Clinical management of dogs with presumptive diagnosis of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease: 164 cases (2006-2017) / Tratamento clínico de cães com diagnóstico presuntivo de doença do disco intervertebral toracolombar: 164 casos (2006-2017)

This study aimed to identify dogs with presumptive diagnosis of cervical intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) submitted to clinical management and to evaluate the outcomes. Data were obtained from the medical records of patients with neurological dysfunction assisted at a University Veterinary Hospital from 2006 to 2017. In addition to the patients' records, dog owners responded to a questionnaire on the success of therapy. Four hundred and thirteen neurological records were evaluated, and 164 met the inclusion criteria of the study. The most common breed was Dachshund, followed by mongrels. Classification of neurological dysfunction in the study sample was as follows: 15.9% with grade I, 25.6% with grade II, 26.8% with grade III, 8.5% with grade IV, and 23.2% with grade V. Outcome was satisfactory in 71.6% of the dogs and unsatisfactory in 28.4% of them. Recurrence was observed in 27.7% of those with satisfactory outcomes. The clinical treatment of dogs with thoracolumbar IVDD is satisfactory, particularly for animals with milder disease grades (I, II, and III). There is possibility of recurrence with conservative therapy and clinical signs may be more severe.(AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi identificar cães com diagnóstico presuntivo de DDIV toracolombar submetidos ao tratamento clínico, a fim de avaliar a resposta à terapia instituída. Foram revisados os registros neurológicos de cães atendidos pelo Serviço de Neurologia e Neurocirurgia Veterinária no período de 2006 a 2017 de um Hospital Veterinário Universitário. Foi realizada coleta de dados a partir dos registros e por meio de um questionário respondido pelos tutores. Foram avaliadas 413 fichas neurológicas de cães e obtidas informações para inclusão no estudo em 164 delas. As raças mais frequentes foram dachshunds, seguido de cães sem raça definida. Quanto ao grau de disfunção neurológica foi definido como grau I para 15,9% dos cães, grau II para 25,6%, grau III para 26,8%, grau IV para 8,5% e grau V para 23,2%. A recuperação foi satisfatória em 71,6% dos cães e insatisfatória em 28,4%. Dos que se recuperaram satisfatoriamente, 27,7% tiveram recidivas. Com base nos resultados obtidos pode-se concluir que o tratamento clínico em repouso absoluto e administração de anti-inflamatórios e analgésicos opióides para cães com DDIV toracolombar é efetivo, principalmente para cães em graus mais leves da doença (grau I, II e III). Há possibilidade de recidiva com esse tipo de terapia cujos sinais clínicos poderão ser mais graves.(AU)

Spinal tumors in children / Tumores de coluna em crianças

Summary Introduction: Spinal tumors are rare in the pediatric population, presenting many specific peculiarities when compared to adults. We have performed a broad narrative review to describe the most common spinal tumors in children, discussing their main characteristics and management options. Method: The authors have performed an extensive review of the peer-reviewed literature addressing the aforementioned objectives. Results: Multimodality radiological studies (plain films, 3D computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging) are necessary for proper evaluation and differential diagnosis of spinal tumors in children. In selected cases nuclear medicine imaging is used to improve the chances of a more accurate diagnosis. As a general rule, a fine needle biopsy is recommended after radiological evaluation to confirm the tumor's histology. Primary bone tumors can be divided into benign bone tumors, mostly represented by vertebral hemangiomas, osteoid osteomas, osteoblastomas, aneurismal bone cysts, and eosinophilic granulomas, and malign or aggressive tumors, such as Ewing's or osteogenic sarcomas. Secondary bone tumors (spinal metastases) comprise different tumor histologies, and treatment is mainly based on tumor's radiosensitivity. The characteristics and treatment options of the main spinal tumors are discussed in details. Conclusion: Spinal tumors in children are rare lesions that demand a thorough understanding of their main characteristics for their proper management. Understanding the nuances of spinal tumors in children is of paramount importance for improving outcomes and chances of cure.

Resumo Introdução: Os tumores de coluna em crianças são raros, apresentando peculiaridades únicas quando comparados com os da população adulta. Método: Dada a escassez de trabalhos que avaliem o tema, realizou-se extensa revisão de literatura objetivando descrever os tumores de coluna que acometem a população pediátrica, discutindo características e opções de manejo. Resultados: A utilização de exames radiológicos combinados (radiografias, tomografia computadorizada com reconstrução em 3D e ressonância magnética) é necessária para avaliação adequada e diagnóstico diferencial dessas lesões. Em casos selecionados, exames de medicina nuclear aumentam as chances do diagnóstico preciso. Como regra geral, biópsia por agulha é recomendada para confirmação da histologia tumoral e tratamento subsequente. As lesões primárias de coluna podem ser benignas, representadas principalmente pelos hemangiomas, osteomas osteoides, osteoblastomas, cistos ósseos aneurismáticos e granulomas eosinofílicos, enquanto as lesões malignas são geralmente representadas por tumores agressivos, como o sarcoma de Ewing ou os sarcomas osteogênicos. Metástases de coluna podem ter diferentes etiologias, sendo o tratamento dependente principalmente da radiossensibilidade do tumor de origem. As opções de tratamento dessas lesões são descritas em detalhes. Conclusão: Tumores de coluna em crianças são raros e o seu manejo requer um conhecimento amplo e variado das diferentes possibilidades diagnósticas. Conhecer os nuances envolvidos no tratamento dessas lesões e os sintomas iniciais é fundamental para melhorar o prognóstico e as chances de cura.

