThe patient underwent T8–T10 laminectomy and removal of this lesion. Pathological diagnosis was cavernous hemangioma.ConclusionAlthough soft-tissue tumors such as Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphomas have been well documented in association with HIV infection, this is the first reported case of spinal epidural cavernous hemangioma. This may be an incidental finding or perhaps a causal relationship exists, suggesting that cavernous hemangioma could be a differential diagnosis of a spine lesion in HIV-positive patients.     

Extraosseous epidural multiple myeloma presenting with thoracic spine compression

Multiple myeloma is a hematopoetic disorder and multicentric disease, with the most common localisation being the spine. A 47-year-old male presented with progressive paraplegia, superficial and deep sensory disturbance below the level of T4. Spinal magnetic resonance image showed an epidural mass compressing the spinal cord at the level of T4-T6 with intact bone structure. The patient underwent surgical T4-T6 posterior spinal decompression. Microscopic examination and immunohistochemical studies confirmed the diagnosis of multiple myeloma of kappa subtype. Immunoelectrophoresis revealed the presence of immunoglobulin G kappa. The patient was subsequently started on steroids and chemotherapy for myeloma. Extraosseous epidural tumors causing compression myelopathy without evidence of destruction or collapse of vertebral bodies are relatively rare; to our knowledge only four cases have been reported in English literature.     

Aggressive plasmablastic lymphoma of the thoracic spine presenting as acute spinal cord compression in a case of asymptomatic undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus infection

Background contextPlasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare aggressive variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.PurposeWe describe a rare case of an aggressive PBL presenting as acute spinal cord compression requiring thoracic decompression and fusion, in a case of previously undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.Study designA case report.Patient sampleA patient with PBL of the thoracic spine.Outcome measuresPreoperative magnetic resonance imaging, pathologic findings from the operative specimen, and serum HIV testing confirmed the diagnosis.MethodsWe present the case of a 33-year-old Caucasian woman with a 10-day history of thoracic back pain and a 1-day history of sudden-onset bilateral lower limb weakness and paresthesia from below the level of the umbilicus (American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] Grade C). Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an extradural mass extending from T3 to T6 within the left posterior canal, resulting in significant cord compression. A complete debulking of the tumor mass and an instrumented posterior thoracic fusion was performed.ResultsHistopathologic examination of the specimen revealed tumor cells of PBL, and subsequent HIV testing was positive. She was treated with intravenous and intrathecal chemotherapy to prevent recurrence. Her lower limb neurologic status improved to ASIA Grade D over the subsequent 2 weeks.ConclusionsWe report the case of an aggressive PBL presenting as acute spinal cord compression requiring urgent surgical intervention, on a background of undiagnosed HIV infection.     

屈曲位撑开提拉复位法治疗伴有严重脱位的胸腰椎骨折

目的 探讨在屈曲位时利用椎弓根钉棒系统撑开提拉复位治疗伴有严重脱位的胸腰椎骨折的临床疗效.方法 对22例伴有严重脱位的胸腰椎骨折患者行手术治疗,随访12～ 18个月.按美国脊髓损伤学会（American Spinal Injury Association,ASIA）分级法评估手术前后的神经功能,测量并分析比较手术前后的Cobb角.结果 术后X线片显示所有患者脱位完全纠正;术后Cobb角由术前平均21°恢复至4°;15例神经功能有1～3级恢复.结论 利用椎弓根钉棒系统在屈曲位时撑开提拉复位治疗伴有严重脱位的胸腰椎骨折的临床疗效肯定,复位方法简易.     

Reference for the 2011 revision of the international standards for neurological classification of spinal cord injury

Abstract

The latest revision of the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) was available in booklet format in June 2011, and is published in this issue of the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine. The ISNCSCI were initially developed in 1982 to provide guidelines for the consistent classification of the neurological level and extent of the injury to achieve reliable data for clinical care and research studies. This revision was generated from the Standards Committee of the American Spinal Injury Association in collaboration with the International Spinal Cord Society's Education Committee. This article details and explains the updates and serves as a reference for these revisions and clarifications.     

Pneumocephalus Secondary To Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Associated With A Lumbar Pressure Ulcer In A Man With Paraplegia

Abstract

Background: Pneumocephalus is a well-known condition following head trauma, but is uncommon in injuries or surgeries of the spine. Even more unusual is its occurrence in association with an eroding pressure ulcer and the subsequent penetration of the intrathecal space. This article reports such a case in a man with spinal cord injury. No previously reported cases of pneumocephalus and subarachnoid- pleural fistula secondary to a pressure ulcer are known.

Methods: Case presentation and literature review.

