Efficacy of Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Systematic Review Protocol / Eficácia da ressonância magnética dinâmica no diagnóstico da mielopatia cervical degenerativa: Protocolo de revisão sistemática

Abstract Cervical degenerative myelopathy (CDM) is a cervical spine condition resulting in clinical manifestations of spinal cord compression related to the chronic, non-traumatic, and progressive narrowing of the cervical spinal canal. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard test to diagnose and assess the severity of CDM. However, the patient is in a neutral and static position during the MRI scan, which may devalue the dynamic factors of CDM, underestimating the risk of spinal cord injury related to cervical spine flexion and extension movements. Dynamic MRI is a promising technique to change this scenario. Therefore, the present review aims to answer the following question: "Is dynamic MRI of the cervical spine more accurate in diagnosing CDM than conventional MRI?". We will search for studies in the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, and SciELO databases. The search strategy will contain a combination of terms related to cervical myelopathy and magnetic resonance imaging. Two independent reviewers will select studies, extract data, and assess the risk of bias. The synthesis of results will be descriptive, considering the main findings of the studies about the outcomes of interest.

Resumo A mielopatia cervical degenerativa (MCD) é uma doença da coluna cervical com manifestações clínicas de compressão da medula espinal relacionadas ao estreitamento crônico, não traumático e progressivo do canal vertebral cervical. A ressonância magnética (RM) convencional é o exame padrão-ouro para o diagnóstico e a avaliação da gravidade da MCD. Contudo, o paciente encontra-se em posição neutra e estática durante a realização deste exame, o que pode desvalorizar os fatores dinâmicos da MCD, subestimando o risco de lesão medular relacionados aos movimentos de flexão e extensão da coluna cervical. A RM dinâmica é uma técnica promissora para modificar esse panorama. Portanto, a presente revisão tem o objetivo de responder a seguinte pergunta: "A RM dinâmica da coluna cervical é mais precisa no diagnóstico de MCD em comparação à RM convencional?" As buscas por estudos serão realizadas nas bases de dados MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS e SciELO. A estratégia de busca conterá combinação de termos relacionados à mielopatia cervical e à ressonância magnética. Dois avaliadores independentes irão realizar a seleção dos estudos, a extração dos dados e a avaliação dos riscos de viés. A síntese dos resultados será realizada de maneira descritiva, considerando os principais achados dos estudos relacionados aos desfechos de interesse.

Unraveling quad fever: Severe hyperthermia after traumatic cervical spinal cord injury / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#There are many infectious and inflammatory causes for elevated core-body temperatures, though they rarely pass 40 ℃ (104 ℉). The term "quad fever" is used for extreme hyperpyrexia in the setting of acute cervical spinal cord injuries (SCIs). The traditional methods of treating hyperpyrexia are often ineffective and reported morbidity and mortality rates approach 100%. This study aims to identify the incidence of elevated temperatures in SCIs at our institution and assess the effectiveness of using a non-invasive dry water temperature management system as a treatment modality with mortality.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis of acute SCI patients requiring surgical intensive care unit admission who experienced fevers ≥ 40 ℃ (104 ℉) were compared to patients with maximum temperatures < 40 ℃. Patients ≥18 years old who sustained an acute traumatic SCI were included in this study. Patients who expired in the emergency department; had a SCI without radiologic abnormality; had neuropraxia; were admitted to any location other than the surgical intensive care unit; or had positive blood cultures were excluded. SAS 9.4 was used to conduct statistical analysis.@*RESULTS@#Over the 9-year study period, 35 patients were admitted to the surgical intensive care unit with a verified SCI. Seven patients experienced maximum temperatures of ≥ 40 ℃. Six of those patients were treated with the dry water temperature management system with an overall mortality of 57.1% in this subgroup. The mortality rate for the 28 patients who experienced a maximum temperature of ≤ 40 ℃ was 21.4% (p = 0.16).@*CONCLUSION@#The diagnosis of quad fever should be considered in patients with cervical SCI in the presence of hyperthermia. In this study, there was no significant difference in mortality between quad fever patients treated with a dry water temperature management system versus SCI patients without quad fever. The early use of a dry water temperature management system appears to decrease the mortality rate of quad fever.

