Spinal metastases combined with leptomeningeal metastasis: A case report / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Spinal metastases (SM) is the commonest form of solid tumors osseous metastasis, for which surgical dissection is often performed when combined with spinal cord compression. Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) results from dissemination of cancer cells to both the leptomeninges (pia and arachnoid) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartment. The spread of LM may occur via multiple routes, such as hematogenous, direct infiltration from metastatic brain lesions, or via iatrogenic seeding of CSF. Signs and symptoms associated with LM are generalized and various while early diagnosis of LM is challenging. Cytological evaluation of the CSF and gadolinium enhanced MRI brain and spine is the gold standard for diagnosing LM and CSF can help assess treatment response. While a number of other potential CSF biomarkers have been investigated both for the diagnosis as well as monitoring of LM, none have been established as a component of the standard evaluation of all LM or suspected LM patients. Management goals of LM include improving patient's neurologic function, quality of life, preventing further neurologic deterioration and prolonging survival. In many cases, it may be reasonable to pursue a palliative and comfort focused course, even from the initial LM diagnosis. Surgery is not recommended considering the risk of seeding with cerebrospinal fluid. A diagnosis of LM carries a poor prognosis with an estimated median survival of only 2-4 months despite therapy. Spinal metastases combined with leptomeningeal metastasis (SM+LM) is not uncommon and its treatment is similar to LM. LM can appear at the same time as SM or directly invaded by SM, which is thought regarding the pathophysiology of LM remains speculative and not systematically studied. The present article reports a 58-year-old woman who was first diagnosed with SM, but worsened after surgery repeated MRI examinations confirmed coexisting LM. Relevant literature was reviewed to summarize the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, imaging characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of SM+LM, so as to improve the understanding of the disease and promote early diagnosis. It should be vigilant to merge LM for the patient with SM when atypical clinical manifestations, rapid disease progression or inconsistent with imaging occurred. Repeated examinations of cerebrospinal fluid cytology and enhanced MRI should be considered when SM+LM is suspected to achieve timely adjustment of diagnosis and treatment strategy for better prognosis.

Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation combined expandable tubular retractor in the treatment of spinal metastases / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effectiveness of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation combined expandable tubular retractor in the treatment of patients with spinal metastases.@*METHODS@#In the study, 12 patients of spinal metastases treated with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation combined expandable tubular retractor in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed between June 2017 and October 2019. Among the 12 patients, 9 were males and 3 were females; the median age was 62.5 years [(65.1±2.9) years]. The decompression segment of 7 patients was located at the lower thoracic spine (including 1 patient with incomplete paraplegia) and the decompression segment of 5 patients was located at the lumbar spine; Tomita score was 6.0±0.6. Perioperative data of the patients were reviewed. Visual analog scale (VAS score), Karnofsky score, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score were compared before and after surgery. The patient's survival, adjuvant treatment, and internal fixation failure were observed in the follow-up period.@*RESULTS@#All the 12 patients had a successful operation with percuta-neous pedicle screw fixation combined expandable tubular retractor. The average operative time, blood loss, and blood transfused of the patients were (247.0±14.6) min, (804.2±222.3) mL and (500.0±100.0) mL, respectively. The average amount of drainage was (240.8±79.3) mL. Drainage tubes were pulled out early postoperative [(3.2±0.3) d], allowing early mobilization. The patients discharged (7.8±0.8) d postoperative. All the patients were followed up for 6-30 months, and the average overall survival time was (13.6±2.4) months. During the follow-up period, 2 patients experienced screw displacement, the internal fixation was stable after conservative treatment and no revision surgery was performed. The VAS of the patients was 7.1±0.2 before surgery, which decreased to 2.3±0.1 and 2.8±0.4 at 3 and 6 months after surgery (P < 0.05). The Karnofsky score of the patients was 59.2±1.9 before surgery, which increased to 75.0±1.9 and 74.2±3.1 at 3 and 6 months after surgery (P < 0.05). The ECOG of the patients was 2.3±0.2 before surgery, which decreased to 1.7±0.1 and 1.7±0.2 at 3 and 6 months after surgery (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#For selected patients with spinal metastases, minimally invasive surgical treatment of spinal metastases (percutaneous pedicle screw internal fixation combined with expandable tubular retractor) can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms and improve the quality of life, with satisfactory clinical outcome.