An update in the management of spinal metastases / Atualização no manejo das metástases na coluna vertebral

The best clinical treatment for spinal metastases requires an integrated approach with input from an interdisciplinary cancer team. The principle goals of treatment are maintenance or improvement in neurologic function and ambulation, spinal stability, durable tumor control, and pain relief. The past decade has witnessed an explosion of new technologies that have impacted our ability to reach these goals, such as separation surgery and minimally invasive spinal procedures. The biggest advance, however, has been the evolution of stereotactic radiosurgery that has demonstrated durable tumor control both when delivered as definitive therapy and as a postoperative adjuvant even for tumors considered markedly resistant to conventional external beam radiation. In this paper, we perform an update on the management of spinal metastases demonstrating the integration of these new technologies into a decision framework NOMS that assesses four basic aspects of a patient’s spine disease: Neurologic, Oncologic, Mechanical Instability and Systemic disease.

O tratamento dos pacientes com metástases na coluna requer uma abordagem multidisciplinar por equipe especializada em oncologia. Os objetivos básicos do tratamento são a manutenção/ melhora da função neurológica com preservação da deambulação, manutenção da estabilidade da coluna, controle tumoral e alívio da dor. A última década testemunhou uma explosão de novas tecnologias que auxiliaram a atingir os objetivos terapêuticos, como a cirurgia de separação e procedimentos minimamente cirúrgicos minimamente invasivos. Contudo, o maior avanço terapêutico constitui-se do uso da radiocirurgia no tratamento das metástases de coluna, que possibilita bom controle local tanto como terapia definitiva ou no pós-operatório de tumores, mesmo os considerados radioresistentes à radioterapia convencional. No presente artigo, realizamos atualização do manejo das metástases de coluna, apresentando a integração das novas tecnologias em um algoritmo de decisão “NOMS” que inclui os quatros aspectos básicos dos pacientes com metástases na coluna:Neurologic, Oncologic, Mechanical InstabilityeSystemic disease.

Manifestações clínicas de tumores raquemedulares / Clinical manifestations of rachimedular tumors

A medula espinhal é a parte do Sistema Nervoso Central envolta pela coluna vertebral. Neoplasias primárias ou metastáticas podem causar compressão medular e acarretar quadros clínicos característicos de acordo com os tratos espinhais afetados. A anamnese e o exame físico são de suma importância para abordagem inicial.

The spinal cord is a part of the central nervous system protected by the vertebrae spine. Primary or metastatic neoplasm tumors could cause spinal compression resulting in characteristic clinical manifestations due to a specific spinal tract involved. History and physical exam have a role part as a first step approach in these patients.

Improved rat spinal cord injury model using spinal cord compression by percutaneous method

Here, percutaneous spinal cord injury (SCI) methods using a balloon catheter in adult rats are described. A balloon catheter was inserted into the epidural space through the lumbosacral junction and then inflated between T9-T10 for 10min under fluoroscopic guidance. Animals were divided into three groups with respect to inflation volume: 20 microL (n = 18), 50 microL (n = 18) and control (Fogarty catheter inserted but not inflated; n = 10). Neurological assessments were then made based on BBB score, magnetic resonance imaging and histopathology. Both inflation volumes produced complete paralysis. Gradual recovery of motor function occurred when 20 microL was used, but not after 50 microL was applied. In the 50 microL group, all gray and white matter was lost from the center of the lesion. In addition, supramaximal damage was noted, which likely prevented spontaneous recovery. This percutaneous spinal cord compression injury model is simple, rapid with high reproducibility and the potential to serve as a useful tool for investigation of pathophysiology and possible protective treatments of SCI in vivo.

Mal de Pott: uma doença milenar em um novo século / Pott's disease: an ancient disease in a new century

A tuberculose espinhal, também conhecida como Mal de Pott ou Doença de Pott, caracteriza-se como a forma mais frequente de tuberculose extrapulmonar. Apresentamos aqui o caso de uma paciente encaminhada ao Serviço de Neurologia do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre com um quadro de dois meses de evolução, apresentando sintomas de compressão medular. O diagnóstico de tuberculose espinhal foi realizado por punção guiada por tomografia computadorizada e a paciente foi submetida à drenagem do abscesso. Concomitantemente, foi iniciado o tratamento com RHZ e a paciente evoluiu com melhora dos sintomas neurológicos. Esse caso ilustra que mesmo pacientes com alterações neurológicas importantes devido à tuberculose medular podem apresentar melhora significativa com tratamento.