A case-control study:the clinical efficacy of total laminectomy with lateral mass screw fixation and single open-door laminoplasty for cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effects of total laminectomy with lateral mass screw fixation and single open-door laminoplasty in the treatment of cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 75 patients with cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation treated from December 2014 to April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 65 males and 10 females, aged from 33 to 83 years old with an average of (60.1±11.4) years. According to surgical method, the patients were divided into observation group (36 cases) and control group (39 cases). The observation group was treated with C3-C6 single open-door laminoplasty. In the control group, the C3-C6 whole lamina was opened by "uncovering", and the lateral mass screw was fixed and fused. The general conditions including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay and complications such as axial pain, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, postoperative C5 nerve palsy were recorded. Visual analogue scale(VAS), Nurick pain scale, Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA) scores and American Spinal Injury Association(AISA) injury scale were used to evaluate the improvement of clinical symptoms and related functional recovery 12 months after operation.@*RESULTS@#There were no statistically significant differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss and hospital stay between two groups(P>0.05). There were statistically significant differences in JOA, VAS, ASIA and Nurick scores of the all patients between 12 months after surgery and before surgery (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between groups. There was significant difference in the incidence of C5 nerve root palsy and axial pain between two groups(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the complications of cerebrospinal fluid leakage between two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Total laminectomy with lateral mass screw fixation and single open-door laminoplasty in treating cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation can obtain satisfactory results in restoring nerve function, alleviating pain and improving daily behavior, but single open-door laminoplasty has the advantages of less trauma and low incidence of complications.

Manejo quirúrgico de ependimomas en médula cervical: A propósito de un caso clínico / Surgical management of ependymomas in the cervical spine: Apropos of a clinical case

Introducción: los ependimomas son tumores cerebrales que surgen de células ependimarias, células de soporte en el cerebro y la médula espinal. Representan entre el 2 y el 3% de todos los tumores cerebrales primarios. Son el cuarto tumor cerebral más común en los niños, donde el 90% de los mismos se localizan en la fosa posterior. En adultos, el 60% de estos tumores se encuentran en la médula espinal pudiendo presentarse a cualquier nivel de ésta; el caso a continuación reporta un ependimoma cervical. Objetivo: reportar un caso de ependimoma medular de ubicación poco frecuente, con resección total, sin recidiva porterior a 2 años de seguimiento.Descripción del caso: se reporta el caso de un paciente adulto, 44 años, masculino, con un síndrome medular cervical completo, progresivo, provocado por un ependimoma cervical. Intervención: se realizó laminectomía de dos espacios [C7 a T1], apertura dural, mielotomía posterior logrando exéresis total de la lesión con durorrafia a sello de agua y posterior cierre por planos sin complicaciones, con seguimiento de 2 años de sobrevida. Conclusiones: la resección total macroscópica de este tipo de tumores es muy importante para poder evitar residiva. El ependimoma cervical puede recidivar, sobre todo cuando existen residuales de la lesión. El manejo oportuno depende de gran manera de que los pacientes acudan tempranamente a valoración especializada; la resección guiada con monitorización neurofisiológica transoperatoria provee mayor oportunidad a los pacientes a no presentar secuelas permanentes y permite asimismo, mejores resultados de la rehabilitación neurológica postoperatoria

Introduction: ependymomas are brain tumors that arise from ependymal cells, supporting cells in the brain and spinal cord. They represent between 2 and 3% of all primary brain tumors. They are the fourth most common brain tumor in children, where 90% of them are located in the posterior fossa. In adults, 60% of these tumors are found in the spinal cord and can occur at any level of the spinal cord; the case below reports a cervical ependymoma. Objective: to report a case of medullary ependymoma of rare location, with total resection, without recurrence after 2 years of follow-up. Case description: a 44-year-old male adult patient with a progressive, complete cervical spinal cord syndrome, caused by a cervical ependymoma, is reported.Intervention: two-space laminectomy [C7 to T1], dural opening and posterior myelotomy were performed, achieving total excision of the lesion with water-seal durorrhaphy and subsequent closure by planes without complications, with a 2-year survival follow-up. Conclusions: macroscopic total resection of this type of tumor is very important to avoid residual. Cervical ependymoma can recur, especially when there is residual lesion. Timely management depends to a great extent on the patients attending early for a specialized evaluation; guided resection with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring provides a greater opportunity for patients to not present permanent sequelae and also allows better results of postoperative neurological rehabilitation.