Microscopic resection of lumbar intraspinal tumor through keyhole approach: A clinical study of 54 cases / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the feasibility and key technology of microscopic resection of lumbar intraspinal tumor through microchannel keyhole approach.@*METHODS@#The clinical features, imaging characteristics and surgical methods of 54 cases of lumbar intraspinal tumor which were microscopically operated by microchannel from February 2017 to September 2019 were reviewed and analyzed. There were 8 cases of extradural tumor, 3 cases of extra-and intradural tumor and 43 cases of subdural extramedullary tumor (including 3 cases of ventral spinal tumor). The tumors were 0.5-3.0 cm in diameter. The clinical symptoms included 49 cases of pain in the corresponding innervation area, 5 cases of sensory disturbance (numbness) at or below the tumor segment, 7 cases of limb weakness and 2 cases of urination and defecation dysfunction.@*RESULTS@#In the study, 37 tumors were resected through hemilaminectomy, 14 tumors were resected through interlaminar fenestration, 3 tumors were resected through hemilaminectomy or interlaminar fenestration combined with facetectomy of medial 1/4 facet. All of the 54 tumors were totally resected. The operation time was 75-135 min, with an average of 93.3 min. The postoperative hospital stay was 4-7 days, with an average of 5.7 days. Postoperative pathology included 34 cases of schwannoma, 4 cases of meningioma, 9 cases of ependymoma, 1 case of enterogenous cyst, 5 cases of teratoma/epidermoid/dermoid cyst, and 1 case of paraganglioma. No infection or cerebrospinal fluid leakage was found after operation. No neurological dysfunction occurred except 1 case of urination dysfunction and 4 cases of limb numbness. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 33 months with an average of 14.4 months. Five patients with new onset symptoms returned to normal. The pain symptoms of 49 patients were completely relieved; 4 of 5 patients with hypoesthesia recovered completely, the other 1 patient had residual mild hypoesthesia; 7 patients with limb weakness, and 2 patients with urination and defecation dysfunction recovered to normal. No spinal instability or deformity was found, and no recurrence or residual tumors were found. According to McCormick classification, they were of all grade Ⅰ.@*CONCLUSION@#The lumbar intraspinal extramedullary tumors within two segments (including the ventral spinal tumors) can be totally resected at stage Ⅰ through microchannel keyhole approach with appropriate selection of the cases. Microchannel technique is beneficial to preserve the normal structure and muscle attachment of lumbar spine, and to maintain the integrity and stability of lumbar spine.

Dosimetric effect of patient arm position on Cyberknife radiosurgery for spinal tumors / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the potential dosimetric effects of arms movement in patients with Cyberknife spine tumors.@*METHODS@#In the study, 12 patients with thoracic and lumbar tumors were retrospectively selected respectively. The contour of the patient's arms was sketched and the CT density was modified to be equivalent to air in order to simulate the extreme case when the arm was completely removed from the radiation fields. The dose of simulated plan was re-calculated with the original beam parameters and compared with the original plan. The changes of V100, D95, and D90, conformity index (CI) and heterogeneity index (HI) in planning target volume (PTV), as well as Dmax, D1cc and D2cc in the spinal cord, stomach, esophagus, and intestines were analyzed by comparing with the original plans.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the original treatment plan, V100, D95, D90 and CI of PTV for the simulated plan was increased by 0.86%, 2.02%, 1.97% and 0.80% respectively, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Dmax, D1cc and D2cc of spinal cord was increased by 2.35%, 0.59% and 1.49% on average, compared with the original plan, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The difference was statistically significant only in average D2cc of stomach, which was increased by 1.70%, compared with the original plan (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in dose change of eso-phagus and intestine between the original and simulated plans.@*CONCLUSION@#This study analyzed the most extreme arm position in spinal tumor of radiation therapy based on Cyberknife. It was found that the change of arm position had little effect on dosimetry. In addition, with the change of arm position, the dose in PTV and organ at risk (OAR) increased, but the increase was relatively small. Therefore, in some special cases where the patient really can't keep the arm position consistent during treatment, reasonable adjustment can be accepted. However, in order to ensure accurate radiotherapy, patient position should be as stable and consistent as possible.

Vertebral metastasis of renal carcinoma at diagnosis: mechanical and clinical evaluation: surgical management / Metástasis vertebral de carcinoma renal en el momento del diagnóstico: evaluación mecánica y clínica: manejo quirúrgico

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 2-3% of all malignant neoplasms. Metastatic disease of the spine is common and 50% of bone metastases are already present at the time of primary diagnosis. Bone metastases from renal cell carcinoma are difficult to manage, especially vertebral localization.A 48-year-old woman was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma in the context of low back pain. The patient presented two skeleton metastases at diagnosis (T11 and 5th rib). The patient received neoadjuvant treatment with cabozantinib, followed by removal of the renal tumor. Radiotherapy was administered for the lumbar lesion. In spite of the radiotherapy treatment, increased low back pain limiting mobility and ambulation. MRI showed an occupation of the spinal canal, without neurological lesion. The SINS scale revealed a score of 14 (vertebral instability). The patient's prognosis was greater than 12 months according to the Tokuhashi score. Based on clinical and mechanical criteria, surgical treatment of the vertebral lesion was decided. T11 vertebrectomy was performed, the reconstruction was made with an expandable cage, and T8 a L2 posterior spinal arthrodesis. A partial resection of the fifth rib was performed in order to remove the whole macroscopic tumor. After 3 months, she was diagnosed with a local infection, treated by irrigation, debridement and antibiotherapy, with good evolution. At 1-year follow-up, she has no low back pain or functional limitation. Follow-up chest-abdomen-pelvis computed CT scan showed absence of disease progression, furthermore, the vertebral arthrodesis shows fusion signs. At the time of this report, there are no clinical or radiological data of infection

