COVID-19 associated transverse myelitis: case report / Mielitis transversa asociada a COVID-19: reporte de un caso

Abstract Background: Transverse myelitis (TM) is a demyelinating inflammatory disease that presents with motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction, which may be acute or subacute. COVID-19-associated TM has been described in a scarce number of patients. Clinical case: A 15-year-old previously healthy male patient with respiratory disease before his neurological deterioration presented to the emergency room after developing a complete medullary syndrome located at the cervical-dorsal level, with ascending and symmetric paraparesis that rapidly progressed to paraplegia, with sensory dysfunction from the T3 level, sphincter dysfunction and sudden ventilatory deterioration that required mechanical ventilation. Magnetic resonance imaging was compatible with acute TM. Inflammatory and non-inflammatory etiologies were discarded. In addition, a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 test was obtained. Treatment included steroid pulses and plasmapheresis, with an insidious evolution. Conclusion: COVID-19 is an infrequent cause of TM and should be suspected when other etiologies have been ruled out.

Resumen Introducción: La mielitis transversa (MT) es una enfermedad inflamatoria desmielinizante que se presenta con disfunción motora, sensitiva y autonómica, de forma aguda o subaguda. La MT asociada al COVID-19 se ha escrito en un escaso número de pacientes. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un masculino de 15 años previamente sano, quien cursaba con un cuadro respiratorio y que desarrollo un deterioro neurológico súbito que involucro un síndrome medular completo localizado en el nivel cérvico dorsal, con paraparesia simétrica que progreso a la paraplejia, con disfunción sensitiva desde el nivel medular de T3, disfunción de esfínteres y deterioro ventilatorio que requirió manejo avanzado de la vía aérea. Su resonancia magnética fue compatible con mielitis transversa aguda. Se descartaron causas inflamatorias y no inflamatorias de la patología. Además, se obtuvo un resultado positivo de SARS-COV-2. Se inició tratamiento con pulsos de metilprednisolona y plasmaféresis, con una evolución insidiosa. Conclusión: El COVID-19 es una causa infrecuente de MT y debe sospecharse cuando otras causas han sido descartadas.

Clinical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy with the integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine(2023) / 中国骨伤

The "Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy with the Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine" were formulated by the Orthopedic and Traumatology Professional Committee of the Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine and expert consensus, and provide clinicians with academic guidance on clinical diagnosis and treatment of CSM. The main content includes diagnostic points, disease grading assessment, TCM syndrome differentiation, surgical indications and timing, integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment, and postoperative rehabilitation. This guideline proposes for the first time that the treatment of CSM should follow the principle of grading, clarify the timing and methods of surgical treatment, establish common TCM syndrome differentiation and classification, attach importance to postoperative integrated rehabilitation of Chinese and Western medicine, and strengthen daily follow-up management. It hopes to promote the standardization, effectiveness, and safety of clinical treatment of CSM.

Long-term efficacy and literature review of liver transplant recipients with hepatic myelopathy / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective:To explore the long-term therapeutic efficacy and outcomes of liver transplantation for patients with hepatic myelopathy (HM).Methods:Retrospective analysis of 24 adult liver transplantation recipients due to HM at First Central Municipal Hospital from January 2006 to October 2022. HM was extensively classified by the severity of lower extremity symptoms, degree of muscle stiffness, capability for independent ambulation and muscle strength. Furthermore, their long-term outcomes were examined. From January 2000 to October 2022, the databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) , Google Scholar, PubMed and Web of Science were searched with such keywords as "肝性脊髓病and肝移植" "Hepatic Myelopathy and Liver Transplantation" .Results:After liver transplantation, liver functions and blood ammonia normalized and most clinical symptoms improved. During a follow-up period of (12-190) months, 19 patients showed a lowered grade of HC as compared to pre-transplantation. Four cases achieved a complete recovery of extremity function. No change occurred in severity grade for the remaining 5 patients. However, 4 of them experienced varying degrees of improvement in muscle strength and independent walking capability. This review summarized the clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes of 17 patients from both domestic and international sources. Most of them experiences varying degrees of symptomatic improvements after liver transplantation (16 cases).Conclusions:This study has confirmed the effectiveness of liver transplantation for HM and its contribution to the long-term patient recovery.