Aspectos neuroquirúrgicos de las mucopolisacaridosis / Neurosurgical aspects of mucopolysaccharidoses

Mucopolisacaridosis es una rara enfermedad que afecta al metabolismo de los mucopolisacaridos debida a la ausencia o deficiencia de las enzimas encargadas de su síntesis lo que produce depósitos de aminoglucósidos en casi todos los tejidos del organismo. De acuerdo a la enzima faltante se clasifican los distintos tipos de la enfermedad, siendo más frecuente el Tipo I con sus tres variantes: Hurler, Hurler-Sheie y Sheie de distinta gravedad y tratamiento. Al nacimiento el niño no presenta síntomas, éstos van apareciendo a partir del año de vida: retardo físico y mental, múltiples deformidades esqueléticas, hepatoesplenomegalia, sordera, opacidades corneanas, entre otras. La intervención neuroquirúrgica en esta entidad es en dos patologías: la hidrocefalia, que al no presentar los signos clásicos de hipertensión endocraneana puede ser confundida con atrofia y la compresión medular cervical por los depósitos de mucopolisacáridos en vértebras, ligamentos y leptomeninges.

Mucopolysaccharidosis is a rare illness that involves the metabolism of mucopolysaccharides, that due to the absence or deficiency of corresponding enzymes, accumulate in almost all the tissues of the body. According to which enzyme is missing, different types of the disease have been identified; the most frequent being Type I with its three variants: Hurler, Hurler-Sheie, and Sheie. Symptoms of this disorder progress and range from mental and physical retardation, multiple skeletal deformities, hepatosplenomegaly, deafness, and corneal opacities among others. Children affected usually appear normal at birth and the slowness in their development may be the first evidence of the disorder whose progression is downhill. Neurosurgical intervention occurs in two pathologies: hydrocephalus that does not show signs of intracranial hypertension and can be confused with atrophy, and cervical cord compression due to storage of mucopolysaccharides in vertebrae, ligaments, and leptomeninges.

Hydatid cyst in the cervical spinal cord complicated by potentially life-threatening difficult airway: a case report / Cisto hidático na medula cervical complicada por via aérea difícil com potencial risco de vida: relato de caso

Abstract Hydatid cyst in the cervical region is an extremely rare condition that can create challenges for anesthesiologists. Timely recognition of difficult airway and preparing the management plan is crucial to avoid life-threatening complications such as hypoxic brain damage. We describe a case of difficult airway management in a patient with massive cervical hydatid cyst. We used a low-dose ketamine-propofol sedation and lidocaine spray for local oropharyngeal anesthesia. Muscular relaxants were not used, and spontaneous breathing was maintained during intubation. Recognition, assessment, and perioperative planning are essential for difficult airway management in patients with cervical hydatid cyst.

Resumo O cisto hidático na região cervical é uma condição extremamente rara que pode criar desafios para os anestesiologistas. O reconhecimento oportuno das vias aéreas difíceis e a preparação do plano de manejo são cruciais para evitar complicações com risco de vida, como danos cerebrais hipóxicos. Descrevemos um caso de difícil controle das vias aéreas em um paciente com cisto hidático cervical maciço. Utilizamos sedação com cetamina-propofol em baixa dose e spray de lidocaína para anestesia local orofaríngea. Relaxantes musculares não foram utilizados e a respiração espontânea foi mantida durante a intubação. O reconhecimento, a avaliação e o planejamento perioperatório são essenciais para o manejo difícil das vias aéreas em pacientes com cisto hidático cervical.

Radiographic evaluation of tracheal collapse in dogs by compressive technique / Avaliação radiográfica do colapso de traqueia em cães pela técnica compressiva