El carcinoma de células renales representa el 2-3% de todas las neoplasias malignas. La enfermedad metastásica de la columna vertebral es frecuente y el 50% de las metástasis óseas ya están presentes en el momento del diagnóstico. Las metástasis óseas del carcinoma de células renales son difíciles de manejar, especialmente en localización vertebral.Una mujer de 48 años fue diagnosticada de carcinoma de células renales en el contexto de un dolor lumbar. La paciente presentaba dos metástasis óseas en el momento del diagnóstico (T11 y 5ª costilla). Inicialmente recibió tratamiento neoadyuvante con cabozantinib, seguido de la extirpación quirúrgica del tumor renal. Se administró radioterapia para la lesión lumbar. A pesar del tratamiento radioterápico, aumentó el dolor lumbar con limitación para la movilidad y la deambulación. La RM mostró una ocupación del canal espinal, sin lesión neurológica. La escala SINS reveló una puntuación de 14 (inestabilidad vertebral). El pronóstico de la paciente era superior a 12 meses según la puntuación de Tokuhashi. Basándose en criterios clínicos y mecánicos, se decidió el tratamiento quirúrgico de la lesión vertebral. Se realizó una vertebrectomía de T11, para la reconstrucción se usó una caja extensible, junto con una artrodesis vertebral T8-L2. Se realizó una resección parcial de la quinta costilla para eliminar todo el tumor macroscópico. A los 3 meses de la cirugía la paciente fue diagnosticada de infección local, tratada mediante irrigación, desbridamiento y antibioterapia, con buena evolución. Al año de seguimiento, no presenta dolor lumbar ni limitación funcional. La tomografía computarizada de tórax-abdomen-pelvis de seguimiento mostró ausencia de progresión de la enfermedad, además, la artrodesis vertebral muestra signos de fusión. En el momento de este informe, no hay datos clínicos ni radiológicos de infección.

Complications after partial, total or extended sacrectomy: a case series / Complicações depois de sacrectomia parcial, total ou estendida: série de casos / Complicaciones después de sacrectomía parcial, total o extendida: serie de casos

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to conduct a survey of the different complications of partial, total or extended sacrectomy for the treatment of spinal tumors. Method This study is a descriptive analysis of medical records from a series of 18 patients who underwent sacrectomy between 2010 and 2019 at a tertiary center specializing in spinal tumor surgeries. The variables analyzed were sex, age, hospitalization time, oncologic diagnosis, posterior fixation pattern, rate of complications, and Frankel, ASA and ECOG scales. Results Of the 18 patients, 10 (55.5%) were male and 8 (44.5%) were female, and the mean age was 48 years. The mean hospitalization time was 23 days. Of the 18 patients, 8 (44.5%) contracted postoperative infections requiring surgery. Perioperative complications included liquoric fistula (22.25%), hemodynamic instability requiring vasoactive drugs in the immediate postoperative period (22.25%), wound dehiscence (11.1%), acute obstructive abdomen (11.1%), occlusion of the left external iliac artery (11.1%), immediate postoperative death due to acute myocardial infarction (11.1%), and intraoperative death due to hemodynamic instability (11.1%). Conclusions Partial, total or extended sacrectomy is a complex procedure with high morbidity and mortality, even in centers specializing in the treatment of spinal tumors. Level of evidence IV; case series study.

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo é fazer um levantamento das diferentes complicações da sacrectomia parcial, total ou estendida para tratamento de tumores da coluna vertebral. Métodos O estudo é uma análise descritiva de prontuários de uma série de 18 pacientes submetidos à sacrectomia entre 2010 e 2019 em um centro terciário especializado em cirurgias de neoplasia na coluna. As variáveis analisadas foram sexo, idade, tempo de internação, diagnóstico oncológico, padrão de fixação posterior, taxa de complicações e escalas de Frankel, ASA e ECOG. Resultados Dos 18 pacientes, 10 (55,5%) eram homens e 8 (44,5%) mulheres com média de idade de 48 anos. O tempo médio de internação foi de 23 dias. Dos 18 pacientes, 8 (44,5%) contraíram infecções pós-operatórias com necessidade de cirurgia. As complicações perioperatórias incluíram fistula liquórica (22,25%), instabilidade hemodinâmica com necessidade de medicação vasoativa no pós-operatório imediato (22,25%), deiscência da ferida operatória (11,1%), abdome obstrutivo agudo (11,1%), oclusão da artéria ilíaca externa esquerda (11,1%), óbito pós-operatório imediato por infarto agudo do miocárdio (11,1%) e óbito intraoperatório por instabilidade hemodinâmica (11,1%). Conclusões A sacrectomia parcial, total ou estendida é um procedimento complexo com alta taxa de mortalidade e morbidade, mesmo em centros especializados no tratamento de tumores na coluna. Nível de evidência IV; Série de casos.

RESUMEN Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar las diferentes complicaciones de la sacrectomía parcial, total o extendida para el tratamiento de tumores vertebrales. Métodos El estudio es un análisis descriptivo de las historias clínicas de 18 pacientes sometidos a sacrectomía entre 2010 y 2019 en un centro terciario especializado en cirugías de neoplasia de columna. Las variables analizadas fueron sexo, edad, estancia hospitalaria, diagnóstico de cáncer, patrón de fijación posterior, tasa de complicaciones, escalas de Frankel, ASA y ECOG. Resultados De los 18 pacientes, 10 (55,5%) eran hombres y 8 (44,5%) mujeres con una edad promedio de 48 años. La estancia hospitalaria promedio fue de 23 días. De los 18 pacientes, 8 (44,5%) contrajeron infecciones posoperatorias que requirieron cirugía. Las complicaciones perioperatorias incluyeron fístula de líquido cefalorraquídeo (22,25%), inestabilidad hemodinámica que requirió medicación vasoactiva en el posoperatorio inmediato (22,25%), dehiscencia de la herida quirúrgica (11,1%), abdomen obstructivo agudo (11,1%), oclusión de la arteria ilíaca externa izquierda (11,1%), muerte posoperatoria inmediata por infarto agudo de miocardio (11,1%) y muerte intraoperatoria por inestabilidad hemodinámica (11,1%). Conclusiones La sacrectomía parcial, total o extendida es un procedimiento complejo con una alta tasa de mortalidad y morbilidad, incluso en centros especializados en el tratamiento de tumores de la columna. Nivel de evidencia IV; Series de casos