Clinical outcomes of 3D-printing stand-alone artificial vertebral body in anterior cer-vical surgeries / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To explore the short-term outcomes of 3D-printing stand-alone artificial vertebral body(AVB)in the surgical procedure of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion(ACCF).Methods:Following the proposal of IDEAL(idea,development,exploration,assessment,and long-term follow-up)framework,we designed and conducted this single-armed,retrospective cohort study.The patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were recruited,and these patients exclusively received the surgical procedure of single-level ACCF in our single center.After the process of corpectomy,the size was tailored using different trials and the most suitable stand-alone AVB was then implanted.This AVB was manufactured by the fashion of 3D-printing.Two pairs of screws were inserted in an inclined way into the adjacent vertebral bodies,to stabilize the AVB.The participants were regularly followed-up after the operation.Their clinical data were thoroughly reviewed.We assessed the neurological status according to Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA)scale.We determined the fusion based on imaging examination six months after the operation.The recorded clinical data were analyzed using specific software and they presented in suitable styles.Paired t test was employed in comparison analysis.Results:In total,there were eleven patients being recruited eventually.The patients were all followed up over six months after the operation.The mean age of the cohort was(57.2±10.2)years.The mean operation time was(76.1±23.1)min and the median bleeding volume was 150(100,200)mL.The postoperative course was uneventful for all the cases.Dysphagia,emergent hematoma,and deterioration of neurological func-tion did not occur.Mean JOA scores were 13.2±2.2 before the operation and 16.3±0.8 at the final follow-up,which were significantly different(P＜0.001).The mean recovery rate of neurological func-tion was 85.9％.By comparing the imaging examinations postoperatively and six months after the opera-tion,we found that the average subsidence length was(1.2±1.1)mm,and that there was only one ca-ses(9.1％)of the severe subsidence(＞3 mm).We observed significant improvement of cervical lor-dosis after the operation(P=0.013).All the cases obtained solid fusion.Conclusion:3D-printing stand-alone AVB presented favorable short-term outcome in one-level ACCF in this study.The fusion rate of this zero-profile prosthesis was satisfactory and the complication rate was relatively low.

Analysis on clinical efficacy of anterior cervical Hybrid surgery and posterior cervical expansive open-door laminopasty for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To analyze the efficacy of anterior cervical Hybrid surgery and posterior cervical expansive open-door laminoplasty(EODL)in the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy,and to discuss the selection of surgical methods for the patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Methods:The retrospective analysis was conducted of 70 patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent surgery at Affilated Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Capital Medical University from July 2017 to July 2020.Based on the different surgical methods,the patients were divided into anterior group(n=35)and posterior group(n=35).The patients in anterior group underwent Hybrid surgery[anterior cervical discectomy and fusion(ACDF)combined with artificial cervical disc replacement(ACDR)],and the patients in posterior group underwent EODL.The hospitalization time,operation time,intraoperative blood loss,and postoperative drainage volume of the patients in two groups were recorded;the efficacy was evaluated by Japanese orthopaedic association(JOA)score,JOA improvement rate,neck disability index(NDI),visual analogue scale(VAS)for pain,and postoperative satisfaction score;the complications of the patients in two groups after surgery were recorded.Results:Compared with posterior group,the intraoperative blood loss,postoperative drainage volume,hospitalization time,and operation time of the patients in anterior group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the preoperative score had no significant difference(P>0.05).At the final follow-up after surgery,compared with posterior group,the JOA score and JOA improvement rate of the patients in anterior group were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the NDI score and VAS score were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with before surgery,the JOA scores of the patients in two groups at the final follow-up after surgery were increased(P<0.01),and the NDI and VAS scores were significant decreased(P<0.01).The postoperative satisfaction of the patients in two groups was high based on the postoperative satisfaction score.There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complication of the patients between two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Both the anterior cervical Hybrid surgery and EODL achieve the satisfactory results in the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Hybrid surgery has the advantages of less bleeding and shorter surgery time,and the most suitable surgical method should be chosen clinically based on the actual situation of the patients.

Diagnostic value of cervical spine non-shared incentive diffusion weighted imaging technique in cervical spondylotic myelopathy / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical application value of the non-shared incentive diffusion weighted imaging(ZOOM-DWI)technique at cervical level in diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy(CSM).Methods A total of 49 CSM patients(patient group),and 50 healthy volunteers(control group)were recruited.All subjects underwent conventional MRI and ZOOM-DWI of the cervical spine and neurologic modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association(mJOA)scores in patients with CSM.The apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)value in the spinal cord at the narrowest area(C5-C6)of the compression site of patients,the ADC value at the disc level in each upper and lower level,and the spinal ADC value at the cervical level C2-C3 were measured.The ADC values of control group C2-C3,C3-C4,C4-C5,C5-C6,C6-C7 were measured.Within-group comparisons of the spinal cord ADC values for each segment between patient and control groups were performed using analysis of variance and post hoc comparisons(SNK-q).The ADC values at the narrowest point of the patient group and control group were tested by independent sample t-test.The Pearson correlation analysis was performed between patients'C5-C6 ADC values and mJOA scores.Results The mean ADC values showed no significantly different levels in the control group.Among the ADC values at each measurement level in the patient group,except for C4-C5 and C6-C7 where the difference was not statistically significant,the remaining pair-wise comparisons all showed statisti-cally significant differences(F=24.368,P＜0.001),with the highest ADC value at C5-C6.The C5-C6 ADC value in the patient group was significantly higher compared to the control group(t=9.414,P＜0.001),with statistical significance.The ADC values at the patient stenosis showed a significant negative correlation with the mJOA score(r=-0.493,P＜0.001).Conclusion Cervical ZOOM-DWI technique can be applied to diagnose CSM,and spinal ADC values can be used as reliable imaging data for diagnosing CSM.

