COVID-19 associated transverse myelitis: case report.

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.

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.

CUSTOMIZED BIOMODEL OF THE CERVICAL SPINE FOR LABORATORY LAMINOPLASTY TRAINING / BIOMODELO PERSONALIZADO DA COLUNA CERVICAL PARA TREINAMENTO DE LAMINOPLASTIA EM LABORATÓRIO

Background: Additive manufacturing has been developed as a promising innovation for many areas, including medicine. There are many ways to use it in spine surgeries and the use of biomodels in the laboratory to study and training of cervical laminoplasty has not yet been reported in the literature. Objective: To evaluate the use of a biomodel of the cervical spine for surgical training of laminoplasty. Method: This is an experimental study. Were printed 10 identical biomodels of the cervical spine based on CT and MRI scans of a patient diagnosed with spondylotic cervical myelopathy. The additive manufacturing method used was fused deposition modeling and the raw material chosen was polyatic acid. The sample was divided into 2 groups: control (n = 5; the biomodels were submitted to CT scanning) and open-door (n = 5; the biomodels were submitted to open-door laminoplasty and postoperative CT). The area and anteroposterior diameter of the vertebral canal were measured on CT scans. Result: The time for printing each piece was 12 h. During the surgical procedure, the support of the biomodels was sufficient to keep them static. The use of drill was feasible; however, continuous irrigation was mandatory to prevents the heating of the plastic material. The raw material used allowed the CT study of the biomodels. It was observed an increase the dimensions of the vertebral canal in 24,80% (0.62 cm2) in the area and 24,88% (3.12 mm) in the anteroposterior diameter. Conclusion: The cervical spine biomodels can be used for laminoplasty training, even using thermosensitive material such as PLA. The use of continuous irrigation is essential during the use of the drill.

Introdução: A manufatura aditiva tem se desenvolvido como inovação promissora para muitas áreas, incluindo a medicina. Existem muitas maneiras de utilizá-la em operações de coluna, e o uso de biomodelos em laboratório para estudo e treinamento de laminoplastia cervical ainda não foi relatado na literatura. Objetivo: Avaliar a utilização de um biomodelo da coluna cervical para treinamento cirúrgico de laminoplastia. Método: Trata-se de estudo experimental. Foram impressos 10 biomodelos idênticos da coluna cervical baseados em exames de tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética de um paciente com diagnóstico de mielopatia cervical espondilótica. O método de manufatura aditiva utilizado foi a modelagem por deposição fundida e a matéria-prima escolhida foi o ácido poliático. A amostra foi distribuída em 2 grupos: controle (n = 5; os biomodelos foram submetidos à tomografia computadorizada) e open-door (n = 5; os biomodelos foram submetidos à laminoplastia open-door e tomografia pós-operatória). A área e o diâmetro anteroposterior do canal vertebral foram medidos na tomografia. Resultado: O tempo de impressão de cada peça foi de 12 h. Durante o procedimento, o suporte utilizado para fixar o biomodelo foi suficiente para mantê-los estáticos. O uso de broca mostrou-se viável; porém, a irrigação contínua foi mandatória para evitar o aquecimento do material plástico. A matéria-prima utilizada permitiu o estudo tomográfico dos biomodelos. Observou-se aumento das dimensões do canal vertebral em 24,80% (0,62 cm2) na área e 24,88% (3,12 mm) no diâmetro anteroposterior. Conclusão: Os biomodelos da coluna cervical podem ser utilizados para o treinamento de laminoplastias, mesmo utilizando material termossensível. O uso de irrigação contínua é essencial durante o uso da broca.

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.

Neurosarcoidosis: inicio con compromiso de múltiples sitios neurológicos / Neurosarcoidosis: Onset with involvement of multiple neurological sites

Resumen Presentamos el caso de una mujer joven sana, que consultó por parálisis facial periférica izquierda asociada a fiebre, tos seca, disnea y astenia de dos semanas de evolución. Al examen físico se evidenció hipoestesia en dermatomas D6 a D12 izquierdos y galactorrea bi lateral. En el laboratorio presentaba serologías virales negativas, eritrosedimentación, títulos de anticuerpos antinucleares, prolactina y hormona tiroestimulante elevados, con anticuerpos antiperoxidasa positivos. La tomografía computarizada mostró múltiples adenopatías cervicales, mediastinales e hiliares bilaterales, sin com promiso del parénquima pulmonar. El cultivo de líquido cefalorraquídeo fue negativo para gérmenes comunes, micobacterias (Xpert MTB/RIF), y la citología no mostró atipia. Se realizó una resonancia magnética con con traste endovenoso de cerebro sin hallazgos patológicos y de columna con alteración de la señal centromedular de D6 a D9 de casi la totalidad del espesor del cordón, con refuerzo con contraste endovenoso. Durante la in ternación recuperó la sensibilidad en tronco izquierdo y no repitió episodios febriles o tusígenos. Se realizó mediastinoscopía con biopsia ganglionar con anatomía patológica con presencia de numerosos granulomas no caseificantes compatibles con sarcoidosis. Se clasificó como neurosarcoidosis probable e inició tratamiento con corticoides con mejoría de los síntomas neurológi cos restantes, realizándose una resonancia magnética a los tres meses, donde la alteración de la señal se limitaba desde D7 a D8. Nuestro objetivo es destacar la presentación neurológica en múltiples sitios que obligó a descartar otras entidades más frecuentes, así como la evolución favorable incluso previo al inicio de un esquema de tratamiento de primera línea.