Manejo actual de las metástasis vertebrales: un trabajo en equipo / Current management of vertebral metastases: teamwork

La enfermedad metastásica vertebral es frecuente en los pacientes con cáncer avanzado, y conlleva a complicaciones inherentes a su progresión, como lo son la fractura patológica vertebral y la compresión neural metastásica. Se realizó una revisión de los aspectos terapéuticos actuales del manejo de la progresión y de las complicaciones de la enfermedad metastásica vertebral, enfatizando su enfrentamiento sistémico y personalizado. Nuestro objetivo principal es proporcionar información sobre el tratamiento actual de esta afección y la utilidad del manejo sistémico y multidisciplinario.

Metastatic spinal disease is common in patients with advanced cancer, and leads to complications inherent in its progression, such as pathological vertebral fracture and metastatic neural compression. A review of the current therapeutic aspects regarding the progression and complications of metastatic spinal disease was performed, highlighting its systemic, personalized approach. Our aim is to provide information about the current treatment of this condition and the usefulness of its systemic and multidisciplinary management.

Clinical study of modified one stage posterior approach total en block spondylectomy and spinal reconstruction in the treatment of invasive thoracic vascular tumor / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the surgical method and safety of modified one stage posterior approach total en block spondylectomy combined with pedicle screw fixation and titanium mesh reconstruction for the treatment of invasive thoracic vascular tumor.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 12 patients with invasive thoracic vasculay tumor from December 2012 to May 2015 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 8 males and 4 females, aged from 40 to 62 years with an average of 51.2 years, the course of disease was 2 months to 8 years with an average of 3.4 years. The lesions involved vertebral bodies:1 case of T@*RESULTS@#All the operations were successful. The average operation time, intraoperative blood loss and blood transfusion were 5.5 h (4.5 to 6.0 h), 1 850 ml (1 650 to 2 500 ml), 1 050 ml (600 to 1 500 ml), respectively. All 12 patients were followed up for 5 months to 2.5 years with an average of 21 months. Local pain and lower limb muscle strength were improved to varying, and the nerve compression symptoms disappeared. The JOA score at 6 months after operation was 12.0±3.4, which was statistically significant difference compared with the preoperative 8.0±2.7 (@*CONCLUSION@#Modified one stage posterior approach total en block spondylectomy is an ideal surgical method for the treatment of invasive thoracic vascular tumors, which has a safe, reliable and long lasting efficacy.

Tumor maligno de columna vertebral / Malignant tumor of the spine

RESUMEN Introducción: Los tumores de columna vertebral son neoplasias poco comunes que pueden ser de origen primario o secundario. Las de origen primario son las que se presentan con menor recurrencia clínica, y se caracterizan generalmente por manifestaciones de dolor a nivel local y en menor proporción, por afectación neurológica. Objetivo: Describir el proceso de diagnóstico de un paciente con tumor de columna lumbar, el tratamiento recibido y su evolución. Caso clínico: Paciente de 77 años de edad con cuadro clínico consistente en dolor lumbar, paresias y parestesias. Se realizaron ayudas diagnósticas como radiografía y tomografía, en las que se evidenció una extensa lesión tumoral de la columna lumbar, valorada por cirugía de columna. Se realizó laminectomía descompresiva a nivel de L4 bilateral, artrodesis de T12 a L5 y se tomó biopsia abierta del tumor de la columna. Después de la cirugía la paciente presentó mejoría de la sintomatología. El informe anatomopatológico del tumor evidenció un tumor maligno indiferenciado. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico de tumor en columna lumbar se basa en evidencia clínica, imágenes diagnósticas, biopsia e inmunohistoquímica; una vez realizado el diagnóstico, el tratamiento debe incluir una combinación de quimioterapia, radioterapia y cirugía. La tomografía axial computarizada se utiliza como ayuda quirúrgica. Durante el procedimiento quirúrgico es pertinente realizar la resección de la lesión y obtener una confirmación histológica para definir el tratamiento antineoplásico y la malignidad de dicho tumor. El tratamiento oportuno reduce el riesgo de daño neurológico y mantiene la estabilidad mecánica espinal(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Spinal tumors are rare neoplasms that can be of primary or secondary origin. Those of primary origin are those that present with less clinical recurrence, and are generally characterized by manifestations of local pain and to a lesser extent, by neurological involvement. Objective: To describe the diagnostic process of a patient with lumbar spine tumor, the treatment received and the evolution. Clinical report: We report a case of a 77-year-old patient, with a clinical situation of low back pain, paresis and paresthesias. Diagnostic aids such as radiography and tomography were performed, which showed an extensive tumor lesion of the lumbar spine, it was assessed for spinal surgery. Decompressive laminectomy was performed at the bilateral L4 level, arthrodesis from T12 to L5, and an open biopsy of the spinal tumor was taken. The patient had improvement in symptoms after surgery. The pathological report of the tumor showed an undifferentiated malignant tumor. Conclusions: The diagnosis of lumbar spine tumor is based on clinical evidence, diagnostic images, biopsy and immunohistochemistry. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment should include a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Computerized axial tomography is used as a surgical aid. During the surgical procedure, it is pertinent to resect the lesion and to obtain histological confirmation to define the antineoplastic treatment and the malignancy of said tumor. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of neurological damage and maintains spinal mechanical stability.

