Cervical Stand-Alone Polyetheretherketone Cage versus Zero-Profile Anchored Spacer in Single-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion : Minimum 2-Year Assessment of Radiographic and Clinical Outcome

OBJECTIVE: We compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes of stand-alone polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage and Zero-Profile anchored spacer (Zero-P) for single level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 121 patients who underwent single level ACDF within 2 years (Jan 2011-Jan 2013) in a single institute. Total 50 patients were included for the analysis who were evaluated more than 2-year follow-up. Twenty-nine patients were allocated to the cage group (m : f=19 : 10) and 21 for Zero-P group (m : f=12 : 9). Clinical (neck disability index, visual analogue scale arm and neck) and radiographic (Cobb angle-segmental and global cervical, disc height, vertebral height) assessments were followed at pre-operative, immediate post-operative, post-3, 6, 12, and 24 month periods. RESULTS: Demographic features and the clinical outcome showed no difference between two groups. The change between final follow-up (24 months) and immediate post-op of Cobb-segmental angle (p=0.027), disc height (p=0.002), vertebral body height (p=0.033) showed statistically better outcome for the Zero-P group than the cage group, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Zero-Profile anchored spacer has some advantage after cage for maintaining segmental lordosis and lowering subsidence rate after single level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

A Rare Case of Malignant Lymphoma Occurred at Spinal Epidural Space: A Case Report

The sacral spinal epidural space is an uncommon site for primary malignant lymphomas, presenting with symptoms associated with cauda equina compression. Especially, lumbo-sacral epidural lymphoma has been reported to be very rare. We present a rare case of 29-year-old male with sacral spinal epidural malignant lymphoma. The patient complained of tingling sensation in his buttocks that was radiating to his calf. The neurological examination was normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast showed a well-defined extradural mass lesion at the mid L5 to mid S2 level. The lesion was iso- to hypointense on T1 and T2 weighted images and showed homogenous enhancement and a focal enhancement in the L5 vertebral body on post-contrast images. The patient underwent a L5-S2 laminectomy and subtotal excision of the lesion. Intra-operatively, the lesion was extradural and not densely adherent to the dura; the lesion was friable, not firm, fleshy, brownish and hypervascular. The histologic diagnosis was grade 2 non-Hodgkin's follicular lymphoma. Even though the primary spinal epidural non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a very rare disease, clinicians should take it into consideration in the differential diagnosis of patients with spinal epidural tumor.

Unusual Fatal Infections after Anterior Cervical Spine Surgeries

We report two cases of cervical spinal epidural abscess (SEA), which are related to anterior cervical surgeries. The first case reveals a late postoperative infection without any predisposing factor. The second case reveals combined complication of infection and instrument failure (artificial disc). Both two cases manifested ascending infections that are unusual courses of anterior cervical infections. The abscess extended upwards and, finally, caused life threatening bacterial meningitis. We suggest aggressive surgical interventions with anti-bacterial therapies in such cases.

The Correlation between Insertion Depth of Prodisc-C Artificial Disc and Postoperative Kyphotic Deformity: Clinical Importance of Insertion Depth of Artificial Disc

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the correlation between insertion depth of artificial disc and postoperative kyphotic deformity after Prodisc-C total disc replacement surgery, and the range of artificial disc insertion depth which is effective in preventing postoperative whole cervical or segmental kyphotic deformity. METHODS: A retrospective radiological analysis was performed in 50 patients who had undergone single level total disc replacement surgery. Records were reviewed to obtain demographic data. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were assessed to determine C2-7 Cobb's angle and segmental angle and to investigate postoperative kyphotic deformity. A formula was introduced to calculate insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc. Statistical analysis was performed to search the correlation between insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc and postoperative kyphotic deformity, and to estimate insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc to prevent postoperative kyphotic deformity. RESULTS: In this study no significant statistical correlation was observed between insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc and postoperative kyphotic deformity regarding C2-7 Cobb's angle. Statistical correlation between insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc and postoperative kyphotic deformity was observed regarding segmental angle (p<0.05). It failed to estimate proper insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc effective in preventing postoperative kyphotic deformity. CONCLUSION: Postoperative segmental kyphotic deformity is associated with insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc. Anterior located artificial disc leads to lordotic segmental angle and posterior located artificial disc leads to kyphotic segmental angle postoperatively. But C2-7 Cobb's angle is not affected by artificial disc location after the surgery.