The purpose of this study was to verify the applicability of the compressive radiographic technique (pressures of 5, 10, 15 and 20mmHg) in the diagnosis of tracheal collapse in small breed dogs, in lateral cervicothoracic radiography. Out of the 50 dogs evaluated, 25 presented tracheal collapse (TG group), 23 did not present tracheal collapse (CG) and two were excluded because they did not tolerate a pressure of 20 mmHg. The TG group presented a smaller internal diameter of the trachea in the region of the fourth cervical vertebra (D4) and at the entrance of the thorax (TDE) compared to the CG group, in all the radiographic projections performed, as well as within the TG group where the compressive technique differed from conventional. Furthermore, there was a correlation between the clinical sign of coughing during cervical collar use and the presence of radiographic tracheal collapse at a pressure of 20 mmHg. It was concluded that the compressive radiographic technique was feasible and efficient in confirming the diagnosis of tracheal collapse in dogs, especially in the pressure of 20 mmHg, where it was associated with clinical signs, and can be used in isolation or complementary to the conventional technique.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a aplicabilidade da técnica radiográfica compressiva no diagnóstico do colapso de traqueia em cães de raças pequenas, por meio da comparação do diâmetro da traqueia durante a radiografia cervicotorácica lateral convencional e sobre influência da compressão externa com pressões de 5, 10, 15 e 20mmHg (técnica compressiva). Dos 50 cães avaliados, 25 apresentaram colapso de traqueia (grupo TG), 23 não apresentaram o colabamento traqueal (grupo controle - CG) e dois foram excluídos por não tolerarem a pressão de 20mmHg. Os diâmetros internos da traqueia na região da quarta vértebra cervical (D4) e na entrada do tórax (DET) foram menores no grupo TG em relação ao CG, em todas as projeções radiográficas realizadas, bem como dentro do grupo TG, no qual a técnica compressiva diferiu da convencional. Houve correlação entre o sinal clínico de tosse durante o uso de coleira cervical e a presença do colapso de traqueia radiográfico, na pressão de 20mmHg. Concluiu-se que a técnica radiográfica compressiva foi exequível e eficiente na confirmação do diagnóstico do colapso de traqueia em cães, especialmente na pressão de 20mmHg, em que houve associação com sinais clínicos, podendo ser utilizada de forma isolada ou complementar à técnica convencional.(AU)

Evaluation of patients with subaxial cervical fractures by the new aospine classification / Avaliação de pacientes com fratura cervical subaxial por meio da nova classificação aospine / Evaluación de pacientes con fractura cervical subaxial por medio de la nueva clasificación aospine

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the profile of patients with fracture and / or dislocation of the subaxial cervical spine using the new AOSpine classification and to correlate it with the trauma mechanism and the type of neurological deficit. Methods: Analyses were performed of the medical records of patients admitted to a tertiary hospital with fracture and / or subaxial cervical dislocation during the period from 2009 to 2016. For the evaluation of the association between the two categorical variables, the Chi-square test was used with a significance level of p <0.05. Results: A total of 67 medical records were analyzed, in which a higher prevalence of type C fractures (49.3%) was observed. The neurological subclassification N4 (35.8%) was the most prevalent type found, followed by subtype N0 (26.9%). Among the main injury mechanisms found, the most prevalent was the motorcycle accident (29.9%). There was no statistically significant association between the injury mechanism and the AOSpine morphological classification (p> 0.05) or neurological deficit (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Cervical fractures of type C, due to automobile accidents were the most prevalent. It was not possible to determine an association between the degree of neurological involvement and the morphology of the injury. Level of Evidence II; Retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil dos pacientes com fratura e/ou luxação da coluna cervical subaxial por meio da nova classificação AOSpine e correlacionar com o mecanismo de trauma e o tipo de déficit neurológico. Métodos: Foram realizadas análises dos prontuários médicos dos pacientes admitidos em um hospital terciário com fratura e/ou luxação cervical subaxial entre o período de 2009 a 2016. Para a avaliação da associação entre as duas variáveis categóricas, utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado com nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados: Foram analisados 67 prontuários, em que se obteve maior prevalência para as fraturas do tipo C (49,3%). A subclassificação neurológica N4 (35,8%) foi o tipo mais prevalente encontrado, seguido pelo subtipo N0 (26,9%). Entre os principais mecanismos de lesão encontrados, o mais prevalente foi o acidente motociclístico (29,9%). Não foi observada associação estatisticamente significativa entre o mecanismo de lesão com a classificação morfológica AOSpine (p > 0,05) ou com o déficit neurológico (p > 0,05). Conclusão: As fraturas cervicais do tipo C, devido a acidentes automobilísticos, foram as mais prevalentes. Não foi possível obter associação entre o grau de acometimento neurológico e a morfologia da lesão. Nível de evidência II; Estudo Retrospectivo.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar el perfil de los pacientes con fractura y / o luxación de la columna cervical subaxial por medio de la nueva clasificación AOSpine y correlacionar con el mecanismo de trauma y el tipo de déficit neurológico. Métodos: Se realizaron análisis de los historiales médicos de los pacientes admitidos en un hospital terciario con fractura y/o luxación cervical subaxial entre el período de 2009 a 2016. Para la evaluación de la asociación entre dos variables categóricas, se utilizó el test Chi-cuadrado, con nivel de significancia de p <0,05. Resultados: Se analizaron 67 historiales, en que se obtuvo mayor prevalencia para las fracturas del tipo C (49,3%). La subclasificación neurológica N4 (35,8%) fue el tipo más prevalente encontrado, seguido del subtipo N0 (26,9%). Entre los principales mecanismos de lesión encontrados, el más prevalente fue el accidente motociclístico (29,9%). No se observó asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el mecanismo de lesión con la clasificación morfológica AOSpine (p> 0,05) o con el déficit neurológico (p> 0,05). Conclusión: Las fracturas cervicales del tipo C, debido a accidentes automovilísticos, fueron las más prevalentes. No fue posible obtener asociación entre el grado de afectación neurológica y la morfología de la lesión. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudio retrospectivo.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma with intramedullary spinal cord involvement mimicking inflammatory demyelinating disease