Tumores primarios de sacro: análisis de resultados y complicaciones / Primary sacral tumors: analysis of results and complications

Resumen: Introducción: Los tumores primarios de sacro son poco frecuentes, el tratamiento en la mayoría de los casos es quirúrgico con o sin radioterapia adyuvante; los resultados oncológicos y funcionales suelen ser adversos con una tasa alta de complicaciones. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, analítico y observacional que incluye 22 casos tratados entre el 2000 y 2017, se analizaron sus características demográficas, el tipo de tratamiento en la recidiva y el resultado oncológico y funcional; asimismo, se analizó la tasa de complicaciones. Resultados: 22 pacientes fueron sometidos a sacrectomía, con abordaje posterior por cordoma (13 pacientes), tumor de células gigantes (tres pacientes) y otros (seis pacientes). Se realizaron tres sacrectomías totales, 13 sacrectomías parciales, dos hemisacrectomías y cuatro sacrectomías ampliadas. La media de duración quirúrgica fue de 229 minutos, con un sangrado promedio de 2,100 cm3, el tamaño tumoral promedio fue de 13.8 cm (6-30 cm); presentaron complicaciones 10 pacientes, ocho por infección de sitio quirúrgico, uno por hernia sacra y uno por osteomielitis. La supervivencia global fue de 44.4 meses. Discusión: El tratamiento de los tumores sacros es complejo y requiere un equipo multidisciplinario; el resultado oncológico es adecuado cuando se consiguen márgenes libres de neoplasia, los resultados funcionales estarán determinados por el tipo de resección y la tasa de complicaciones es alta; sin embargo, es la mejor alternativa de curación.

Abstract: Introduction: Primary sacral tumors are rare, treatment in most cases is surgical with or without adjuvant radiotherapy; oncology and functional results are usually adverse with a high rate of complications. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective, analytical and observational studies that includes 22 cases treated between 2000 and 2017, analyzed their characteristics demographic, the type of treatment received, and the oncological, functional results and the rate of complications were analized. Results: 22 patients were subjected to sacrectomy with posterior approah because of cordoma (13 patients), giant cell tumour (three patients) and other (six patients). Three total sacrectomies, 13 partial sacrectomies, two hemisacrectomies and four sacrectomies enlarged were performed. The mean surgical time was 229 minutes, with an average bleeding of 2,100 cm3, the average tumour size was 13.8 cm (6-30cm); 10 patients were presented with complications, eight by surgical site infection, one sacral hernia and one osteomyelitis. Overall survival was 44.4 months. Conclusions: Treatment of sacral tumors is complex, requires a multidisciplinary team; the oncological result is adequate when you get free margins of neoplasia, the functional results will be determined by the type of resection, and the rate of complications is high however is the best alternative healing in our hospital.

Tumor de células gigantes espinal en niños: Reporte de dos casos / Spinal giant cell tumor in children. Report of two cases

El tumor de células gigantes espinal es una neoplasia de estirpe benigna y comportamiento local agresivo, de presentación rara en la población pediátrica. El dolor asociado al compromiso neurológico es la presentación típica en niños. La resección amplia del tumor y la descompresión de los elementos neurales asociada a fusión instrumentada permiten obtener una columna estable, preservar o restaurar la función neural y evitar la recidiva tumoral. Se presentan dos pacientes con tumor de células gigantes espinal en esqueleto inmaduro, sometidos a resección y estabilización mediante artrodesis instrumentada, sin recidiva en el posoperatorio alejado. La presentación clínica, la edad de los pacientes y los resultados quirúrgicos a largo plazo hacen de extremo valor el reporte de estos casos en esqueletos inmaduros. Nivel de Evidencia: III

Spinal giant-cell tumor is a benign neoplasm with locally aggressive behavior, and rare in the pediatric population. Pain associated with neurological manifestations is the typical presentation in children. Tumor wide resection and decompression of neural elements together with instrumented spinal fusion allow to obtain a stable column, preserve or restore neural function and avoid tumor recurrence. We present two patients with spinal giant-cell tumor in the immature skeleton who underwent resection and stabilization by instrumented spinal fusion, without recurrence in the long-term postoperative period. Reporting of these cases is extremely valuable due to the clinical presentation, age of patients, and long-term postoperative results in the immature skeleton. Level of Evidence: III

En bloc vertebrectomy for the treatment of spinal lesions. Five years of experience in a single institution: a case series

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to describe the experience of a Brazilian public university hospital regarding the treatment of metastatic or benign spine lesions with en bloc vertebrectomy of the thoracic and lumbar spines. METHODS: This study was a retrospective case series and included all medical records of patients with benign aggressive, primary malignant, or metastatic spine lesions who underwent en bloc vertebrectomy from 2010 to 2015. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients were included in the analysis. Most of them (71%) were indicated for surgery based on an oncologic resection for localized disease cure. Overall, 10 of the 17 patients (59%) underwent vertebrectomy via an isolated posterior approach using the technique described by Roy-Camille et al. and Tomita et al., while 7 patients (41%) underwent double approach surgeries. Of the 17 patients who underwent the en bloc resection, 8 are still alive and in the outpatient follow-up (47%), and almost all patients with metastatic lesions (8/9) died. The average survival time following the surgical procedure was 23.8 months. Considering the cases of metastatic lesions and the cases of localized disease (malignant or benign aggressive disease) separately, we observed an average survival time of 15 months and 47.6 months respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates and reinforces the reproducibility of the en bloc vertebrectomy technique described by Tomita et al.

