Psychometric properties of the 30-m walking test in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy: results from two prospective multicenter cohort studies.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The timed 30-m walking test (30MWT) is used in clinical practice and in research to objectively quantify gait impairment. The psychometric properties of 30MWT have not yet been rigorously evaluated. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine test-retest reliability, divergent and convergent validity, and responsiveness to change of the 30MWT in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A retrospective observational study was carried out. PATIENT SAMPLE: The sample consisted of patients with symptomatic DCM enrolled in the AOSpine North America or AOSpine International cervical spondylotic myelopathy studies at 26 sites. OUTCOME MEASURES: Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale (mJOA), Nurick scale, 30MWT, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Short-Form-36 (SF-36v2) physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS) were the outcome measures. METHODS: Data from two prospective multicenter cohort myelopathy studies were merged. Each patient was evaluated at baseline and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Of 757 total patients, 682 (90.09%) attempted to perform the 30MWT at baseline. Of these 682 patients, 602 (88.12%) performed the 30MWT at baseline. One patient was excluded, leaving601 in the analysis. At baseline, 81 of 682 (11.88%) patients were unable to perform the test, and their mJOA, NDI, and SF-36v2 PCS scores were lower compared with those who performed the test at baseline. In patients who performed the 30MWT at baseline, there was very high correlation among the three baseline 30MWT measurements (r=0.9569-0.9919). The 30MWT demonstrated good convergent and divergent validity. It was moderately correlated with the Nurick (r=0.4932), mJOA (r=-0.4424), and SF-36v2 PCS (r=-0.3537) (convergent validity) and poorly correlated with the NDI (r=0.2107) and SF-36v2 MCS (r=-0.1984) (divergent validity). Overall, the 30MWT was not responsive to change (standardized response mean [SRM]=0.30). However, for patients who had a baseline time above the median value of 29 seconds, the SRM was 0.45. CONCLUSIONS: The 30MWT shows high test-retest reliability and good divergent and convergent validity. It is responsive to change only in patients with more severe myelopathy. The 30MWT is a simple, quick, and affordable test, and should be used as an ancillary test to evaluate gait parameters in patients with DCM.

Heterotopic ossification following single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: results from the prospective, multicenter, historically controlled trial comparing allograft to an optimized dose of rhBMP-2.

OBJECTIVE Heterotopic ossification (HO) has been reported following total hip, knee, cervical, and lumbar arthroplasty, as well as following posterolateral lumbar fusion using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). Data regarding HO following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with rhBMP-2 are sparse. A subanalysis was done of the prospective, multicenter, investigational device exemption trial that compared rhBMP-2 on an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) versus allograft in ACDF for patients with symptomatic single-level cervical degenerative disc disease. METHODS To assess differences in types of HO observed in the treatment groups and effects of HO on functional and efficacy outcomes, clinical outcomes from previous disc replacement studies were compared between patients who received rhBMP-2/ACS versus allograft. Rate, location, grade, and size of ossifications were assessed preoperatively and at 24 months, and correlated with clinical outcomes. RESULTS Heterotopic ossification was primarily anterior in both groups. Preoperatively in both groups, and including osteophytes in the target regions, HO rates were high at 40.9% and 36.9% for the rhBMP-2/ACS and allograft groups, respectively (p = 0.350). At 24 months, the rate of HO in the rhBMP-2/ACS group was higher than in the allograft group (78.6% vs 59.2%, respectively; p < 0.001). At 24 months, the rate of superior-anterior adjacent-level Park Grade 3 HO was 4.2% in both groups, whereas the rate of Park Grade 2 HO was 19.0% in the rhBMP-2/ACS group compared with 9.8% in the allograft group. At 24 months, the rate of inferior-anterior adjacent-level Park Grade 2/3 HO was 11.9% in the rhBMP-2/ACS group compared with 5.9% in the allograft group. At 24 months, HO rates at the target implant level were similar (p = 0.963). At 24 months, the mean length and anteroposterior diameter of HO were significantly greater in the rhBMP-2/ACS group compared with the allograft group (p = 0.033 and 0.012, respectively). Regarding clinical correlation, at 24 months in both groups, Park Grade 3 HO at superior adjacent-level disc spaces significantly reduced range of motion, more so in the rhBMP-2/ACS group. At 24 months, HO negatively affected Neck Disability Index scores (excluding neck/arm pain scores), neurological status, and overall success in patients in the rhBMP-2/ACS group, but not in patients in the allograft group. CONCLUSIONS Implantation of rhBMP-2/ACS at 1.5 mg/ml with polyetheretherketone spacer and titanium plate is effective in inducing fusion and improving pain and function in patients undergoing ACDF for symptomatic single-level cervical degenerative disc disease. At 24 months, the rate and dimensions (length and anteroposterior diameter) of HO were higher in the rhBMP-2/ACS group. At 24 months, range of motion was reduced, with Park Grade 3 HO in both treatment groups. The impact of Park Grades 2 and 3 HO on Neck Disability Index success, neurological status, and overall success was not consistent among the treatment groups. The study data may offer a deeper understanding of HO after ACDF and may pave the way for improved device designs. Clinical trial registration no.: IDE# G060021; data compared with pooled data from control arms of IDE# G010188/NCT00642876 and IDE# G000123/NCT00437190 ( www.clinicaltrials.gov ).