Spinal tuberculosis, also known as Pott's disease, is the most common form of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. We report on a patient referred to the Division of Neurology of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre presenting with spinal cord compression symptoms for two months. The diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis was rapidly done by a computerized tomography guided biopsy. The patient was submitted to abscess surgical draining and complementary RHZ treatment, with recovery of neurological symptoms. This case illustrates that even patients with severe neurological deficits due to spinal tuberculosis may have a good outcome with the appropriate treatment.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting with spiral cord compression

To describe clinical features staging, histology, treatment, functional outcome and survival of 70 patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma of Epidural Space presenting with spinal cord compression at the outset. Design: A retrospective study of 70 patients of Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma presenting with spinal cord compression seen between March, 1983 and March 1994. Setting: Dept. of Neuro-surgery, Radiotherapy Oncology and Internal medicine of Nishtar Medical College/Hospital Multan. Subjects: Seventy patients out of 825 with biopsy proven diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and presenting with spinal cord compression and having stage 1e at initial presentation and treated with chemotherapy [CT] and radiotherapy [RT] after initial decompressive surgery. There were 70 patients with a median age of 35 years. Chronic backache in all the patients and leg weakness [Paraplegia or Severe Paraparesis] in 62 patients were the commonest complaints at the time of initial presentation. 42 patients were non ambulatory. Intermediate grade type was the commonest histology [90% of cases]. Postoperative treatment included Radiotherapy alone in 11 patients, C.T. alone in 22 patients and combination of both Chemotherapy + Radiotherapy [CT + RT] in 37 patients. Out of 70 patients only 23 patients were evaluable for long term follow up and functional results. 13 patients [56%] out of 23 who had combined modality treatment C.T. + R.T. had relapse free median survival of 5 years [0.5-8years] 10 patients out of 23 who either had C.T. alone and RT alone relapsed after a median survival of 2 years [range 0.5-3years]. Functional outcome was better in 13 patients who received combined Chemotherapy + Radiotherapy [CT +RT]. Conclusions: oSpinal Epidural Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma [S.E.L.] had younger median age i.e. 35 years. This is a significant divergence from reports in the literature. oThere is poor follow-up of patients. oCombined modality treatment i.e. with CT and RT after initial decompressive surgery appears to have improved local control and survival. oLymphoma with involvement of spinal cord should be suspected in cases of spinal cord compression and appropriate neuroimaging be performed to exclude secondary involvement

Emergências oncológicas mais frequentes na prática clínica / Oncologic emergencies frequency in clinical practice

Os autores fazem uma revisäo bibliográfica, sintetizando de forma clara e concisa os principais aspectos etiológicos e terapêuticos das emergências oncológicas mais frequentemente encontradas na prática clínica diária: hipercalcemia, síndrome da veia cava superior e compressäo medular

Paraplejia flacida dolorosa por calcificación de discos intervertebrales: presentación de un caso en un adolescente con recuperación completa / Flaccid painful paraplegia by calcfication of the intervertebral disc

La calcificación del disco intervertebral en la infancia y adolescencia ha sido reconocida desde la descripción original de Baron en 1924 como una entidad clínica bien definida, de etiología desconocida, caracterizada por la calcificación del núcleo pulposo del disco, el cual da origen a una enfermedad aguda caracterizada por un severo síndrome doloroso, de resolución espontánea, autolimitada por la desaparición de la calcificación y con respuesta favorable al manejo conservador sin secuelas, a diferencia de la espondiloartritis de la edad madura. Los autores presentan la Historia Clínica de un paciente masculino, de 13 años, agricultor, que ingresa por intenso dolor en ambas regiones lumbares irradiado a miembros inferiores, exacervado con el ejercicio, de un mes de evolución, acompañado de hormigueo y sensación urente en ambos pies, con disminución progresiva de la fuerza muscular en extremidades inferiores hasta la parálisis completa con incontinencia urinaria y fecal. En su examen físico destaca: paraplejía flácida con maniobra de Lassegue francamente dolorosa bilateral, acentuada hipotonía de miembros inferiores con pie péndulo, arreflexia aquiliana y patelar bilateral; ausencia de reflejo cremasteriano, anestesia de periné, región glútea, cara posterior de muslos, piernas y región arquiliana. En los complementarios se observo eosinofilia marcada (12%) en ausencia de parasitosis alergias, ligera hiperproteinorraquia (55 mg/dl), maniobra de Queckenstedt positiva para bloqueo incompleto. El estudio radiológico simple y toográfico de columna lumbosacra mostró imágenes densas en los espacios D12-L1 y L1-L2 correspondiendo a calcificación de los discos intervertebrales, la mielografía reveló zona de bloque parcial D12-L1 y en la electromiografía se apreció cambios en la actividad motora y signos de denervación por afección de neurona motriz inferior. El resto de las exploraciones para descartar otras etiologías fueron negativas. Con el diagnóstico de Síndrome de la cola de caballo debida a la calcificación de discos intervertebrales se le sometió a un programa de rehabilitación observandose mejoría progresiva del cuadro neurológico, hasta su recuperación completa en 3 meses, sin haber requerido ningún otro régimen terapéutico salvo la analgesia