Sacrectomía parcial por abordaje posterior único / Partial sacrectomy by single posterior approach

Introducción: Los tumores del sacro representan <7% de los tumores espinales, prevalecen los tumores secundarios por mieloma múltiple o carcinomas de próstata, mama, pulmón o colón. El cordoma es el tumor maligno primario más frecuente y el tumor de células gigantes es la lesión benigna más común. Por su evolución, compromiso de estructuras extraóseas y la escasa respuesta a los tratamientos coadyuvantes, la cirugía es el tratamiento más utilizado, la vía de abordaje y la necesidad de instrumentación dependerán del tumor por tratar. Los objetivos de este trabajo son: evaluar el uso de la resección parcial del sacro, analizar la técnica quirúrgica y reconocer las complicaciones. Materiales y Métodos: Cuatro pacientes con diagnóstico de tumor sacro ubicado por debajo de S1, que consultan por dolor y cuyas imágenes confirman la lesión. A todos se les realiza una resección en bloque por vía posterior preservando S1. Se describe la técnica. Resultados: Los estudios anatomopatológicos revelaron: un cordoma, un tumor maligno de vaina nerviosa, un condrosarcoma y una metástasis de carcinoma prostático. Se preservó la función de S1 en todos los pacientes; uno tiene disfunción vesical permanente. Se observaron una dehiscencia de la herida, una infección y una fístula de líquido cefalorraquídeo. Todos permanecen sin la enfermedad tras un seguimiento de entre 6 y 24 meses. Conclusiones: La resección parcial del sacro por abordaje posterior único se puede indicar cuando la lesión compromete desde S2 hacia distal y no hay compromiso sacroilíaco. La preservación de raíces es de vital importancia para garantizar mejores resultados posoperatorios y una menor tasa de infección. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Tumors of the sacrum represent less than 7% of spinal tumors. Secondary tumors due to multiple myeloma or prostate, breast, lung and colon carcinomas predominate. Chordoma is the most frequent primary malignant tumor and giant cell tumor is the most common benign lesion. For its evolution, involvement of extra bone structures and poor response to the adyuvant therapy, surgery is the most commonly used treatment, the approach and the need for instrumentation depend on tumor to treat. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the use of partial resection of sacrum, analyze the surgical technique and assess complications. Methods: Four patients with diagnosis of sacral tumor below S1, who presented with pain and images confirming the injury. All underwent an en bloc resection by posterior via preserving S1. The technique is described. Results: The pathological results were: a chordoma, a malignant nerve sheath tumor, a chondrosarcoma and a metastasis of prostatic carcinoma. S1 function was preserved in all patients; one has permanent bladder dysfunction. Wound dehiscence, infection and cerebrospinal fluid fistula were detected. Patients are free of disease after a follow-up of 6-24 months. Conclusions: Partial resection of the sacrum using a unique posterior approach may be indicated when the injury involves from S2 distally and no sacroiliac involvement is observed. Root preservation is vital to guarantee the best postoperative results and a lower rate of infection. Level of Evidence: IV

Quiste neuroentérico intradural: Reporte de un caso / Intradural neurenteric cysts. Case report

El quiste neuroentérico espinal es una lesión de rara presentación, sólo existen reportes de casos aislados. Representa del 0,3% al 1,3% de los tumores espinales según las distintas citas bibliográficas. Suele afectar el canal espinal, especialmente a nivel cervical bajo y torácico superior. Aproximadamente el 90% de estos quistes se localiza en el espacio intradural/ extramedular, mientras que el 10% restante se divide entre la localización intradural/intramedular o extradural. El tratamiento de los quistes neuroentéricos intraespinales es quirúrgico, mediante la resección lo más radical posible. Los resultados son favorables y las tasas de recurrencia después de la resección parcial son bajas. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Spinal neurenteric cyst is a rare lesion, only anecdotal case reports have been published. The neurenteric cyst accounts for 0.3 to 1.3% of spinal axis tumors. It affects the inferior cervical and superior thoracic spine level. Approximately 90% of neurenteric cysts are located in the intradural/extramedullary compartment while the remaining10% are divided between an intradural/intramedullary or extradural location. Surgical intervention with radical resection is the best treatment. The outcome is favorable and the recurrence rates after partial resection are low. Level of Evidence: IV

Spine radiosurgery for the local treatment of spine metastases: Intensity-modulated radiotherapy, image guidance, clinical aspects and future directions

Many cancer patients will develop spinal metastases. Local control is important for preventing neurologic compromise and to relieve pain. Stereotactic body radiotherapy or spinal radiosurgery is a new radiation therapy technique for spinal metastasis that can deliver a high dose of radiation to a tumor while minimizing the radiation delivered to healthy, neighboring tissues. This treatment is based on intensity-modulated radiotherapy, image guidance and rigid immobilization. Spinal radiosurgery is an increasingly utilized treatment method that improves local control and pain relief after delivering ablative doses of radiation. Here, we present a review highlighting the use of spinal radiosurgery for the treatment of metastatic tumors of the spine. The data used in the review were collected from both published studies and ongoing trials. We found that spinal radiosurgery is safe and provides excellent tumor control (up to 94% local control) and pain relief (up to 96%), independent of histology. Extensive data regarding clinical outcomes are available; however, this information has primarily been generated from retrospective and nonrandomized prospective series. Currently, two randomized trials are enrolling patients to study clinical applications of fractionation schedules spinal Radiosurgery. Additionally, a phase I clinical trial is being conducted to assess the safety of concurrent stereotactic body radiotherapy and ipilimumab for spinal metastases. Clinical trials to refine clinical indications and dose fractionation are ongoing. The concomitant use of targeted agents may produce better outcomes in the future.