Optimal Timing of Surgical Decompression for Acute Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic central cord syndrome (TCCS) is an incomplete spinal cord injury defined by greater weakness in upper versus lower extremities, variable sensory loss, and variable bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction. The optimal timing of surgery for TCCS remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether timing of surgery for TCCS predicts neurological outcomes, length of stay, and complications. METHODS: Five databases were searched through March 2015. Articles were appraised independently by 2 reviewers, and the evidence synthesized according to Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation principles. RESULTS: Nine studies (3 prognostic, 5 therapeutic, 1 both) satisfied inclusion criteria. Low level evidence suggests that patients operated on <24 hours after injury exhibit significantly greater improvements in postoperative American Spinal Injury Association motor scores and the functional independence measure at 1 year than those operated on >24 hours after injury. Moderate evidence suggests that patients operated on <2 weeks after injury have a higher postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association score and recovery rate than those operated on >2 weeks after injury. There is insufficient evidence that lengths of hospital or intensive care unit stay differ between patients who undergo early versus delayed surgery. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence that timing between injury and surgery predicts mortality rates or serious or minor adverse events. CONCLUSION: Surgery for TCCS <24 hours after injury appears safe and effective. Although there is insufficient evidence to provide a clear recommendation for early surgery (<24 hours), it is preferable to operate during the first hospital admission and <2 weeks after injury.

Grade 1 spondylolisthesis and interspinous device placement: removal in six patients and analysis of current data.

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of patients with Grade 1 spondylolisthesis, the use of interspinous devices has been controversial for nearly a decade. Several authors have suggested that Grade 1 spondylolisthesis be considered a contraindication for interspinous device placement. METHODS: We removed interspinous devices in six symptomatic Grade 1 spondylolisthesis patients and analyzed pertinent literature. RESULTS: All six patients reported an improvement in symptoms following device removal and subsequent instrumented fusion. One patient who had not been able to walk due to pain regained the ability to walk. Several articles were identified related to spondylolisthesis and interspinous devices. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding patients receiving interspinous devices for symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis, several high-quality studies have failed to demonstrate a statistical difference in outcomes between patients with or without Grade 1 spondylolisthesis. Nevertheless, surgeons should have a high degree of suspicion when considering use of interspinous devices in this patient population.

Thoracic spinal metastasis of merkel cell carcinoma in an immunocompromised patient: case report.

Study Design Case report. Objective Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an uncommon cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy, is a rare cause of spinal metastasis, with only five cases previously reported. We report a rare case of MCC metastatic to the spine in an immunocompromised patient. Methods A 55-year-old male with previously resected MCC, immunocompromised due to cardiac transplant, presented with sharp mid-thoracic back pain radiating around the trunk to the midline. Computed tomography of the thoracic spine showed a dorsal epidural mass from T6 to T8 with compression of the spinal cord. Laminectomy and subtotal tumor resection were performed, and pathology confirmed Merkel cell tumor through immunohistochemistry staining positive for cytokeratin 20 and negative for thyroid transcription factor-1. Results Further treatment with radiation therapy was initiated, and the patient did well for 4 months after surgery, but returned with a lesion in the cervical spine. He then opted for hospice care. Conclusions With an increasing number of immunocompromised patients presenting with back pain, MCC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal metastatic disease.