Serum differential proteomics between developmental cervical spinal stenosis and cervical spondylotic myelopathy / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have found that qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome is the main syndrome among various TCM syndromes of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.However,there is no report on proteomic markers as early diagnosis indicators for the transformation of developmental cervical spinal stenosis with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome to cervical spondylotic myelopathy. OBJECTIVE:To explore serum proteomics difference between developmental cervical spinal stenosis and cervical spondylotic myelopathy and to find and identify the potential serum biomarkers between them. METHODS:Serum samples of nine patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy of qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome(experimental group)and nine patients with developmental cervical spinal stenosis of qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome(control group)were collected.The proteomic analysis was carried out by Tandem Mass Tag combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry,so as to find and identify differentially expressed proteins. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 1027 significantly differential proteins were initially screened by TMT technology and 89 significantly differential proteins were finally identified(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,there were 45 up-regulated proteins in the experimental group,such as α-actinin-4,α-actinin-1,cell division control protein 42 homolog,integrin-linked protein kinase and B-actin.Conversely,there were 44 down-regulated proteins in the experimental group compared with the control group,such as fibronectin,fibrinogen γ chain,fibrinogen α chain,fibrinogen β chain.Gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated that these differential proteins were involved in signal receptor binding,kinase binding,protein kinase activity,integrin binding,actin filament binding and other molecular functions.Based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis,20 common differential signal/metabolic pathways were identified,including Rap1 signaling pathway,adherens junction,tight junction,platelet activation,and regulation of actin cytoskeleton.Protein-protein interaction analysis showed that ILK,FGA,FGB,FGG,FN1,Cdc42,ACTN1,ACTN4 and ACTB were located at the nodes of protein-protein interaction network and were closely related to bone formation and destruction system,nervous system,coagulation system,cellular inflammation and other systems.To conclude,the serum differentially expressed proteins between developmental cervical spinal stenosis and cervical spondylotic myelopathy can be successfully screened by Tandem Mass Tag combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.ILK,FN1,CDC42 and ACTN 4 are identified as specific markers for the transformation of developmental cervical spinal stenosis with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome into cervical spondylotic myelopathy.These findings provide a basis for further clarifying the transformation mechanism.

Effect of neutral position magnetic resonance imaging on cervical discs herniation volume and cervical curvature / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Cervical neutral position magnetic resonance imaging is widely used for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.However,it is not possible for patients to maintain the exact same position of the head and neck during repeated cervical magnetic resonance imaging examinations.The cervical spine undergoes minor flexion and extension movements in the sagittal plane,and the head may have a certain degree of variation in flexion and extension.Whether these changes in the neutral position of the cervical spine affect the volume of cervical discs herniation and cervical curvature is unclear. OBJECTIVE:Using artificial intelligence-assisted measurement,this study aimed to analyze the accuracy and reliability of magnetic resonance imaging examinations for measuring the volume of cervical discs herniation and cervical curvature in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy undergoing two consecutive cervical neutral positions in the short term. METHODS:A retrospective study was conducted on patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent conservative treatment and underwent two consecutive cervical magnetic resonance imaging examinations within three months between June 2012 and June 2023.We proposed the use of occipital-thoracic distance and occipital-thoracic angle to evaluate the variation in flexion and extension of the head in the neutral position of the cervical spine.Based on the changes in occipital-thoracic angle,patients were divided into occipital-thoracic angle increase group and occipital-thoracic angle decrease group.Cervical discs herniation volume,C2-6 Cobb angle,and cervical(C3-C7)curvature were measured using artificial intelligence-assisted measurement software.Normal distribution data were represented by mean±SD,while non-normal distribution data were represented by the median(interquartile range).Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between changes in Cobb angle,cervical(C3-C7)curvature,and cervical discs herniation volume. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 104 patients and 326 cervical discs herniation were included in the study.There were 47 patients in the occipital-thoracic angle increase group and 57 patients in the occipital-thoracic angle decrease group.(2)Extension and flexion index of the head:There were no significant differences in occipital-thoracic distance and occipital-thoracic angle during the initial diagnosis and follow-up examination.The variation of occipital-thoracic distance was 0.035(3.23)mm,and the variation of occipital-thoracic angle was-0.31(3.28)°.The deviation range of occipital-thoracic distance and occipital-thoracic angle was small,and there was no significant correlation.(3)Cervical curvature index:There were no significant differences in C2-6 Cobb angle and C3-C7 curvature during the initial diagnosis and follow-up examination.There were no significant differences in C2-6 Cobb angle and C3-C7 curvature between the occipital-thoracic angle increase group and occipital-thoracic angle decrease group.(4)There was no significant difference in volume of cervical discs herniation during the initial diagnosis and follow-up examination.There was no significant difference in volume of cervical discs herniation between the occipital-thoracic angle increase group and occipital-thoracic angle decrease group.There was no significant correlation between the change of cervical discs herniation volume and the change of C2-6 Cobb angle and the cervical(C3-C7)curvature.(5)These results indicate that in the neutral position of the cervical spine,there were negligible minor flexion and extension movements in the sagittal plane,and the head was limited to a specific position.Although the head has a certain range of flexion and extension variation,it does not affect the accuracy and reliability of parameters including cervical discs herniation volume,C2-6 Cobb angle,and cervical(C3-C7)curvature.