Findings: A 75-year-old man with with paraplegia, T2-level spinal cord injury, impairment score on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale of ASIA A, and multiple pressure ulcers developed dural leak via a tract extending from a thoracolumbar ulcer to the T11 -T1 2 vertebrae. The resultant pneumocephalus was diagnosed based on acute neurologic symptoms and computed tomography scan. He underwent excision of the pressure ulcer and a T1 0 through L 1 laminectomy, during which the dural leak was located and sealed with fibrin glue.

Conclusion: Deep pressure ulcers overlying the spine should be managed aggressively to avoid life-threatening complications. Signs of meningeal irritation and/or mental status change in a patient with a deep posterior midline pressure ulcer with drainage suggestive of cerebrospinal fluid may indicate invasion of the intramedullary canal. Imaging studies are diagnostic of pneumocephalus and surgical closure of the spinal fluid leak is imperative when meningeal or other adverse neurologic signs are present.     

Rehabilitation of people with spinal cord damage due to tumor: literature review,international survey and practical recommendations for optimizing their rehabilitation

Background/Objectives: People with spinal cord dysfunction (SCDys) due to tumor (benign and malignant) pose enormous rehabilitation challenges. Objectives were: conduct literature search regarding epidemiology, clinical features and outcomes for SCDys due to tumor following rehabilitation, the ideal setting for rehabilitation and practical considerations for rehabilitation; and propose framework and practical considerations for managing people with SCDys due to tumor in spinal rehabilitation units (SRUs).

Design: Survey of rehabilitation health care professionals, consensus opinion from experts and literature search.

Setting: Workshop at International Spinal Cord Society and American Spinal Injury Association combined annual meeting, May 16, 2015, Montréal, Canada.

Participants: Workshop attendees and experts in the rehabilitation of people with SCDys due to tumor.

Outcomes Measures: Reports of services offered to people with SCDys due to tumor, including whether those with benign and malignant tumors are admitted into rehabilitation, any admission criteria used and the rational for declining admission.

Results: Most respondents (n?=?33, 83%) reported that people with benign tumors were routinely admitted for rehabilitation but only 18 (45%) reported that people with malignant tumors were routinely admitted. A range of criteria and reasons for declining admission were given. Evidence from the literature and the opinion of experts support the admission of people with SCDys due to tumor into specialist SRUs.

Conclusions: A framework and practical considerations for managing people with SCDys due to tumor in SRUs are proposed. Patients with tumor causing SCDys should be given greater access to specialist SRU in order to achieve the best outcomes.     

Gallie技术治疗寰枢关节矢状位不稳

目的探讨Gallie技术治疗寰枢关节矢状位不稳的临床疗效,进一步明确其手术适应证。方法 2008年2月年—2013年6月,本院采用Gallie技术治疗寰枢关节矢状位不稳患者25例。采用疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分、颈椎功能障碍指数(NDI)和美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)分级对疗效进行评价;通过影像学资料观察寰枢椎的稳定性及骨融合情况。结果所有患者术后随访24~67个月,平均29个月。末次随访时枕颈部疼痛均明显缓解,VAS评分术前(3.48±1.04)分,末次随访时降低到(0.52±0.60)分;NDI术前5.83±1.40,末次随访时降低到0.78±0.80。ASIA分级术前E级15例,D级9例,C级1例;术后1例C级患者改善至D级;9例D级患者,8例改善至E级,1例无明显改善仍为D级。21例患者术后3个月获得骨性融合,2例延迟融合,2例不融合改行后路寰枢椎椎弓根螺钉固定。结论 Gallie技术治疗寰枢关节矢状位不稳安全、有效,但对难复性寰枢椎脱位前路松解复位后采取后路固定融合时须慎用该技术。     

Nontraumatic Myelopathy Associated With Surfing

Abstract

Background/Objective: Ischemic nontraumatic spinal cord injury associated with surfing is a novel diagnosis believed to be related to prolonged spine hyperextension while lying prone on the surfboard. Only 9 cases have been documented. This report features possible risk factors, etiology, diagnostic imaging, and outcomes of surfer's myelopathy.

Design: Case report.

Results: A 37-year-old man developed T11 American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) A paraplegia shortly after surfing. The clinical history and magnetic resonance imaging findings were compatible with an ischemic insult to the distal thoracic spinal cord. Our patient did not have any of the proposed risk factors associated with this condition, and, contrary to most reports, he sustained a complete spinal cord lesion without neurological recovery by 8 weeks post injury.

Conclusions: Surfer's myelopathy, because of its proposed mechanism of injury, is amenable to medical intervention. Increased awareness of this condition may lead to early recognition and treatment, which should contribute to improved neurological outcomes.     