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord involvement of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is rare in a young immunocompetent patient and can be misdiagnosed as an inflammatory demyelinating disease (IDD) of the central nervous system.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Resulting from Delayed Cervical Cord Compression after Acute Traumatic Fracture of Odontoid Process / 대한신경손상학회지

Trigeminal neuralgia is caused by compression of trigeminal nerve root and it leads to demyelination gradually. It was almost idiopathic and occurred unexpected. The upper cervical spinal cord contains the spinal trigeminal tract and nucleus. Fibers with cell bodies in the trigeminal ganglion enter in the upper pons and descend caudally to C2 level. We experienced a rare patient with facial pain, which was paroxysmal attack with severe pain after a clear event, cervical spinal injury (C2). So, this case reminds us of a possible cause of trigeminal neuralgia after a trauma of the head and neck.

Progressive Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Caused by Tic Disorders in a Young Adult with Tourette Syndrome / 대한신경손상학회지

Involuntary movement of the cervical spine can cause damage to the cervical spinal cord. Cervical myelopathy may occur at an early age in involuntary movement disorders, such as tics. We report the case of a 21-year-old man with Tourette syndrome, who developed progressive quadriparesis, which was more severe in the upper extremities. The patient had abnormal motor tics with hyperflexion and hyperextension of the cervical spine for more than 10 years. High-signal intensity intramedullary lesions were observed at C3-4-5-6 level on T2 weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Examinations were performed for high-signal intensity intramedullary lesions that may occur at a young age, but no other diseases were detected. Botulinum toxin injection to the neck musculature and medication for tic disorders were administered. However, the myelopathy was further aggravated, as the involuntary cervical movement still remained. Therefore, laminoplasty was performed at C3-4-5-6, with posterior fixation at C2-3-4-5-6-7 to alleviate the symptoms. The neurological signs and symptoms improved dramatically. The management of tic disorders should be the first priority during treatment. However, surgical treatment may be necessary, if symptoms worsen after appropriate treatment.

Presyrinx Associated with Post-Traumatic Hydrocephalus Successfully Treated by Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / 대한신경손상학회지

Presyrinx consists of reversible spinal cord swelling without frank cavitation, as observed on T2 weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The condition may evolve into syringomyelia, but timely surgical interventions have achieved meaningful results. Here, we report the case of a 27-year-old woman who presented with headache, dizziness, and diplopia 2 months after suffering a mild head trauma. On MRI, hydrocephalus, downward herniation of the cerebellar tonsil, and a diffuse high signal change in the cervical spinal cord were detected. After insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, her neurological symptoms resolved, and she has had no signs of presyrinx recurrence for >4 years.