Evaluation of lung volumes, vital capacity and respiratory muscle strength after cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal surgery / Avaliação dos volumes pulmonares, capacidade vital e força dos músculos respiratórios no pós-operatório de cirurgia na coluna cervical, torácica e lombar

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Studies have shown that physiopathological changes to the respiratory system can occur following thoracic and abdominal surgery. Laminectomy is considered to be a peripheral surgical procedure, but it is possible that thoracic spinal surgery exerts a greater influence on lung function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pulmonary volumes and maximum respiratory pressures of patients undergoing cervical, thoracic or lumbar spinal surgery. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study in a tertiary-level university hospital. METHODS: Sixty-three patients undergoing laminectomy due to diagnoses of tumors or herniated discs were evaluated. Vital capacity, tidal volume, minute ventilation and maximum respiratory pressures were evaluated preoperatively and on the first and second postoperative days. Possible associations between the respiratory variables and the duration of the operation, surgical diagnosis and smoking status were investigated. RESULTS: Vital capacity and maximum inspiratory pressure presented reductions on the first postoperative day (20.9% and 91.6%, respectively) for thoracic surgery (P = 0.01), and maximum expiratory pressure showed reductions on the first postoperative day in cervical surgery patients (15.3%; P = 0.004). The incidence of pulmonary complications was 3.6%. CONCLUSIONS: There were reductions in vital capacity and maximum respiratory pressures during the postoperative period in patients undergoing laminectomy. Surgery in the thoracic region was associated with greater reductions in vital capacity and maximum inspiratory pressure, compared with cervical and lumbar surgery. Thus, surgical manipulation of the thoracic region appears to have more influence on pulmonary function and respiratory muscle action.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Estudos têm demonstrado que alterações fisiopatológicas no sistema respiratório podem ocorrer após cirurgia torácica e abdominal. A laminectomia é considerada uma cirurgia periférica, mas é possível que as cirurgias de coluna torácica exerçam maior influência sobre a função pulmonar. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os volumes pulmonares e as pressões respiratórias máximas em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de coluna cervical, torácica ou lombar. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo prospectivo em hospital universitário terciário. MÉTODOS: Sessenta e três pacientes submetidos a laminectomia com diagnóstico tumor ou hérnia de disco foram avaliados. Foram avaliados, no pré-operatório, no primeiro e no segundo dias de pós-operatório, capacidade vital, volume corrente, volume por minuto e pressões respiratórias máximas. Possíveis associações entre as variáveis respiratórias e duração da cirurgia, diagnóstico cirúrgico e tabagismo foram investigadas. RESULTADOS: A capacidade vital e a pressão inspiratória máxima apresentaram redução no primeiro dia de pós-operatório (20.9% and 91.6%, respectivamente) nas cirurgias torácicas; P = 0,01), e a pressão expiratória máxima apresentou redução no primeiro dia de pós-operatório de cirurgia cervical (15.3%; P = 0,004). A incidência de complicações pulmonares foi de 3,6%. CONCLUSÕES: Houve redução da capacidade vital e das pressões respiratórias máximas no período pós-operatório em pacientes submetidos a laminectomia. A cirurgia na região torácica apresentou associação com maiores reduções na capacidade vital e na pressão inspiratória máxima em comparação com a cirurgia cervical e lombar. Assim, a manipulação cirúrgica da região torácica parece ter maior influência na função pulmonar e na ação dos músculos respiratórios.

Teratoma sacrococcígeo: diagnóstico, evaluación y terapia prenatal / Sacrococcygeal teratoma: diagnosis, evaluation and prenatal therapy

El teratoma sacrococcígeo representa la lesión tumoral más frecuente durante la gestación. Si bien su frecuencia es baja, en asociación con hidrops puede determinar la aparición de insuficiencia cardiaca fetal y posterior muerte fetal in útero. La evaluación prenatal mediante ultrasonografía, debe orientarse hacia la selección de aquellos fetos candidatos a intervención prenatal para mejorar el resultado perinatal de fetos con compromiso hemodinámico que se encuentran bajo la viabilidad. El objetivo de la presente actualización es exponer las herramientas actualmente en uso para realizar dicha evaluación y los resultados de la cirugía prenatal. La puntuación del perfil cardiovascular fetal mediante la ecografía, se propone como una herramienta sensible y útil en la selección de fetos candidatos a intervención prenatal. Tanto la cirugía abierta como el abordaje mínimamente invasivo se exponen como alternativas en el manejo prenatal de fetos candidatos a intervención con sobrevida reportada en torno al 50 y 44 por ciento respectivamente.