一期后路全脊椎切除术治疗伴脊髓压迫的肾源性脊柱转移癌

目的探讨一期后路全脊椎切除术治疗伴有脊髓压迫的肾源性脊柱转移癌的外科策略及临床疗效。方法2003年1月—2012年12月,第二军医大学附属长征医院骨肿瘤科共收治35例伴有脊髓压迫的肾癌脊柱转移患者,均行一期后路全脊椎切除术、脊髓减压并内固定重建术。对所有患者病史、影像学资料、手术时间、术中出血量、切除重建策略、手术并发症及临床疗效进行分析。采用美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)分级评价患者神经功能状况,采用视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分对患者疼痛程度进行评估。所有患者术后接受放化疗以及双膦酸盐治疗。结果所有手术顺利完成,手术时间为(296±35)min,术中出血量为(2 160±240)m L,术中无大血管或脊髓损伤,无脑脊液漏等并发症。所有患者均获得随访,随访时间为(73.2±8.7)个月。术后1例ASIA A级患者恢复至B级;3例ASIA B级患者恢复至C级、D级各1例,1例因压迫时间过长无恢复;2例ASIA C级患者1例恢复至D级,1例仍然为C级;11例ASIA D级患者9例恢复至E级,2例仍然为D级;18例ASIA E级患者无变化。所有患者术后VAS评分均降低,与术前相比差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。随访时1例患者术后18个月因肿瘤复发压迫颈髓致瘫痪,并肺部转移,致呼吸衰竭死亡;2例患者复发,1例行手术治疗,1例放弃治疗;3例患者带瘤生存;其余患者末次随访时未见复发征象。结论一期后路全脊椎切除术治疗伴脊髓压迫的肾癌脊柱转移能够安全有效地解决患者局部压迫症状,改善其神经功能,术后综合治疗能延长患者的生存期。     

Spinal Angiolipoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background/Objective: Spinal angiolipoma (SAL) is an uncommon clinico-pathological entity.

Design: Single case report.

Methods: Retrospective data analysis.

Findings: An obese woman with a 1-year history of progressive spastic paraparesis and acute deterioration underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine, the results of which suggested a tumor compressing the thoracic spinal cord. The histopathological examination of the completely resected tumor revealed an epidural angiolipoma.

Conclusions: This case report offers a reminder that SAL should be considered in the differential diagnosis of long-standing, slowly progressive paraparesis. It remains unclear whether an increased body mass index might be a contributing factor to the development of SAL.     

Sudden onset of paraplegia caused by hemorrhagic spinal epidural angiolipoma. A case report

Spinal epidural angiolipoma is a rare benign tumor containing vascular and mature adipose elements. A slow progressive clinical course was mostly presented and rarely a fluctuating course during pregnancy. The authors report the original case of spontaneous spinal epidural bleeding resulting from thoracic epidural angiolipoma who presented with hyperacute onset of paraplegia, simulating an extradural hematoma. The patient was admitted with sudden non-traumatic hyperacute paraplegia during a prolonged walk. Neurologic examination showed sensory loss below T6 and bladder disturbances. Spinal MRI revealed a non-enhanced heterogeneous thoracic epidural lesion, extending from T2 to T3. A bilateral T2–T4 laminectomy was performed to achieve resection of a lipomatous tumor containing area of spontaneous hemorrhage. The postoperative course was uneventful with complete neurologic recovery. Histologic examination revealed the tumor as an angiolipoma. Because the prognosis after rapid surgical management of this lesion is favorable, the diagnosis of spinal angiolipoma with bleeding should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hyperacute spinal cord compression.

     

The Comarr Memorial Award for Distinguished Clinical Service: The Legacy of A. Estin Comarr,MD

Abstract

Background

Subfascial wound suction drains are commonly used after spinal surgery to decrease the incidence of post-operative hematoma. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding their effectiveness.

Objective

To report four cases of post-operative spinal epidural hematoma causing massive neurological deficit in patients who had subfascial suction wound drains.

Methods

During an 8-year period, a retrospective review of 1750 consecutive adult spinal surgery cases was performed to determine the incidence, commonalities, and outcomes of catastrophic neurological deficit caused by post-operative spinal epidural hematoma.

Findings

Epidural hematoma causing major neurological deficit (American Spinal Injury Association B) was identified in 4 out of 1750 patients (0.23%). All four patients in this series had subfascial wound suction drains placed prophylactically at the conclusion of their initial procedure.

Results

Three patients developed massive neurological deficits with the drain in place; one patient had the drain removed at 24 hours and subsequently developed neurological symptoms during the following post-operative day. Significant risk factors for the development of hematoma were identified in two of the four patients. Average time to return to the operating room for hematoma evacuation was 6 hours (range 3–12 hours). Neurological status significantly improved in all four patients after hematoma evacuation.

Conclusions

Post-operative epidural hematoma causing catastrophic neurological deficit is a rare complication after spinal surgery. The presence of suction wound drains does not appear to prevent the occurrence of this devastating complication.