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery: a review.

Study Design Review. Objective Postoperative oropharyngeal dysphagia is one of the most common complications following anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). We review and summarize recent literature in order to provide a general overview of clinical signs and symptoms, assessment, incidence and natural history, pathophysiology, risk factors, treatment, prevention, and topics for future research. Methods A search of English literature regarding dysphagia following anterior cervical spine surgery was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. The search was focused on articles published since the last review on this topic was published in 2005. Results Patients who develop dysphagia after ACSS show significant alterations in swallowing biomechanics. Patient history, physical examination, X-ray, direct or indirect laryngoscopy, and videoradiographic swallow evaluation are considered the primary modalities for evaluating oropharyngeal dysphagia. There is no universally accepted objective instrument for assessing dysphagia after ACSS, but the most widely used instrument is the Bazaz Dysphagia Score. Because dysphagia is a subjective sensation, patient-reported instruments appear to be more clinically relevant and more effective in identifying dysfunction. The causes of oropharyngeal dysphagia after ACSS are multifactorial, involving neuronal, muscular, and mucosal structures. The condition is usually transient, most often beginning in the immediate postoperative period but sometimes beginning more than 1 month after surgery. The incidence of dysphagia within one week after ACSS varies from 1 to 79% in the literature. This wide variance can be attributed to variations in surgical techniques, extent of surgery, and size of the implant used, as well as variations in definitions and measurements of dysphagia, time intervals of postoperative evaluations, and relatively small sample sizes used in published studies. The factors most commonly associated with an increased risk of oropharyngeal dysphagia after ACSS are: more levels operated, female gender, increased operative time, and older age (usually >60 years). Dysphagic patients can learn compensatory strategies for the safe and effective passage of bolus material. Certain intraoperative and postoperative techniques may decrease the incidence and/or severity of oropharyngeal dysphagia after ACSS. Conclusions Large, prospective, randomized studies are required to confirm the incidence, prevalence, etiology, mechanisms, long-term natural history, and risk factors for the development of dysphagia after ACSS, as well as to identify prevention measures. Also needed is a universal outcome measurement that is specific, reliable and valid, would include global, functional, psychosocial, and physical domains, and would facilitate comparisons among studies. Results of these studies can lead to improvements in surgical techniques and/or perioperative management, and may reduce the incidence of dysphagia after ACSS.

The lateral transpsoas approach to the lumbar and thoracic spine: A review.

BACKGROUND: In the last several years, the lateral transpsoas approach to the thoracic and lumbar spine, also known as extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) or direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF), has become an increasingly common method to achieve fusion. Several recent large series describe several advantages to this approach, including less tissue dissection, smaller incisions, decreased operative time, blood loss, shorter hospital stay, reduced postoperative pain, enhanced fusion rates, and the ability to place instrumentation through the same incision. Indications for this approach have expanded and now include degenerative disease, tumor, deformity, and infection. METHODS: A lateral X-ray confirms that the patient is in a truly lateral position. Next, a series of tubes and dilators are used, along with fluoroscopy, to identify the mid-position of the disk to be incised. After continued dilation, the optimal site to enter the disk space is the midpoint of the disk, or a position slightly anterior to the midpoint of the disk. XLIF typically allows for a larger implant to be inserted compared to TLIF or PLIF, and, if necessary, instrumentation can be inserted percutaneously, which would allow for an overall minimally invasive procedure. RESULTS: Fixation techniques appear to be equal between XLIF and more traditional approaches. Some caution should be exercised because common fusion levels of the lumbar spine, including L4-5 and L4-S1, are often inaccessible. In addition, XLIF has a unique set of complications, including neural injuries, psoas weakness, and thigh numbness. CONCLUSION: Additional studies are required to further evaluate and monitor the short and long-term safety, efficacy, outcomes, and complications of XLIF procedures.

