Visualization of cerebrospinal fluid flow in syringomyelia through noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging with a time-spatial labeling inversion pulse (Time-SLIP).

CONTEXT: We report a case of syringomyelia assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a time-spatial labeling inversion pulse (Time-SLIP), which is a non-contrast MRI technique that uses the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as an intrinsic tracer, thus removing the need to administer a contrast agent. Time-SLIP permits investigation of flow movement for over 3 seconds without any limitations associated with the cardiac phase, and it is a clinically accessible method for flow analysis. FINDINGS: We investigated an 85-year-old male experiencing progressive gait disturbance, with leg numbness and muscle weakness. Conventional MRI revealed syringomyelia from C7 to T12, with multiple webs of cavities. We then applied the Time-SLIP approach to characterize CSF flow in the syringomyelic cavities. Time-SLIP detected several unique CSF flow patterns that could not be observed by conventional imaging. The basic CSF flow pattern in the subarachnoid space was pulsatile and was harmonious with the heartbeat. Several unique flow patterns, such as bubbles, jumping, and fast flow, were observed within syringomyelic cavities by Time-SLIP imaging. These patterns likely reflect the complex flow paths through the septum and/or webs of cavities. CONCLUSION/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Time-SLIP permits observation of CSF motion over a long period of time and detects patterns of flow velocity and direction. Thus, this novel approach to CSF flow analysis can be used to gain a more extensive understanding of spinal disease pathology and to optimize surgical access in the treatment of spinal lesions. Additionally, Time-SLIP has broad applicability in the field of spinal research.

Posterior buttress plate with locking compression plate for Hoffa fracture.

BACKGROUND: Many difficulties are associated with treating fractures of the posterior condyle of the femur (Hoffa fractures). Anatomical reduction and internal fixation are optimum for such intra-articular fractures. Some surgeons use anteroposterior screws to achieve direct stability. However, screw fixation is not adequate in some cases. To increase stability, we treat Hoffa fractures with a posterior buttress plate; we use a twisted, 1/3 tubular plate at the posterior surface and a supplementary, locking compression plate (LCP) for additional stability. METHODS: Patients who had sustained Hoffa fractures between January 2006 and March 2009 were included in this study. Patients comprised three males and two females with a mean age of 73.6 years at the time of surgery. A 3.5-mm 1/3 tubular plate was twisted and applied to the posterolateral aspect of the distal femur. This was combined with an LCP on the distal femur to achieve a rafting effect. RESULTS: All fractures were healed within 15 weeks. There were no instances of nonunion, infection, or implant removal. The mean range of motion was -3° to 121°. Four patients had no pain in the treated limb and one had mild pain on weight bearing. The average Oxford Knee Score was 44.6 points. All patients achieved satisfactory joint function and regained their walking ability with good clinical results. CONCLUSIONS: Improved stability associated with this technique enables patients to begin range-of-motion training and return to their normal activities sooner; this resulted in good outcome.

Solitary lung metastasis diagnosed 30 years after surgery for thyroid cancer.

A 75-year-old woman with a history of extrapulmonary malignancies (ie, thyroid cancer and colon cancer) underwent a lobectomy for a solitary nodule in the left lung. Pathologic examination showed a lung metastasis from papillary thyroid cancer treated 30 years earlier. Solitary metastasis to the lung from thyroid cancer is unusual, and our case presented the long interval from initial treatment to the identification of metastasis. A careful follow-up is mandatory, and one should keep in mind the delayed metastasis in the patient with differentiated thyroid cancer.