Finite element analysis of characteristics of spinal cord compression in patients with early cervical spondylotic myelopathy under dynamic position / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a progressive disease leading to dysfunction in the middle-aged and elderly,and early diagnosis is difficult.In recent years,some clinical scholars have found that dynamic magnetic resonance imaging technology can detect spinal cord compression in a dynamic position earlier,but its specific biomechanical mechanism needs to be clarified. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biomechanical compression characteristics of early cervical spondylotic myelopathy in hyperextension and flexion position,and to verify the effectiveness of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of early cervical spondylotic myelopathy. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was made on the patients who underwent cervical dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in the Department of Orthopedics of First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine from January to June 2022.16 subjects were selected and divided into two groups.The pathological group included 8 patients with early cervical spondylotic myelopathy with hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum as the main sign,with 5 male patients and 3 female patients.The normal group included 8 normal degenerative people,with 4 male patients and 4 female patients.All patients were photographed with cervical CT plain scan,magnetic resonance imaging plain scan,and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging plain scan.This study was divided into the following three parts:(1)collect the dynamic magnetic resonance imaging image DCOM data of two groups of subjects,and collect the cervical vertebra CT and neutral magnetic resonance imaging image DCOM data to understand the bone and soft tissue of the two groups of subjects in the neutral position.(2)Based on the DCOM data of magnetic resonance imaging and CT plain scan,the three-dimensional finite element models of lower cervical vertebra(C3-7)of normal degenerative population and early cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients were established by reverse engineering software.The equivalent stress and equivalent elastic strain of the spinal cord and posterior dura were analyzed,and the distribution of stress and strain was observed.(3)After obtaining the stress and strain data,the data between groups were compared to analyze the mechanical characteristics of spinal cord compression caused by early cervical spondylotic myelopathy in a dynamic position and to verify the effectiveness of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of early cervical spondylotic myelopathy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)When simulating the posterior extension,flexion and neutral position of the lower cervical vertebrae(C3-7)in the two groups,the values of stress and strain in the posterior part of the spinal cord were in the following order:extension>flexion>neutral(P<0.05).The strain values from large to small were as follows:extension>flexion>neutral(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the normal degenerative population model,the equivalent stress and strain of the spinal cord in the pathological group were higher than those in the normal group under two degrees of freedom of flexion and extension(P<0.05).The distribution area of stress and strain in the posterior part of the spinal cord was irregular.(3)In the neutral position,there was no significant difference in the strain value of the spinal cord between the two groups(P>0.05),and the strain distribution was uniform and regular.(4)It is indicated that in the cervical extension position,the dural sac and the posterior part of the spinal cord were compressed and deformed in the early cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients with the hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum as the main sign,and the degree of compression deformation of the spinal cord was significantly higher than that in the anterior flexion position and neutral position.In the neutral position,there were no obvious signs of spinal cord deformation in patients with early cervical spondylotic myelopathy.This study verified the role of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of early cervical spondylotic myelopathy from the point of view of biomechanics.