Role of neuron and non-neuronal cell communication in persistent orofacial pain

It is well known that trigeminal nerve injury causes hyperexcitability in trigeminal ganglion neurons, which become sensitized. Long after trigeminal nerve damage, trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis and upper cervical spinal cord (C1/C2) nociceptive neurons become hyperactive and are sensitized, resulting in persistent orofacial pain. Communication between neurons and non-neuronal cells is believed to be involved in these mechanisms. In this article, the authors highlight several lines of evidence that neuron-glial cell and neuron macrophage communication have essential roles in persistent orofacial pain mechanisms associated with trigeminal nerve injury and/or orofacial inflammation.

Subacute Combined Degeneration Caused by Nitrous Oxide Intoxication: A Report of Two Cases

We report two cases of subacute combined degeneration (SCD) caused by nitrous oxide (N₂O) gas intoxication, which is rarely reported in Korea. Two patients recreationally inhaled N₂O gas daily for several months. They presented with paresthesia of limbs, voiding difficulty, and gait disturbance. The initial vitamin B₁₂ levels were normal or decreased, but homocysteine levels of the two patients were increased. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed T2-weighted hyperintensity in the bilateral dorsal columns of the cervical spinal cord. Electromyography and somatosensory evoked potential tests for both patients suggested posterior column lesion of the spinal cord combined with sensorimotor polyneuropathy. According to these findings, we concluded that the two patients had SCD. The patient’s symptoms partially improved after cessation of N₂O gas inhalation and the receiving of vitamin B₁₂ supplementation therapy. As the incidence of recreational N₂O gas inhalation is increasing in Korea, physicians must be alert to the N₂O induced SCD in patients presenting with progressive myelopathy.

Significance of Sufficient Neck Flexion During Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Hirayama Disease: Report of Two Cases

It is difficult to distinguish Hirayama disease (HD) from other mimicking disorders in adolescent patients with distal upper limb weakness. The prevailing theory of HD postulates that the lower cervical cord is susceptible to compression during neck flexion because of insufficient growth of the dura relative to the spinal column. Confirmation of a dynamic change in the dorsal epidural space on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during neck flexion is essential for diagnosing HD. However, neck flexion MRI has not been routinely performed in juvenile patients with distal upper limb weakness in the absence of suspected HD. We report two cases of HD that were initially confused with other diseases because of insufficient or absent cervical flexion during MRI. Full-flexion MRI showed typical findings of HD in both cases. Our cases suggest that dynamic cervical MRI in the fully flexed position is necessary for evaluating suspected HD.

Vertebral Artery Dissection Presenting with Acute Infarction in Cervical Spinal Cord and Cerebellum

We describe a case of vertebral artery dissection (VAD) presenting with acute infarctions in cervical spinal cord and cerebellum in a 78-year-old man. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain demonstrated diffusion-restricted lesions in the right cerebellum and sagittal T2-weighted MR imaging of spinal cord showed a hyperintense lesion of the cervical spinal cord at C2-C4 level. Right VAD was identified by transfemoral cerebral angiography and computed tomography angiography which showed segmental occlusion in the right vertebral artery.

Unilateral loss of thoracic motion after blunt trauma: a sign of acute Brown-Séquard syndrome

Late-onset Brown-Séquard syndrome (BSS) is a rare condition resulting from a spinal cord injury that develops weeks to years after a blunt trauma. Acute-onset BSS after a blunt injury has been rarely reported. Here, we report on a case of BSS, in a 58-year-old man, that developed immediately after a motor vehicle accident. Upon admission, loss of right thoracic motion, complete right paresis, and loss of pain and temperature sensations below the C3 level on the left side were observed. Magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintensities within the cervical spinal cord at the C2–C3 level, confirming the diagnosis of BSS. Thoracic motion rapidly recovered, but other neurological sequelae persisted. BSS related to cervical cord injury should be suspected when patients develop hemiparesis and contralateral sensory loss immediately after a blunt trauma. Likewise, clinicians should be aware that unilateral loss of thoracic motion could be an important sign of BSS.