Effect of sitting vs. standing on perception of provider time at bedside: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Patients commonly perceive that a provider has spent more time at their bedside when the provider sits rather than stands. This study provides empirical evidence for this perception. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled study with 120 adult post-operative inpatients admitted for elective spine surgery. The actual lengths of the interactions were compared to patients' estimations of the time of those interactions. RESULTS: Patients perceived the provider as present at their bedside longer when he sat, even though the actual time the physician spent at the bedside did not change significantly whether he sat or stood. Patients with whom the physician sat reported a more positive interaction and a better understanding of their condition. CONCLUSION: Simply sitting instead of standing at a patient's bedside can have a significant impact on patient satisfaction, patient compliance, and provider-patient rapport, all of which are known factors in decreased litigation, decreased lengths of stay, decreased costs, and improved clinical outcomes. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Any healthcare provider may have a positive effect on doctor-patient interaction by sitting as opposed to standing during a hospital follow-up visit.

Nontraumatic spontaneous acute subdural hematoma in identical teenage twins 1 year apart.

OBJECTIVES: Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a life-threatening injury with a high mortality rate. Most ASDH cases are a result of trauma; nontraumatic causes are relatively rare with an incidence rate of 3% to 5%. We report an unusual series of 2 patients, identical twins, who had nontraumatic subdural hematomas 1 year apart, one at age 15 and the other at age 16. METHODS (CASE PRESENTATIONS): Identical twin brothers presented 1 year and 10 days apart to an academic medical center after incurring confusion, decreased mental functioning, and a subsequent comatose state. The injuries occurred while the patients were playing football, but there was no evidence of traumatic blow to the head in either brother. RESULTS: Both patients had computed tomographic scans and both underwent emergency surgery for hematoma evacuation. Both patients recovered full neurological function and remained healthy 12 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Acute spontaneous subdural hematoma is an emergent medical condition that may result in rapid neurological decline and must be addressed in a timely fashion. After evacuation of the hematoma, intracranial pressure decreases and cerebral perfusion pressure increases, which may allow normal perfusion of the brain. Consequently, prompt recognition and evacuation of an ASDH can drastically improve prognosis. Rarely, subdural hematoma can occur without head injury and should be in the differential diagnosis of athletes who rapidly become comatose.

Surgical management of multiple thoracic disc herniations via a transfacet approach: a report of 15 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Symptomatic thoracic disc herniations (TDHs) are rare, and multiple TDHs account for an even smaller percentage of symptomatic herniated discs. Most TDHs are found in the lower thoracic spine, with more than 75% occurring below T-8. The authors report a series of 15 patients with multiple symptomatic TDHs treated with a modified transfacet approach. METHODS: Fifteen patients (9 women and 6 men) with a total of 32 symptomatic TDHs were treated surgically at the authors' institution between 1994 and 2010. The average patient age was 51.1 years. Thirteen patients had 2-level herniation and 2 patients had 3-level disease. The most commonly involved level was T7-8 (10 herniations), followed by T6-7 and T8-9 (6 herniations each). All patients had long-standing myelopathic and/or radicular complaints at the time of presentation. Each disc that exhibited radiographically confirmed compression of the spinal cord or nerve root was considered for resection. Only patients with lateral disc herniations were considered for the modified transfacet approach; patients with a centrally herniated disc underwent ventral or ventral-lateral procedures. The average follow-up time was 30 months. RESULTS: All patients had successful resection of their herniated discs. All patients with preoperative weakness demonstrated improved strength, and 11 of 12 patients with preoperative pain showed improvement in pain. Sensory loss was less consistently improved. The 2 patients who underwent posterior fixation and fusion achieved radiographically confirmed fusion by the 1-year follow-up. Nine of 10 patients who were working returned to their jobs. Eleven of 12 patients with preoperative back or radicular pain had drastic or complete pain resolution; 1 patient had no change in pain. All 7 patients with preoperative ambulatory difficulty had postoperative gait improvement. Complications were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple symptomatic herniated thoracic discs are rare causes of pain and disability, but should be treated surgically because good outcomes can be achieved with acceptably low morbidity.