Effect of different fusion devices on cervical sagittal parameters after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for cervical spondylotic myelopathy / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The impact of anterior cervical surgery on the sagittal balance parameters of the cervical spine is gradually being paid attention to.Currently,there is a lack of clear and feasible clinical guidelines for the selection of surgical methods for two-level cervical spondylosis,aiming to find the most suitable fixation method that is more beneficial for this type of patient. OBJECTIVE:To compare the effects of different fusion devices for anterior cervical decompression on the changes of cervical sagittal parameters after surgery for adjacent two-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy. METHODS:A total of 44 patients with adjacent two-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion from March 2018 to September 2020 in Liaocheng People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed in the study,and they were divided into zero-p group(23 cases)and cage group(21 cases).All patients underwent anteroposterior X-ray,three-dimensional CT reconstruction and MRI examination before operation.At the last follow-up,the anteroposterior X-ray films of cervical spine were taken.The sagittal balance parameters of the cervical spine were measured before and after surgery,including cervical lordotic angle(C2-7 Cobb),C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis,segmented lordotic angle and T1 slope.The surgical time,intraoperative bleeding,last follow-up intervertebral fusion,and postoperative swallowing disorders were recorded,and Japanese Orthopaedic Association score on the patient was evaluated before and after surgery.The changes in cervical sagittal parameters before and after surgery were calculated and their differences were compared between the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Both groups of patients successfully completed the surgery and received follow-up.The zero-p group had shorter surgical time and less intraoperative bleeding compared to the cage group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).(2)The incidence rate of postoperative swallowing disorders in the cage group(7/21,33%)was higher than that in the zero-p group(3/23,13%),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)At the last follow-up,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was the same;all patients had bone fusion.Comparison within the group showed that the sagittal parameters of the cervical spine in both groups improved compared to before surgery(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in sagittal parameters between groups(P>0.05),and there was no statistically significant difference in changes in C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis,C2-7 Cobb angle,and T1 slope between the two groups(P>0.05).However,the segmented lordotic angle changes in the zero-p group were smaller than those in the cage group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)It is indicated that the use of zero-p and titanium plate combined with cage during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery can effectively improve cervical sagittal balance.Titanium plate combined with cage intervertebral fusion can better reconstruct the patient's cervical lordosis and curvature.The selection of fusion devices should also comprehensively consider the occurrence of surgical complications.

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.

Resultados a largo plazo del tratamiento quirúrgico de las fístulas arteriovenosas durales espinales en un centro Argentino / Surgical treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: Management and long-term results in a series of patients operated in an Argentinian center

Resumen Introducción: La fístula dural arteriovenosa espinal (FDAVE) es una enfermedad vascular frecuentemente subdiagnosticada. El tratamiento puede ser microqui rúrgico o endovascular. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de una serie de pa cientes con FDAVE tratados por microcirugía entre los años 2010 y 2021. Fueron evaluados parámetros como edad, sexo, cuadro clínico pre y postoperatorio medido con las escalas de Aminoff-Logue y Rankin modificada (mRs). Los estudios diagnósticos se utilizaron para de terminar nivel lesional y resultados quirúrgicos. Resultados: Se incluyeron doce pacientes (10 hombres y 2 mujeres) con un promedio de edad de 60 años. El tiempo de evolución del cuadro clínico al diagnóstico fue menor a 12 meses salvo un caso de 32 meses. Las FDAVE fueron localizadas, 8 a nivel dorsal, 3 a nivel lumbar y una a nivel sacro. La arteria de Adamkiewicz se identificó en 5 casos en L1, 2 en D12, 2 en D10, 2 en D9 y un caso en D7. De los 12 pacientes operados, 3 fueron embolizados previamente; dos permanecieron estables en su evolución y 10 mejoraron uno o más puntos del mRs. No hubo complicaciones en el postoperatorio. Todos mostraron mejoría del edema medular en reso nancia magnética y la angiografía digital, luego de los 6 meses, fue negativa. El seguimiento promedio fue de 40 meses con un rango de 6 a 122 meses y ningún paciente presentó recidiva de la FDAVE. Conclusión: El tratamiento quirúrgico de las FDAVE es un método muy eficaz, de baja morbilidad y menor tasa de recurrencia comparado con el tratamiento en dovascular.

Abstract Introduction: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDA VF) is a rare vascular disease, of unknown etiology, fre quently underdiagnosed. Treatment can be microsurgical or endovascular. Methods: Retrospective and monocentric analysis of 12 SDAVF patients treated by microsurgery between 2010 and 2021. Parameters including age, sex, pre and postoperative clinical condition were analyzed according to modified Aminoff-Logue and Rankin scales. Diagnos tic studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) and spinal digital subtraction angiography (DSA), were evaluated for lesion level, as were surgical results. Results: Twelve patients (10 men and 2 women), average age: 60 years, were operated. The interval from symptom onset to diagnosis was <12 months in all cases except one (32 months). SDAVF locations were thoracic in 8 cases, between T6 and T12, 3 at lumbar spine (L1- L2) and at S1 in one case, with no difference regarding side. The Adamkiewicz artery was identified in 5 cases at L1, 2 at D12, 2 at D10, 2 at D9 and 1 at D7 (7 left-sided and 5 right-sided). Three of the 12 patients operated had undergone prior embolization. Postoperative neu rological outcomes showed: 2 patients remained stable and 10 improved one or more points on the mRs; no postoperative complications were observed. Follow-up MRI images improved in all cases and spinal DSA was negative at 6 months. Average follow-up was 40 months (range 6 to 122) and no patient presented recurrence. Conclusion: Microsurgical treatment of SDAVF proved to be efficient, with low morbidity and lower recurrence rates compared to endovascular results.