Intramedullary Dermoid Cyst of the Cervical Spinal Cord ­ C5­C7 Level

Introduction: Inclusion cysts of the spinal cord are rarely intramedullary. Such cysts are commonly located in the lumbar and thoracic regions and are usually associated with congenital spinal dysraphism and dermal sinus. Intramedullary dermoid cysts in the cervical region without spinal dysraphism are extremely rare. To our knowledge, only seven such cases are reported in the literature to date. Materials and Methods: An 18-year-old female patient presented with weakness in all four limbs, more distal than proximal muscle weakness, that had been progressing for 3 years. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intramedullary lesion from C5­ C7 with peripheral ring enhancement. "Whorls" were observed within the lesion on T2 weighted image, with associated excavation of vertebral bodies C5­ C7. Operative procedure and findings: partial laminectomy of C5­ D1was performed. The dura was opened. A small myelotomy was made in the root entry zone. About 1.5 ml of yellowish colored fluid was drained. White shiny debris with hair, whitish pultaceous content and teeth were removed. Complete excision of cyst and its wall was performed. Results The histopathological examination revealed that the cyst wall was lined by stratified squamous epithelium with underlying dermis showing hair follicles, sebaceous glands, adipose tissue and cyst filled with keratin debris suggestive of dermoid cyst. Conclusion: The intramedullary location of the dermoid cyst in the cervical cord and the absence of any congenital spinal dysraphism make this case a very unique and rare entity and warrants its inclusion in the reported cases of rare intramedullary space occupying lesions.

Introdução: Cistos de inclusão da medula espinhal raramente são intramedulares. Tais cistos são comumente localizados nas regiões lombares e torácicas e geralmente estão associados com disrafismo espinhal congênito e sinus dérmico. Cistos dermoides intramedulares na região cervical sem a presença de disrafismo espinhal são extremamente raros. Apenas sete casos foram relatados na literatura até a data do presente estudo. Materiais e Métodos: Uma paciente de 18 anos de idade apresentou fraqueza nos quatro membros, mais distal que proximal, com três anos progressivos de duração. A ressonância magnética apresentou uma lesão intramedular de C5 a C7 com realce do anel periférico. Espirais foram observadas dentro da lesão na imagem ponderada em T2, com escavação dos corpos vertebrais C5­C7. Procedimentos operatórios e achados: realização de laminectomia parcial de C5 a D1. A dura cervical foi aberta. Uma pequena mielotomia foi feita na zona de entrada da raiz. Cerca de 1,5 ml de fluído amarelado foi extraído. Detritos brancos brilhantes com cabelo, polpa esbranquiçada e dentes foram removidos. Foi realizada a excisão completa do cisto com parede de cisto. Resultados O exame histopatológico revelou que a parede do cisto estava alinhada por epitélio escamoso estratificado com derme subjacente apresentando folículos capilares, glândulas sebáceas, tecido adiposo e cisto cheio de detritos de creatinina, sugerindo cisto dermoide. Conclusão: A posição intramedular do cisto dermoide no cordão cervical e a ausência de disrafismo espinhal congênito faz deste um caso único, uma entidade rara, e assegura sua inclusão junto aos casos relatados de lesões raras ocupando espaço intramedulares.

Schistosomal Cervical Myelopathy

Schistosomiasis is an infectious disease caused by trematode platyhelminths of the genus Schistosoma. The involvement of the cervical spinal cord is rare, with few cases reported in the literature. The management of such patients is particularly challenging, since clinical and radiological findings may be confounded with other inflammatory diseases and/ or spinal cord tumors. We describe a 20-year old male with a history of swimming outdoors. He first presented pain in the back of the neck extending to shoulders and upper limbs paresis associated with four limbs hyperreflexia. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a hypointense T1-weighted lesion in the cervical spinal cord, which was hyperintense on T2 images. The serologic testing was negative for schistosomiasis. A cervical cord biopsy at the C5-C6 level showed Schistosoma eggs in the histopathological examination. The treatment was performed using a single dose of praziquantel 50 mg/kg, with prednisone 40 mg/day for 3 weeks. On the follow-up, 1 year later, the patient presented mild reduction of the vibratory sensitivity in the distal third of both legs. Our illustrative case strengthens that, in endemic regions, Schistosoma mansoni infestation should be included in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary expansive lesions.