Angiographic Features and Clinical Outcomes of Intra-Arterial Nimodipine Injection in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-Induced Vasospasm

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the role of intra-arterial (IA) nimodipine injections for cerebral vasospasm secondary to ruptured subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and to investigate the factors that influence vasodilation and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We enrolled 29 patients who underwent aneurysm clipping for ruptured cerebral aneurysms between 2009 and 2011, and who received IA nimodipine after subsequently presenting with symptomatic vasospasm. The degree of vasodilation shown in angiography was measured, and the correlation between the degree of vasodilation and both the interval from SAH to cerebral vasospasm and the interval from clipping to cerebral vasospasm was determined. The change in blood flow rate after IA injection was assessed by transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Multiple clinical parameters were completed before and after IA nimodipine injection to evaluate any improvements in clinical symptoms. RESULTS: For eight patients, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores increased by two or more points. The regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between the change in GCS scores after IA nimodipine injection and the change in blood vessel diameter (p=0.025). A positive correlation was also observed between the interval from SAH to vasospasm and the change in diameter (p=0.040); and the interval from clipping to vasospasm and the change in diameter (p=0.022). CONCLUSION: IA nimodipine injection for SAH-induced vasospasm led to significant vasodilation in angiography and improvement in clinical symptoms without significant complications. Our findings suggest that IA nimodipine injection should be utilized when intractable vasospasm develops despite rigorous conservative management.

Traumatic Cervical Cord Transection without Facet Dislocations-A Proposal of Combined Hyperflexion-Hyperextension Mechanism: A Case Report

A patient is presented with a cervical spinal cord transection which occurred after a motor vehicle accident in which the air bag deployed and the seat belt was not in use. The patient had complete quadriplegia below the C5 level and his imaging study showed cervical cord transection at the level of the C5/6 disc space with C5, C6 vertebral bodies and laminar fractures. He underwent a C5 laminectomy and a C4-7 posterior fusion with lateral mass screw fixation. Previous reports have described central cord syndromes occurring in hyperextension injuries, but in adults, acute spinal cord transections have only developed after fracture-dislocations of the spine. A case involving a post-traumatic spinal cord transection without any evidence of radiologic facet dislocations is reported. Also, we propose a combined hyperflexion-hyperextension mechanism to explain this type of injury.

Adjacent Segment Instability after Posterior Lumbar Fusion: Comparison Between Subtotal Laminectomy and Total Laminectomy

OBJECTIVE: Whereas fusion with pedicle screw fixation has shown satisfactory clinical results, solid fusion has been reported to accelerate degenerative changes in adjacent unfused levels. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of bone/ligament/bone integrity after subtotal or total laminectomies on the development of adjacent segment instability (ASI). The hypothesis that total laminectomy would increase ASI more than would subtotal laminectomy was analyzed. Material and METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 316 patients who were treated with posterior fusion and pedicle screw fixation between 1996 and 2001. After attempts to review all 316 patients and radiologic files, 36 patients who were diagnosed with ASI were carefully reviewed, including follow-up periods of 2-8 years. The medical records were carefully reviewed for recurrence of low back pain or neurologic symptoms after a period of postoperative relief, and the radiologic files were evaluated to determine instability. All patients had undergone single-level or multilevel instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion for intractable pain related to degenerative conditions of the spine. RESULTS: Patients over the age of 60 were at a higher risk of developing clinical ASI however,fusion length, level and gender were not associated with ASI. The ASI was noted to occur most commonly in the cranial segment prior to fusion. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed more frequent ASI after total laminectomy than after subtotal laminectomy, especially in elderly patients. The ideal procedure will be one combining maximal canal and foraminal decompressions with minimal resection of bony structures and supporting ligaments.

Clinical and Radiographic Analysis of Cervical Total Disc Replacement Versus Anterior Cervical fusion using Stand-alone Cage

OBJECTIVE: Total intervertebral disc replacement is designed to preserve motion and avoid limitations of fusion after removing local pathology. The authors report the results of a signle-center study to determine functional and radi- ologic outcomes associated with cervical total disc replacement versus those of cervical fusion. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts and radiographs of patients who underwent a total intervertebral disc replacement(TDR) or a single-level anterior cervical fusion(ACDF) between January 1, 2004, and September 31, 2007. Clinical symptom was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale(VAS) of the neck and of the arm pain. Range of motion was determined by radiologic assessment of flexion-extension radiographs. Data were collected before surgery and at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. RESULT: A total of 125 patients were identified with 63 having TDR(43 males and 20 females) and 62 having fusion(42 males and 20 females). The average age was 49.1 years(TDR) and 51.7 years(ACDF)(p=0.229). The mean neck pain VAS before surgery was 6.52(TDR) and 6.61(ACDF)(p=0.732). At 2-year follow-up, the average neck pain VAS for the TDR group was 1.59 and ACDF 1.85(p=0.168). The mean arm pain VAS before surgery was 6.37(TDR) and 6.60(ACDF)(p=0.335). At 2 years: 1.41(TDR) and 1.65(ACDF)(P = 0.148). More motion(an average of 9.00 degrees at 24 months) was retained after surgery in the TDR group than the fusion group at the treatment level. There was no significant diffe- rence in motion at adjacent levels. CONCLUSION: Total disc replacement maintained physiological segmental motion at the 2-year follow-up. The finding that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in motion at adjacent levels must be verified on further studies.