The sacrococcygeal teratoma is the most common tumor during prenatal period. Although its frequency is low, together with hydrops could determine the occurrence of fetal heart failure, and subsequent fetal death in utero. Prenatal ultrasonographic evaluation, should be directed toward selection of those fetuses as candidates for prenatal therapy, to improve their perinatal outcome, when they present hemodynamic compromise while they are under fetal viability. The purpose of this update is to expose the tools currently used to conduct the assessment and the results of prenatal surgery. The fetal cardiovascular profile score by ultrasound is proposed as a sensible and useful tool in the selection of candidates for prenatal intervention. Both open surgery as minimally invasive approach are presented as alternatives in the prenatal management of fetus as candidates to intervention, has been reported a survival about 50 and 44 percent respectively.

Reproducibility analysis of the stability and treatment of vertebral metastatic lesions / Análise da reprodutibilidade da estabilidade e do tratamento de lesões metastáticas vertebrais / Análisis de la reproductibilidad de la estabilidad y del tratamiento de lesiones metastáticas vertebrales

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the reproducibility among spine surgeons in defining the treatment of vertebral metastatic lesions, taking into account the mechanical stability of injuries. METHODS: Twenty cases of isolated vertebral metastatic lesions were presented to ten experts. Their opinion was then asked about the stability of the lesion, as well as their treatment option. RESULTS: The interobserver Kappa coefficient obtained both for stability analysis as to the decision of the treatment was poor (0.334 and 0.248, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Poor interobserver reproducibility was observed in deciding the treatment of vertebral metastatic lesions when considering the stability of the lesions. .

OBJETIVO: Investigar a reprodutibilidade entre cirurgiões de coluna quanto à definição do tratamento de lesões metastáticas vertebrais, levando em consideração a estabilidade mecânica das lesões. MÉTODOS: Vinte casos de lesões metastáticas vertebrais isoladas foram apresentados a dez especialistas. Foi então solicitada sua opinião sobre a estabilidade da lesão e a seguir, sua opção de tratamento. RESULTADOS: O coeficiente Kappa interobservadores obtido tanto para análise da estabilidade quanto para a decisão do tratamento foi ruim (0,334 e 0,248, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES: Foi observada reprodutibilidade ruim interobservadores na decisão do tratamento de lesões metastáticas vertebrais ao considerar a estabilidade das lesões. .

OBJETIVO: Investigar la reproducibilidad entre cirujanos de la columna vertebral en la definición del tratamiento de las lesiones metastásicas vertebrales, considerando la estabilidad mecánica de esas lesiones. MÉTODOS: Veinte casos de lesiones metastásicas vertebrales aisladas fueron presentados a diez expertos. Luego se les pidió su opinión sobre la estabilidad de la lesión y su opción de tratamiento. RESULTADOS: El coeficiente Kappa entre observadores obtenido tanto para el análisis de la estabilidad y para la decisión de tratamiento fue pobre (0,334 y 0,248 respectivamente). CONCLUSIONES: Se observó mala reproducibilidad entre observadores en decidir el tratamiento de lesiones vertebrales metastásicas basada en la estabilidad de esas lesiones. .

Natural history and surgical treatment of chordoma: a retrospective cohort study / História natural e tratamento cirúrgico de cordoma: um estudo retrospectivo de coorte

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Chordoma is a rare tumor with a high risk of locoregional recurrences. The aim of this study was analyze the long-term results from treating this pathological condition. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study in a single hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study on 42 patients with chordoma who were treated at Hospital A. C. Camargo between 1980 and 2006. The hospital records were reviewed and a descriptive analysis was performed on the clinical-pathological variables. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and these were compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were men and 23 were women. Twenty-five tumors (59.5%) were located in the sacrum, eleven (26.2%) in the skull base and six (14.3%) in the mobile spine. Surgery was performed on 28 patients (66.7%). The resection was considered to have negative margins in 14 cases and positive margins in 14 cases. The five-year overall survival (OS) was 45.4%. For surgical patients, the five-year OS was 64.3% (82.2% for negative margins and 51.9% for positive margins). In the inoperable group, OS was 37.7% at 24 months and 0% at five years. CONCLUSION: Complete resection is related to local control and definitively has a positive impact on long-term survival. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Cordoma é um tumor raro e com alto risco de recidiva locorregional. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os resultados a longo prazo do tratamento dessa doença. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo de coorte realizado em um único hospital em São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com 42 pacientes com cordoma tratados de 1980 e 2006 no Hospital A. C. Camargo. Os prontuários foram revistos e foi realizada a análise descritiva das variáveis clínicas e patológicas. As curvas de sobrevida foram estimadas pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e a comparação entre elas, pelo teste de log-rank. RESULTADOS: Dezenove pacientes eram homens e 23, mulheres. Vinte e cinco tumores (59,5%) estavam localizados no sacro, 11 (26,2%) na base do crânio e 6 (14,3%), na coluna móvel. A cirurgia foi realizada em 28 pacientes (66,7%). A ressecção foi considerada como tendo margens negativas em 14 casos e margens comprometidas em 14 pacientes. A sobrevida global (SG) em 5 anos foi de 45,4%. Para os pacientes cirúrgicos, a SG em 5 anos foi de 64,3% (82,2% para as margens negativas e 51,9% de margens positivas). No grupo inoperável, a SG em 24 meses foi de 37,7% e 0% em 5 anos. CONCLUSÃO: A ressecção completa está relacionada com o controle local e, definitivamente, tem impacto positivo na sobrevida a longo prazo. .