Factors affecting hospital length of stay following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. BACKGROUND: Several studies focus on the long-term results of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgeries, but little information exists regarding how various patient-related, procedure-related, and payer-related variables may affect postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS). OBJECTIVE: To determine what factors, if any, contribute to increased hospital LOS in patients who have had an ACDF. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 108 consecutive patients who underwent elective ACDF at a Midwest academic medical center. Extensive preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were abstracted and analyzed to identify prognostic factors for an increased LOS. Multivariate analysis was performed to analyze the effects of patient and hospital characteristics on hospital LOS. RESULTS: 103 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean LOS for patients undergoing ACDF was 1.98 (±1.6) days. Only 29% of patients had one level fused. The mean blood loss during surgery was 87.4 ± 99.6 mL. One subject lost 700 mL of blood. Complications, though rare, included uncontrolled postoperative pain (13%), cardiac (6%), pulmonary (4%), and urinary (3%). Covariates included in the final model were age, sex, cardiac complication, urinary complication, and pulmonary complication. Factors that contributed to increased LOS and their associated adjusted mean days were: ≥50 years of age (2.5 ± 1.2 days), female gender (2.3 ± 1.2 days), and three particular types of complications. The complications that had the largest effect on increased LOS from least to most severe were cardiac (3.5 ± 1.3 days), urinary (4.7 ± 1.3 days), and pulmonary (5.3 ± 1.3 days). CONCLUSIONS: The information presented in this study may be useful for patients, clinicians, and insurance companies, including precertification and case-management services. Our results can be instrumental in designing future prospective studies using more detailed analyses with more patients, more surgeons, and multiple institutions. [Table: see text].

Surgical treatment of multiple spine metastases from gastrinoma.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. CLINICAL QUESTION: To report successful surgical therapy for spinal cord compression in a patient with spinal metastases from a pancreatic gastrinoma. METHODS: A 43-year-old man presented three times within 4 years with cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord compression because of metastatic gastrinoma. He had two previous spine metastases to the lower thoracic and lumbar spine, a T11 compressive lesion which required a T9L1 fusion, and an L4 lesion that was treated with chemotherapy and stereotactic radiation. The compression was relieved each time by surgery. RESULTS: The patient underwent three surgeries in 4 years: (1) debulking and removal of the rib head on the left at T3, and debulking of the tumor at T3 with hemilaminectomy and spinal cord decompression with internal fixation from T1-T5 using posterolateral instrumented fusion and allograft; (2) anterior C7 corpectomy with placement of a cage from C7-T1 with both anterior and posterior fusion of C2C7; and (3) T1-T3 laminectomy, T1-T3 exploration of wound, revision of hardware, T1-T3 removal of spinal tumor, and T3 bilateral transpedicular circumferential decompression. The patient is alive and regained the ability to walk 8 years after initial diagnosis, despite the appearance of spinal metastases 1 year after the diagnosis of liver metastases. CONCLUSION: Surgery for spinal cord compression in patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors can be effective in relieving radicular pain, weakness and numbness, and while not curative can greatly improve quality of life.

Surgical treatment of patients with cervical myeloradiculopathy and coexistent multiple sclerosis: report of 15 patients with long-term follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN: A case series of 15 patients. OBJECTIVE: To report a series of patients with coexisting multiple sclerosis (MS) and progressive myeloradiculopathy who were successfully treated with surgical decompression, fusion, and fixation. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: MS and cervical myeloradiculopathy share clinical signs, including gait dysfunction, motor weakness, and hyperreflexia. Distinguishing between these 2 entities may be difficult, and in rare cases they may coexist. Controversy exists regarding the use of surgery in patients with MS as a treatment for degenerative cervical spondylotic disease. METHODS: This case series was composed of 15 patients (10 female, 5 male, average age 50.1 y) with a confirmed diagnosis of MS, who presented with worsening cervical myeloradiculopathy. Outcome measures included neurologic assessment, subjective reports of pain and paraesthesias, and radiographic fusion rates. The patients had neurologic findings consistent with both diseases, and some had radicular findings associated with degenerative disk disease. All patients had magnetic resonance evidence of cervical spinal cord or nerve root compression from an abnormal disk/osteophyte complex, hypertrophied ligament, or both. The average follow-up was 47 months. RESULTS: Thirteen patients showed objective improvement in neurologic function, including increased lower and upper extremity strength. Two patients' symptoms stabilized. Thirteen of 15 patients also had improvement in neck and/or upper extremity pain or paresthesias; 2 patients had continuing upper and lower extremity paresthesias. The patient with bladder incontinence had no improvement of this problem. All patients went on to radiographic fusion. There were no surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with coexistent MS and cervical myeloradiculopathy may present a diagnostic challenge, and it may be difficult to ascertain the exact disease pathophysiology. However, patients with MS and degenerative cervical spondylotic disease can benefit from surgical decompression. Surgery is an efficacious, low-risk procedure, and should be offered to appropriately selected patients who harbor both the diseases.