The Effects of Steroid and Calcium Channel Blocker on Single High Dose Irradiation-induced Apoptosis in Rat Brain

OBJECTIVE: Radiation injury includes radiation necrosis and apoptosis. The purpose of this study is whether steroids and calcium channel blockers are effective for the prevention of single high dose irradiation-induced apoptosis in the rat brain. METHODS: Eighty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four experimental groups: Control(nontreated, n=20), Dexamethasone-treated(0.1mg/kg, n=20), Prednisolone-treated(2mg/kg, n=20), Nimodipine-treated (0.5mg/kg, n=20). After drug was administered, the right hemisphere of rat's brain was exposed to a single 10Gy dose of gamma rays using Ir-192. All brains underwent histological examination at 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after irradiation to evaluate cortical thickness and number of apoptotic cells. Apoptotic cells were detected by TUNEL assay. RESULTS: In nimodipine-treated group, apoptotic cell count was reduced significantly, compared to that of control(non treated) group at 4 and 8 weeks after irradiation(p<0.05). The decrease of cortical thickness was reduced significantly in nimodipine-treated group, compared to that of control group(p<0.05). There was no significant changes in the number of apoptotic cells and cortical thickness in prednisolone and dexamethasone-treated groups compared with those of control. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that nimodipine treatment may have effects on the prevention of radiation-induced apoptosis. If it could be established that calcium channel blockers inhibit radiation injury, they might be useful in radiation therapy. Further investigation of calcium channel blockers including dosage effectiveness, intracellular calcium ion concentration and effects on tumor tissue are necessary to clarify the usefulness of nimodipine.

The Effects of Nimodipine on Irradiation-Induced Apoptosis in the Rat Spinal Cord

OBJECTIVE: Radiation therapy is an effective adjunctive therapy in the management of brain and spinal cord tumors. The damage to normal tissue, however, has been often the dose-limiting factor in radiation therapy. The purpose of this study is to see whether nimodipine, the one of calcium channel blockers, is effective for the prevention of irradiation-induced apoptosis in the rat spinal cord. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were used: Control(n=12), Nimodipine-treated(0.5mg/kg, n=12). After nimodipine was administered intraperitoneally, the spinal cord of cervicothoracic junction was exposed to a single 10Gy dose of gamma rays using Ir-192. All spinal cords underwent histological examination at 4, 8, and 12 hours after irradiation, and apoptotic cells were detected by TUNEL assay and were determined by direct visual counting at magnification of x200. RESULTS: On the standard H-E stain, little evidence of histopathological change was noted within the 12 hours after irradiation. Both groups showed gradual increase of apoptotic cell counts with the lapse of time. But, in nimodipine-treated group, apoptotic cell counts were reduced significantly, compared to those of control group after irradiation, especially at 8 and 12 hours. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that nimodipine may have effects on the prevention of radiation-induced apoptosis in the spinal cord.

The Multiple Brain Abscesses Associated with Congenital Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations: A Case Report

In this report, we descrbed a case of multiple brain abscesses associated with diffuse congenital pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM). Although the cases of brain abscesses associated with congenital PAVM are very rare, the brain abscess could be an initial clinical manifestation in asymptomatic PAVM as in the case presented in this report. PAVM may contribute to the development of a brain abscess by allowing easy bacterial access to systemic circulation through the right-to-left pulmonary vascular shunt, bypassing the filtering effect of the pulmonary capillaries. Hence, this association should be considered in cases with brain abscesses of undetermined etiologic factors.