Advances in surgical strategies for ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament involving the C 2 segment / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the application of surgical strategies for the treatment of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) involving the C 2 segment.@*METHODS@#The literature about the surgery for cervical OPLL involving C 2 segment was reviewed, and the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of surgery were summarized.@*RESULTS@#For cervical OPLL involving the C 2 segments, laminectomy is suitable for patients with OPLL involving multiple segments, often combined with screw fixation, and has the advantages of adequate decompression and restoration of cervical curvature, with the disadvantages of loss of cervical fixed segmental mobility. Canal-expansive laminoplasty is suitable for patients with positive K-line and has the advantages of simple operation and preservation of cervical segmental mobility, and the disadvantages include progression of ossification, axial symptoms, and fracture of the portal axis. Dome-like laminoplasty is suitable for patients without kyphosis/cervical instability and with negative R-line, and can reduce the occurrence of axial symptoms, with the disadvantage of limited decompression. The Shelter technique is suitable for patients with single/double segments and canal encroachment >50% and allows for direct decompression, but is technically demanding and involves risk of dural tear and nerve injury. Double-dome laminoplasty is suitable for patients without kyphosis/cervical instability. Its advantages are the reduction of damage to the cervical semispinal muscles and attachment points and maintenance of cervical curvature, but there is progress in postoperative ossification.@*CONCLUSION@#OPLL involving the C 2 segment is a complex subtype of cervical OPLL, which is mainly treated through posterior surgery. However, the degree of spinal cord floatation is limited, and with the progress of ossification, the long-term effectiveness is poor. More research is needed to address the etiology of OPLL and to establish a systematic treatment strategy for cervical OPLL involving the C 2 segment.

Transtubular Transoral Approach for Irreducible Ventral Craniovertebral Junction Compressive Pathologies: Surgical Technique and Outcome

@#Introduction: To investigate the use of a tubular retractor to provide access to the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) sparing the soft palate with the aim of reducing complications associated with traditional transoral approach but yet allowing adequate decompression of the CVJ. Materials and methods: Twelve consecutive patients with severe myelopathy (JOA-score less than 11) from ventral CVJ compression were operated between 2014-2020 using a tubular retractor assisted transoral decompression. Results: All patients improved neurologically statistically (p=0.02). There were no posterior pharynx wound infections or rhinolalia. There was one case with incomplete removal of the lateral wall of odontoid and one incidental durotomy. Conclusions: A Tubular retractor provides adequate access for decompression of the ventral compression of CVJ. As the tubular retractor pushed away the uvula, soft palate and pillars of the tonsils as it docked on the posterior pharyngeal wall, the traditional complications associated with traditional transoral procedures is completely avoided.

Visualization and analysis of the status of research on surgical treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy in the English literature of Web of Science database using Citespace soft-ware / 中国脊柱脊髓杂志

Objectives:To analyze visually the current research status,hot spots and trends of surgical treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy(MCSM)collected in Web of Science(WOS)core database by collecting relevant English literature via Citespace software and creating knowledge maps,in order to provide direction and reference for further research in this field.Methods:The literature related to re-search on surgical treatment of MCSM with the subject of"Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy"OR"Cervical Myelopathy"AND"Multilevel"OR"MCSM"OR"CSM"AND"Surgery"OR"Operation",published from January 1,2000 to December 31,2022 was retrieved from Web of Science(WOS).The literature included was Article and Review,and duplicate literature was excluded with the Remove Duplicates function of Citespace(6.1.R6)software for bibliometric analysis.The authors,institutions and keywords of the included literature were analyzed and displayed visually.Results:A total of 372 literature was included in the study.The sta-tistical analysis of annual publication volume showed that overall foreign research in this field had been on the rise in the last 20 years or so,and there had been a surge in literature and a continuous popularity ever since 2016.The co-occurrence analysis of authors showed that there were 550 authors,including 23 core au-thors,and the top 3 in terms of number of publications were Ding Wenyuan,Fehlings Michael G,and Yuan Wen.The co-occurrence analysis of institutions showed that research institutions in this field were concentrat-ed in domestic and foreign universities and hospitals,and the top 3 in terms of publications were Soochow Univ,Second Mil Med Univ,and Sun Yat Sen Univ.The keyword analysis showed 7 major clusters were ob-tained,and the hot topic of research was the comparative evaluation of the efficacy and safety of different surgical procedures for MCSM.Conclusions:Surgical treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy is of increasing research concern year by year,and it remains a hot spot worthy of research in the future.Further in-depth research to optimize and improve existing surgical procedures and explore new procedures by combining new materials and technologies is a feasible path for future study.