Metastatic adrenal pheochromocytoma to the thoracic spine / Feocromocitoma adrenal metastático para a coluna torácica / Feocromocitoma adrenal metastásico para la columna torácica

To report on a case of pheochromocytoma metastases to the spine occurring more than 20 years after initial diagnosis. A 34-year-old female with a history of metastatic pheochromocytoma diagnosed at age 12 presented with weakness, heart palpitations, and circumferential back pain of five months duration. The patient had undergone multiple laparatomies for abdominal and hepatic metastases. Work-up revealed a destructive lesion at T9. After two weeks of preoperative phenoxybenzamine to control her hypertension, she underwent decompression, posterior fixation and fusion. Surgical intervention was followed by radiation therapy, zoledronic acid, and only one cycle of chemotherapy due to intolerance of side effects. The patient survived 25 years after original diagnosis, which far exceeds the average survival of less than 15 years. The patient died 26 months postoperatively due to progression of disease. Pheochromocytoma with spine metastases occurring more than 20 years after diagnosis is very uncommon, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient with a history of pheochromocytoma.

Relato de caso de feocromocitoma adrenal com metástase para a coluna que ocorreu há mais de 20 anos após o diagnóstico inicial. Mulher de 34 anos com história de feocromocitoma metastático diagnosticado na idade de 12 anos, apresentando fraqueza, palpitações do coração e dor nas costas circunferencial há cinco meses. A paciente tinha realizado laparotomia para metástases abdominal e hepática. Durante o procedimento revelou uma lesão destrutiva em T9. Após duas semanas de fenoxibenzamina pré-operatórios para controlar sua hipertensão, submeteu-se a descompressão, fixação e posterior fusão. A intervenção cirúrgica foi seguida por terapia de radiação, ácido zoledrônico e apenas um ciclo de quimioterapia, devido à intolerância e aos efeitos colaterais. A paciente sobreviveu 25 anos após o diagnóstico original, o que excede em muito a sobrevida média de menos de 15 anos. A paciente morreu 26 meses após o pós-operatório, devido à progressão da doença. Feocromocitoma com metástases para coluna ocorrida há mais de 20 anos após o diagnóstico é muito raro, devendo ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial de um paciente com uma história de feocromocitoma.

Relato de un caso de feocromocitoma adrenal con metástasis para la columna que ocurrió con más de 20 años de diagnóstico inicial. Mujer de 34 años con historia de feocromocitoma metastásico diagnosticado en la edad de 12 años, con presencia de debilidad, palpitaciones del corazón y dolor en la espalda circunferencial, con evolución de cinco meses. A la paciente se le había realizado diversas laparotomías por causa de metástasis abdominales y hepáticas. Durante la inspección, se mostró una lesión destructiva en T9. Después de dos semanas de fenoxibenzamina preoperatoria para controlar la hipertensión, se sometió a descompresión, fijación y posterior fusión. La intervención quirúrgica fue seguida por radioterapia, ácido zoledrónico, y sólo un ciclo de quimioterapia, debido a la intolerancia y a los efectos colaterales.La paciente sobrevivió 25 años después del diagnóstico original, lo que excedió en mucho la sobrevida mediana de menos de 15 años. La paciente murió 26 meses después del postoperatorio debido a la progresión de la enfermedad. El hecho de la metástasis para columna haber ocurrido después de 20 años del diagnóstico es bastante raro y se debe considerar en el diagnóstico diferencial de un paciente con una historia de feocromocitoma.

Metastatic synovial sarcoma with cervical spinal cord compression treated with posterior ventral resection: case report.