Expression of TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1 in the Rat Brain After a Single High-Dose Irradiation

Cytokines and growth factors are important regulatory proteins controlling the growth and differentiation of normal and malignant glial cells. In this study, we investigated the expression and origin of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in the subacute brain injury after a single high-dose irradiation using 60 Sprague-Dawley rats. The right cerebral hemispheres of rats were exposed to a single 10 Gy dose of gamma rays using Ir-192. The radiation effect was assessed at 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks after irradiation, and the results were compared with those in sham operation group. Histological changes characteristic of radiation injury were correlated with the duration after the single dose irradiation. The loss of cortical thickness also increased with the lapse of time after irradiation. The TNF-alpha expression in the irradiated cerebral hemispheres was significantly increased compared with that in the sham operation group. TGF-beta 1 expression was also increased in the irradiated hemispheres. Immunohistochemical study revealed that TGF-beta 1 was expressed predominantly by infiltrating macrophages and astrocytes around the necrotic areas. These findings indicate that TNF-alpha and TGF-beta 1 may play prominent roles in the radiation injuries after a single high-dose irradiation.

The Thoracic Radiculopathy in SAPHO Syndrome

SAPHO syndrome is an acronym for an increasingly recognized syndrome of synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis. Most of the previously reported case are from Japan and Europe. The authors report a case of SAPHO syndrome in Korean female who presented with extrasternal neurologic symptoms. A 60-year-old female with thoracic and right chest wall pain presented with the sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis, and recurrent aseptic osteitis. Previously, she had hystrectomy and thyroidectomy due to uterine malignancy 25 years ago. Also, she started to take medications for palm and sole pustulosis 7 days prior to admission. Through evaluation of clinical, radiological, serological studies, studies was done along with bone needle biopsy for the biological reassessment. The hyperostosis was found in the pedicles of thoracic 8, 9, 10 vertebrae and sternoclavicular joint. Radio-isotope bone scan showed an accumulation of tracer in thoracic vertebra. The bone biopsy from these site showed increased osseous turnover, thickening of trabeculae accompanied by mild acculuation of granulation tissue and round cell infiltration, compatible with mild chronic inflammation with marrow fibrosis. The patient showed good response to conservative management. The authors report a case of SAPHO syndrome with thoracic radiculopathy. It is considered that SAPHO syndrome is related to spondyloarthropathy, and appears to have benign disease process with good prognosis.

Primary Spinal Epidural Lymphoma Mimicking Epidural Abscess in a Diabetic

Primary spinal epidural lymphoma(SEL), i.e. occurring in the absence of any detectable extraspinal lymphoproli-ferative disorder, is an unusual cause of spinal cord compression. The authors report a 48-year-old, diabetic woman presented with back pain followed by acute paraparesis and voiding difficulty. She had been treated with acupunctures on her back before admission, and complete blood count showed leukocytosis with neutrophilia and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR). Thoracic spine magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) revealed an epidural mass extending from T5 to T8 with compression of the spinal cord. Emergency decompressive laminectomy was performed with a tentative diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess, but a B-cell lymphoma was final pathologic diagnosis. Further staging showed no other sites of lymphoma, and the spinal lesion was treated by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The authors stress that primary SEL can mimic spinal epidural abscess(SEA) in the diabetic patient and should be a diagnostic consideration in patients with a syndrome of acute spinal cord compression manifested by a prodrome of back pain and neuroimaging consistent with an epidural compressive lesion, especially in a diabetic.

Treatment Results of Intracranial Aneurysms by Wrapping and Coating

OBJECTIVE: Although surgical clipping of intracranial aneurysm is the definite method of treatment, there remains a small number of patients in whom surgical clipping is not technically possible. In such difficult cases, surgeon has to consider other therapeutic alternatives. In this report, we analyze our aneurysmal cases treated by wrapping and coating method and evaluate their surgical outcome and follow-up results. METHOD: Among the total of 877 patients operated from 1990 to 1999 for intracranial aneurysms at our hospital, 40 cases(4.6%) were treated by wrapping and coating method. They included 24 cases of single ruptured aneurysms and 16 with unruptured ones in multiple aneurysms. Wrapping with temporalis muscle and/or muslin gauze and coating with bioadhesive agent such as fibrin glue were performed. RESULT: Wrapping and coating method was performed mostly to the anterior communicating artery aneurysm (35%), and mostly because of the broad-based neck of an aneurysm(43%). At the time of discharge, 30 out of 40 patients(80%) showed favourable outcome and three cases died. The patients were monitored for average of 37 months(3-75 months). Among 24 cases with single ruptured aneurysm, 4 cases(17%) had early rebleeding within 6 months from the initial hemorrhage, and such rebleeding occurred within the first postoperative month in 3 cases. However, there was no rebleeding after the 6 months. Among 16 patients whose aneurysms were unruptured ones, none of them showed bleeding episode. CONCLUSION: It seems likely that the wrapping and coating method would be some help to prevent the rebleeding of an intracranial aneurysm. In order to obtain more accurate results regarding the efficacy of such method, it will be necessary to perform a multi-center study for longer follow-up periods and various wrapping and coating materials.