Reversal of hepatic myelopath by liver transplantation: one case report / 中华器官移植杂志

Hepatic myelopathy (HM)is a rare complication of chronic liver diseases.One case of HM treated by was reported.A 40-year-old male recipient of liver transplantation (LT) complained of lower extremity paralysis.Muscle strength of lower extremity recovered partially at Week 3 post-transplantation and completely at Month 3 post-discharge.

Hepatolenticular degeneration complicated by hepatic myelopathy： a clinical analysis of 5 cases and literature review / 中风与神经疾病杂志

@#Objective To analyze the clinical features of patients with hepatolenticular degeneration （HLD） complicated by hepatic myelopathy （HM）. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical features，auxiliary examinations，diagnosis and treatment，and outcomes of 5 patients diagnosed with HLD complicated by HM in our hospital from January 2018 to February 2023，and the relevant literature was reviewed. Results Among the 5 patients，4 were male and 1 was female； the age of onset of HM ranged from 16 to 32 years. All 5 patients had manifestations of decompensated cirrhosis，and 3 patients had a history of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt （TIPS）. The spinal MRI showed abnormal signals in the thoracic cord in 2 patients. Electromyography showed abnormalities in 3 patients，and electroencephalography showed significantly slower background brain waves in 4 patients. Two patients underwent liver transplantation，and 2 patients received endovascular treatment. One patient died of upper gastrointestinal bleeding； the other 4 patients had varying degrees of recovery. Conclusion The prevalence of HLD complicated by HM is very low. High copper status，hyperammonemia，TIPS，anemia，hypoproteinemia，and portal hypertension are directly associated with HM.

Copper deficiency myelopathy： A case report，literature review / 中风与神经疾病杂志

@#Copper deficiency myelopathy （CDM） is a degenerative disease of the nervous system as a result of copper deficiency. It can affect the posterior cord， lateral cord， and peripheral nervous system to cause sensory ataxia， spastic paralysis， and peripheral nerve damage. Anemia and/or neutropenia are among accompanying abnormalities. CDM is so rare and little reported that there is a high probability of a miss diagnosis or misdiagnosis. In this article， we present the clinical data and diagnosis and treatment process of a patient with CDM， and reviewed relevant literature， in order to provide a reference for clinical workers.

The postoperative adjacent segment degeneration between the microscopically anterior cervical discectomy with fusion and anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and the influencing factors analysis of / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To compare the postoperative adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) between the microscopically anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) and anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion (ACCF) in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and its influencing factors.Methods:Fifty patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy treatment in the Qinzhou Second People′s Hospital from July 2018 to July 2020 were selected, they were divided into two groups, 25 patients performed ACDF (ACDF group), and 25 patients performed ACCF (ACCF group). The perioperative period, efficacy and incidence of ASD were compared between the two groups, and the influencing factors of ASD were analyzed.Results:The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, length of hospital stay and postoperative drainage in ACCF group were higher than those in ACDF group: (58.34 ± 8.61) ml vs. (46.77 ± 7.24) ml, (99.57 ± 10.72) min vs. (86.14 ± 9.64) min, (8.97 ± 1.43) d vs. (7.56 ± 1.24) d, (17.92 ± 2.95) ml vs. (14.28 ± 2.66) ml, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores in the two groups were improved significantly ( P<0.05), but the scores of JOA and NDI in the two groups had no significant differences ( P>0.05). The incidence of ASD in the two groups had no significant differences ( P>0.05). The Cox univariate analysis showed that age >59 years, intervertebral disc degeneration, number of fusion segments >2, osteoporosis and postoperative ASD were risk factors for ASD( P<0.05). Conclusions:The effect of microscopically ACDF is similar to that of ACCF in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, but ACDF has the advantages of less trauma and quick recovery. The risk of postoperative ASD should be vigilant for patients with age >59 years old, intervertebral disc degeneration, number of fusion segments >2 or osteoporosis.

