ABSTRACT
Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of surgical treatment for spinal cord tumors. Methods We retrospectively analyzed a series of 660 patients with 676 intra-spinal tumors who were treated surgically from February 1993 to December 2007. The tumors located at the cervical level in 231 patients,thoracic in 202,lumbar in 159,sacral in 9,cervico-thoracic in 16,thoracico-lumbar in 42,and lumbar-sacral in 17. Totally 699 operations were performed,including posterior bilateral laminectomy approach in 599,unilateral laminotomy in 71 and laminoplasty in 6 cases.Besides,23 additional operations via lateral or ventral-lateral were performed for resection of extra-spinal component of dumbbell shaped tumors. Results In this series,Schwannomas and meningiomas were the most common extramedullary tumors accounting for 76.5% of the cases [517/676,rate of total resection: 92.3% (477/517)]. The intra-medullary tumors accounted for 23.5% (159/676),in which astrocytomas and ependymomas were the most often observed [rate of total resection: 67.3% (107/159)]. The peri-operative mortality was 1.7% (11/660). The motor and sensory functions were found to be improved after operation in 77.8% (357/459) and 79.2% (397/501) respectively. The sphincter function was improved in 72.4% (215/297). The rate of pain relief was 93.3% (361/387). The follow-up periods ranged from 0.5 to 15.1 years in 582 patients with an average of 5.9 years;during the period,87.8% (499/568) of the patients had an ASIA impairment scale E neurological function. Conclusions Intra-spinal tumors locate mostly in the subdural-extramedullary space,with a majority are Schwannomas and meningiomas. The widespread application and availability of MRI investigation provide the physician with accurate localization of the lesion thereafter ensure a minimally invasive surgical treatment strategy keeping the stability of the spine while removing the tumors with an satisfactory outcome.
ABSTRACT
SUMMARY Peripheral T cell lymphomas-unspecified(PTCL-U) is an uncommon malignant tumor, accounting for 5%-7% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Clinical feature of a case of PTCL-U was investigated and the optimal treatment protocol was proposed. The clinical presentation of this case was progressing limbs weakness with sudden paralysis. Multiple superficial lymph nodes swelling and decreased sensation in all modalities below T10 level were found in physical examination. Bilateral leg paralysis (Grade 0/5) with high muscle tension, overactive knee reflex, bilateral Babinski sign (+) were present. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) showed the mass, which was around spinal cord located in T6-T8 vertebra canal, with intense enhancement after the administration of gadolinium diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid. Abnormal signal in multiple centrums and accessories could also be found in MRI scan. Initial diagnosis was lymphoma, multiple systems involved. Laminectomy and epidural tumor resection were performed immediately. The dural sac was narrowed obviously by surrounding tumor. The result of pathological examination was PTCL-U. After operation, the level of pain sensation was descent, and touch sensation recovered. The patient received chemotherapy and his muscle strength was partly recovered in 4 months. Early diagnosis of peripheral T cell lymphomas-unspecified was difficult and easily misdiagnosed with poor prognosis. A review of literature showed central nervous system lesions occurred in advanced stage. However, the report of representation of intraspinal mass as initial symptom like the case was rare. For acute paraplegia, laminectomy and tumor resection should be performed as soon as possible. Regular radiotherapy and chemotherapy should be considered after operation. However, the value of local chemotherapy need to be further investigated.
ABSTRACT
Objective To study the feasibility of minimally invasive procedure for the management of dumbbel tumors of the cervical vertebral canal. Methods Fourteen cases of dumbbel tumors of the cervical vertebral canal were treated by the approch of semi-laminectomy. Results Twelve cases underwent total resections, one case underwent subtotal resection, another case underwent great part of resection. The vertebral artery was preserved well during the operation. Nine out of fourteen cases had followed up for 6～18 months. Neurological function was improvement in all cases. No recurrence or instability of spine was found. Conclusions The approch of semi-laminectomy has the advantages of minimal invasion, less bleeding, and no influence on stability of spine. It is a good choice for dumbbel tumors of the cervical vertebral canal
ABSTRACT
Ojective To evaluate the value of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysml with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage and in making a surgical plan. Methods CTA was performed using Helical CT in sixty three cases of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage Results Twenty four patients with intracranial aneurysms were found by CTA, one case of aneurysm was found by DSA. Diagnostic results were confirmed by operation. Conclusion CTA is a rapid?safe and accurate method in the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms, particularly for acute and severe patients.