CONTEXT: Synovial sarcomas, which represent 5% to 10% of all adult soft-tissue sarcomas, usually metastasize to the lungs. Metastasis to the spine is rare. Spinal cord compression due to spinal metastasis occurs in approximately 3% of patients with extraspinal soft-tissue sarcomas. METHOD: Case report. FINDINGS: A 26-year-old woman presented with neck pain, arm weakness, and a history of metastatic synovial sarcoma originating at the right knee. Computed tomography revealed destruction of the odontoid and C2 body. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed tumor in the posterior elements of C2 and in the ventral epidural space from C2-C5. She was treated with C2-C3 laminectomy, posterior C2 corpectomy with occipital-C7 fixation, and fusion. Postoperatively, her neck pain resolved and left upper extremity strength returned to normal. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Metastatic spinal cord compression from synovial sarcoma is rare. Surgical resection can lead to neurologic improvement.

Surgical management of carcinoid tumors metastatic to the spine: Report of three cases.

BACKGROUND: Carcinoid tumors are rare, slow-growing neuroendocrine tumors that most frequently arise from the gastrointestinal tract or the lungs. Common sites of carcinoid metastases include lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and bone, with rare metastasis to the spine. We report three patients who presented with spinal cord compression secondary to carcinoid metastases to the spine. METHODS: Three patients presented with symptoms characteristic of spinal cord compression, including neck pain, radiculopathy, thoracic pain, weakness and numbness. All three patients underwent radiographic work-up and surgical treatment. RESULTS: One patient continued to have decreased strength in her right upper extremity, but was able to participate in physical therapy; another patient's numbness eventually resolved after completion of physical therapy; and the third patient's pain dramatically improved after surgery. One patient died more than two years post-surgery due to widespread metastasis; the other two remain alive more than two years post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Carcinoid tumor metastases rarely cause spinal cord compression, but should be considered when patients present with neurological symptoms consistent with cord compression. Work-up should include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) of the spine, and perhaps CT-guided biopsy. Surgery is indicated for symptomatic spinal cord compression in patients with carcinoid tumors.

Thoracic myelopathy secondary to intradural extramedullary bronchogenic cyst.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: To report a case of thoracic myelopathy secondary to intradural extramedullary bronchogenic cyst. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS/FINDINGS: A 20-year-old man presented to the emergency department with increasing back pain and lower-extremity weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a cystic lesion at the T4 level with mass effect on the spinal cord. RESULTS: The lesion was resected, and histopathologic evaluation showed a cyst lined by respiratory-type epithelium consistent with a bronchogenic cyst. CONCLUSIONS: Intradural extramedullary bronchogenic cysts of the thoracic spine have been reported previously but are extremely rare. The treatment of choice is surgical resection.

Esthesioneuroblastoma metastatic to the thoracic intradural and extradural space.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Ethesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare tumor of the olfactory epithelium that has been shown to metastasize mostly to the cervical lymphatics, with only infrequent spread to other locations. We report a rare case of ENB characterized by recurrence and distant metastasis to the T7-T8 intradural and extradural space. PURPOSE: To report a rare case of recurrent ENB metastatic to the thoracic intradural and extradural space. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Case report with a review of the literature. METHODS: A 64-year-old man with recurrent ENB presented with chronic pain in the neck, shoulder, and back. His neurologic exam was normal. Computed tomography of the chest showed no pulmonary metastasis and a high-attenuation spinal canal mass at T8 was noted on magnetic resonance imaging. A laminectomy at T7-T8 was performed for resection of a large epidural mass. A tumor was seen penetrating through the dura, and a midline durotomy was performed for resection of a large intradural mass. Frozen section and permanent stains were consistent with metastatic ENB. RESULTS: The postoperative period was uneventful, and included pain management and physical therapy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. The patient remains free of spinal recurrence 2 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Metastasis of ENB to the spinal column is rare, and of those instances, 80% are localized to the cauda equina. Recurrent ENB metastatic to the thoracic intradural and extradural space is extremely rare, and was successfully treated with surgical resection.

Spontaneous cranial osteomyelitis in an otherwise healthy ten-year-old male.

Frontal bone osteomyelitis is a relatively rare entity, particularly in the otherwise healthy pediatric population. Most cases trace their origins to either previous frontal sinusitis or trauma. In children, three origins for cranial osteomyelitis appear to dominate: Pott's puffy tumor, skull base osteomyelitis secondary to ear infection, or post-surgical complications. However, on extremely rare occasions, risk factors or etiology may not be ascertained. We present a case of spontaneous frontal bone osteomyelitis in a ten-year-old African-American male with no previous history of cranial surgeries, frontal sinusitis, or major trauma.