Impact of surgical treatment on the gait of patients with cervical myelopathy / Impacto do tratamento cirurgico na marcha de pacientes portadores de mielopatia cervical / Impacto del tratamiento quirúrgico en la marcha de pacientes con mielopatía cervical

ABSTRACT: Objective: To analyze the impact of surgery on gait characteristics of individuals with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM) after one month of the procedure. Methods: Observational, cohort type study, with a quantitative analysis approach. Two assessments were performed, the first one week before surgery and the second 30 days after the decompression procedure. The following space-time variables were analyzed: steps per minute, step length, cycle time, speed, steps per minute, support time, swing time, step time. The kinematic variables obtained were analyzed by Gait Profile Score (GPS) and Movement Analysis Profile (MAP). Results: comparing pre and postoperative values, there was a decrease in the number of steps per minute (p=0.006), an increase in support time (p=0.011) and an increase in cycle time (p=0.004). Other variables did not present statistically significant differences. The patients' total GPS average in the pre-surgery assessment was 10.41 and 1 month after the procedure, an average of 10.56 was obtained, which does not characterize a statistical difference between the assessments. When establishing a comparison between the two assessments specifically on each joint movement of the lower limbs using the MAP, it was observed that the obliquity and rotation of the pelvis showed some improvement immediately after the surgical procedure. Knee flexion and extension were significantly (p=0.018) more compromised after the procedure when compared to the value of the same population before surgery. Conclusion: the preliminary analysis of the gait of these patients after one month of intervention did not show immediate benefits of the procedure. Level of Evidence II; Therapeutic studies - Investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Analisar o impacto da cirurgia na marcha de indivíduos portadores de Mielopatia Cervical Espondilótica (MCE) após um mês do procedimento. Métodos: Estudo observacional, longitudinal, com abordagem de análise quantitativa. Foram realizadas duas avaliações, a primeira uma semana antes da cirurgia e a segunda 30 dias após o procedimento. Foram analisadas as variáveis de espaço-tempo: avanços por minuto, comprimento do passo, tempo de ciclo, velocidade, passos por minuto, tempo de apoio, tempo de balanço, tempo do passo. As variáveis cinemáticas obtidas foram analisadas pelo Gait Profile Score (GPS) e Movement Analysis Profile (MAP). Resultados: comparando os valores pré e pós-operatórios, houve diminuição do número de passos por minuto (p=0,006), aumento no tempo de apoio (p=0,011) e aumento no tempo de ciclo (p=0,004), outras variáveis não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas. A média do GPS total dos pacientes na avaliação pré-cirurgia foi de 10,41 e após 1 mês do procedimento obteve-se a pontuação média de 10,56 o que não caracteriza diferença estatística entre as avaliações. Ao estabelecer uma comparação entre as duas avaliações em cada movimento articular dos membros inferiores utilizando o MAP, observa-se que a obliquidade e a rotação da pelve apresentaram alguma melhoria imediatamente após o procedimento cirúrgico. Já a flexão e extensão do joelho mostrou-se significativamente (p=0,018) mais comprometida após o procedimento quando comparada com o valor da mesma população pré cirurgia. Conclusão: a análise preliminar da marcha dos pacientes com MCE após um mês de intervenção não evidenciou benefícios imediatos do procedimento. Nível de Evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN: Objetivo: Analizar el impacto del tratamiento quirúrgico en las características de la marcha de personas con Mielopatía Cervical Espondilótica (MCE) después de un mes del procedimiento. Métodos: Estudio observacional, longitudinal, con enfoque de análisis cuantitativo. Se realizaron dos evaluaciones, la primera una semana antes de la cirugía y la segunda 30 días después del procedimiento de descompresión. Se analizaron las siguientes variables espacio-temporales: pasos por minuto, longitud de paso, tiempo de ciclo, velocidad, pasos por minuto, tiempo de apoyo, tiempo de balanceo, tiempo de paso. Las variables cinemáticas obtenidas fueron analizadas mediante Gait Profile Score (GPS) y Movement Analysis Profile (MAP). Resultados: Al comparar los valores pre y postoperatorios, hubo una disminución en el número de pasos por minuto (p=0,006), un aumento en el tiempo de soporte (p=0,011) y un aumento en el tiempo de ciclo (p=0,004), otras variables no presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. La media del GPS total de los pacientes en la evaluación prequirúrgica fue de 10,41 y 1 mes después del procedimiento se obtuvo una puntuación promedio de 10,56, lo que no caracteriza diferencia estadística entre las evaluaciones. Al establecer una comparación entre las dos evaluaciones específicamente sobre cada movimiento articular de los miembros inferiores mediante el MAP, se observó que la oblicuidad y rotación de la pelvis mostraron cierta mejoría inmediatamente después del procedimiento quirúrgico. La flexión y extensión de la rodilla estuvieron significativamente (p=0,018) más comprometidas después del procedimiento en comparación con el valor de la misma población antes de la cirugía. Conclusión: Los pacientes con MCE presentan deterioro de la marcha en comparación con la población típica, el análisis preliminar de la marcha de estos pacientes después de un mes de intervención no mostró beneficios inmediatos del procedimiento. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados del tratamiento.