A esquistossomose é uma doença infecciosa causada por platelmintos trematódeos do gênero Schistosoma. O acometimento da medula espinhal cervical é raro, com poucos casos apresentados na literatura. O manejo desses pacientes é particularmente difícil, uma vez que os achados clínicos e radiológicos podem ser confundidos com outras doenças inflamatórias e/ou tumores da medula espinhal. Descrevemos um homem de 20 anos de idade com história de natação ao ar livre. Primeiramente, ele apresentou cervicalgia que se estendeu até os ombros e paresia dos membros superiores, associada à hiperreflexia de quatro membros. A ressonância magnética (RM) mostrou lesão hipointensa em T1 na medula espinhal cervical, a qual foi hiperintensa nas imagens em T2. O teste sorológico foi negativo para esquistossomose. Uma biópsia da medula cervical ao nível C5-C6 evidenciou ovos de Schistosoma no exame histopatológico. O tratamento foi realizado com dose única de praziquantel 50 mg/ kg, com prednisona 40 mg/dia por 3 semanas. No seguimento de 1 ano, o paciente apresentou discreta redução da sensibilidade vibratória no terço distal de ambas as pernas. Nosso caso ilustrativo reforça que, em regiões endêmicas, a infestação pelo Schistosoma mansoni deve ser incluída no diagnóstico diferencial de lesões expansivas intramedulares.

Análisis morfométrico del atlas por tomografía computada para la colocación de tornillos trans-masas laterales / Morphometric analysis of the atlas by computed tomography for the placement of lateral transmass screws

Objetivos: Realizar un análisis morfométrico del atlas por tomografía computada, determinando los valores promedio, medianos, y de variabilidad de dicha vértebra para la correcta colocación de tornillos trans-masas laterales. Introducción: Existe una significativa variabilidad interpersonal en los aspectos morfológicos del atlas, y dada su proximidad a estructuras neurovasculares (arteria vertebral, médula cervical, raíz de C2), hacen mandatario un exhaustivo planeamiento prequirúrgico para la elección de la técnica de artrodesis, tipo de tornillos a utilizar, y su trayectoria. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de diseño de tipo exploratorio, descriptivo, observacional, retrospectivo, transversal. Se revisaron 99 tomografías computadas de la columna cervical. Se midieron parámetros morfométicos y angulaciones desde un "punto de entrada" en la masa lateral de C1, que fueron llamados A, B, C, D, E, F, G y H. Las mediciones de los parámetros a estudiar fueron realizadas con el programa RadiAnt DICOM Viewer (64-bit) y posteriormente volcadas a una ficha de registro de datos. Discusión: La distribución según género fue de 34 varones y 65 mujeres. Se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa no solo en lo referente al género (masculino vs femenino; parámetros A, B, C, D, F, G, H p-valor < 0,05) de los parámetros medidos, sino también según lateralidad (derecha vs izquierda; parámetros C, E, F, G p-valor < 0,05). La investigación propone además la generación de una base de datos con información morfométrica del atlas. Conclusión: Existe una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en las propiedades morfológicas del atlas, tanto en lo relativo al género (masculino vs femenino), como en la lateralidad (derecha vs izquierda). Es por ello que el presente estudio enfatiza en la importancia de la realización prequirúrgica de una tomografía computada de la columna cervical superior para garantizar una efectiva y segura instrumentación a éste nivel, según el largo, ancho y trayectoria de los tornillos a utilizar.

Objectives: To morphometrically analyze the atlas, using computed tomography, thereby defining mean, median and variability values of C1 for the correct placement of lateral mass screws. Introduction: Significant interpersonal variability exists among the various morphological characteristics of the atlas. Given the structure's close relationship to neurovascular structures like the vertebral arteries, cervical spinal cord, and cervical roots, exhaustive pre-surgical planning becomes mandatory. Such planning assists in the choice of arthrodesis technique, and the dimensions and trajectory of screws. Material and Methods: A retrospective, observational study was performed, for which the computed tomography (CT) scans of 99 cervical spines were reviewed. Morpho-metric parameters and angulations were measured from an "entry point" in the lateral mass at C1; these parameters were alphabetically labeled from A through H. The RadiAnt DICOM Viewer (64-bit) program was used to measure all parameters of interest, the values of which then were entered into a data collection file.Discussion: By gender, there were 34 men and 65 women. A statistically-significant difference was found between the two genders for all parameters except parameter E (all p-values < 0,05), and between the two sides (right vs. left) for parameters C, E, F, and G. Our results argue for the creation of a general database containing morphometric information on the atlas. Conclusion: Statistically-significant differences exist between men and women, and from right to left, among the morphometrical features of the atlas. This underscores the need for careful preoperative surgical planning, including the use of CT scanning to estimate optimum screw lengths and trajectories.