Krukenberg Tumor Presenting with Brain Metastasis: A Case Report

No abstract available.

Primary Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas Presenting with Extradural Spinal Cord Compression as the Initial Manifestation

No abstract available.

Administration of multiple cytokine genes with anti-tumor activity inhibits both tumor incidence and tumor growth

The finding of reporter gene expression in muscle cells after intramuscular injection of a reporter gene containing DNA has suggested that injection of a certain gene in its naked form could induce an expression of the injected gene. The result proposed the concept, namely DNA or genetic vaccine technology, that injection of an antigen gene could induce a specific immune response against the antigen. Although the concept was initially applied to vaccination technology, the result also means that administration of cytokine genes with anti-tumor activity could exert their functions when they are applied as a naked form of DNA. To test the possibility, plasmid vector containing granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulation factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) genes, which are known as one of the most potent anti-tumor cytokines, were constructed and injected into mice together with syngeneic tumor cells. When the cytokine gene containing plasmid was injected on the same day of tumor cell injection, a tumor mass developed in 4 out of 5 mice tested. Even among the 4 mice, the tumor mass of a mouse disappeared 2 weeks after tumor development. In addition, tumor generation was significantly delayed in cytokine gene injected mice and the average tumor size was about 51.5% that of vector control injected mice. These results suggested that tumor treatment through the injection of multiple cytokine genes with potent anti-tumor activity significantly inhibits tumor development and growth, and that the method could be considered as one of the tools for efficient tumor treatment.

Posterior Transarticular Atlanto-Axial Fixation with Perrin Screw

Posterior transarticular screw fixation is effective treatment method in cases of atlanto-axial instabilities. Various surgical procedures have been described for stabilization of unstable C1-C2 complex. The conventional management methods, either a Gallie or Brooks fusion technique, have limitations such as post-operative rigid bracing and relatively high rate of non-union. Since Magerl developed a technique for posterior transarticular screw placement at C1-C2 in 1979, Noel I. Perrin published modified technique for atlanto-axial instability using percutaneous drill guide system in 1995. This instrumentation system improved limitations of conventional fixation technique and reduced complications as well as shortening of operation times. Between May 1997 and February 1998, modification of this surgical approach with Perrin screw system was used in the treatment of 12 cases of atlantoaxial instability. Transarticular screw was placed in conjunction with bone graft wiring through the percutaneous working drill guide. The causes of the instabilities were rheumatoid arthritis(5 cases), traumatic injuries(4 cases), post operative instability(1 case), and non-union with immobilization(2 cases) and other cause. Patient age was ranged from 18 years to 70 years. Mean operation time was 145 min(110 to 225) with mean blood loss was 180 ml. Intraoperative complication was drill tip fracture in 1 case and screw pullout in 1 case postoperatively. Neurological or vascular injury were not observed there was neither radiologic instabilities nor spinal deformities. Neurologic and symptomatic status were improved in all operated cases.

ICA Bifurcation Aneurysm: Clinical Features and Surgical Outcome

OBJECTIVE: Aneurysms at the internal carotid artery(ICA) bifurcation are uncommon and account for about 3 to 5% of all intracranial aneurysms. Moreover, the surgical treatment of these aneurysms has been discussed in detail only by a few authors. In this report, we present our experienced cases, and discuss the clinical features and surgical outcome of these aneurysms. METHOD: In the last eight years, out of total of 672 patients operated for intracranial aneurysms at our hospital, 17 patients(2.5%) had aneurysms at the ICA bifurcation. The direction of aneurysms were distinguished based upon DaPian's classification; superior, anterior, or posterior. RESULT: There were female preponderance(M:F=1:1.8) and the left side predominance(11 of 17 cases). Nine patients had multiple aneurysms, and in that cases ICA bifurcation aneurysms were responsible for hemorrhage in most cases. All aneurysms were clipped via the standard pterional approach. Thirteen out of 17 patients had good results and 2 patients fair results; the surgical outcome was favorable in 88.2% of cases. One who had rebleeding before surgery died. CONCLUSION: It is presumed that the perforator occlusion and intraoperative aneurysmal rupture were the main factors aggravating the surgical outcome. In cases with anteriorly- or posteriorly-projecting aneurysm, more careful cautions would be necessary.