Abstract We present the case of a healthy young woman who consulted for left peripheral facial palsy associated with fever, dry cough, dyspnea, and asthenia of two weeks' evolution. Physical examination revealed hypoesthesia in left T6 to T12 dermatomes and bilateral galactorrhea. In the laboratory, she presented negative viral serology, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, antinuclear an tibody titers, prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone, with positive antiperoxidase antibodies. Computed to mography showed multiple bilateral cervical, mediastinal, and hilar adenopathies, without involvement of lung parenchyma. Cerebrospinal fluid culture was negative for common germs, mycobacteria, and Xpert MTB/RIF, and cytology did not show atypia. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance was performed on the brain without pathological findings and on the spine with alteration of the centromedullary signal from T6 to T9 of almost the entire thickness of the cord, with posterior enhancement with gadolinium. During hospitalization, she recovered sensitivity in the left trunk and did not repeat febrile or cough episodes. She was referred to another center for mediastinoscopy with lymph node biopsy revealing the presence of numerous non-caseating granulomas compatible with sarcoidosis. It was classified as probable neurosarcoidosis and started treatment with corticoste roids with improvement of the remaining neurological symptoms. A magnetic resonance was performed three months later where the signal alteration was limited from T7 to T8. Our objective is to highlight the florid neu rological presentation that made it necessary to rule out other more frequent entities and the favorable evolution even before starting a first-line scheme of treatment.

Mielopatía cervical por déficit de cobre secundario a sobrecarga de zinc dental. A propósito de un caso / Cervical myelopathy due to copper deficiency secondary to dental zinc overload: A case report

Se presenta el caso de un varón de 68años con un cuadro progresivo de hipoestesia braquial y crural con ataxia de la marcha, sugiriendo una mielopatía subaguda de cordones posteriores, demostrada en RM. Tras analítica sanguínea se diagnostica de déficit de cobre tras intoxicación por zinc, secundario al uso de un pegamento para dentaduras postizas que contenía zinc. Se inició tratamiento con cobre, retirándose el pegamento dental. Se inició tratamiento rehabilitador con fisioterapia, hidroterapia y terapia ocupacional. Se consiguió una mejoría funcional, pasando de una lesión medular ASIAD nivel C4 a otra ASIAD nivel C7. Deberían estudiarse los niveles de cobre en todas aquellas mielopatías no compresivas, de aparición subaguda, si existe una clara afectación de los cordones posteriores. El déficit de cobre en análisis establecería el diagnóstico. El tratamiento rehabilitador, el aporte de cobre suplementario y la retirada del zinc es fundamental para la prevención de daño neurológico irreversible.(AU)

We present the case of a 68-year-old man with progressive brachial and crural hypoaesthesia with gait ataxia suggesting subacute myelopathy of the posterior cords, demonstrated by MRI. After blood tests, a diagnosis of copper deficiency was made following zinc intoxication, secondary to the use of denture glue containing zinc. Treatment was started with copper and the dental glue was removed. Rehabilitation treatment was started with physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and occupational therapy. Functional improvement was achieved, going from an ASIAD level C4 to an ASIAD level C7 spinal cord injury. Copper levels should be studied in all non-compressive myelopathies of subacute onset if there is clear involvement of the posterior cords. Copper deficiency in analysis would establish the diagnosis. Rehabilitative treatment, supplementary copper supplementation and zinc withdrawal are essential to prevent irreversible neurological damage.(AU)

[Cervical myelopathy due to copper deficiency secondary to dental zinc overload: A case report]. / Mielopatía cervical por déficit de cobre secundario a sobrecarga de zinc dental. A propósito de un caso.

We present the case of a 68-year-old man with progressive brachial and crural hypoaesthesia with gait ataxia suggesting subacute myelopathy of the posterior cords, demonstrated by MRI. After blood tests, a diagnosis of copper deficiency was made following zinc intoxication, secondary to the use of denture glue containing zinc. Treatment was started with copper and the dental glue was removed. Rehabilitation treatment was started with physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and occupational therapy. Functional improvement was achieved, going from an ASIAD level C4 to an ASIAD level C7 spinal cord injury. Copper levels should be studied in all non-compressive myelopathies of subacute onset if there is clear involvement of the posterior cords. Copper deficiency in analysis would establish the diagnosis. Rehabilitative treatment, supplementary copper supplementation and zinc withdrawal are essential to prevent irreversible neurological damage.

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.

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.

Paraplejia funcional que imita una mielopatía aguda durante el embarazo: reporte de un caso

Introducción: Los trastornos funcionales son un reto clínico en la atención de pacientes con déficits neurológicos. Pueden generar manifestaciones clínicas típicas y gran discapacidad. Para su diagnóstico se requiere de una alta sospecha inicial asociado a una batería de examen físico completa. Hallazgos clínicos: Presentamos el caso de una paciente indígena embarazada de 19 años, con pérdida de la fuerza en sus extremidades inferiores, un nivel sensitivo y pérdida del control de los esfínteres. Luego de una evolución estacionaria con estudios imagenológicos e infectocontagiosos dentro de la normalidad. Se sospechó el diagnóstico de un trastorno neurológico funcional por lo que se realizó la prueba del Spinal Injuries Center (SIC) el cual fue positivo. Tratamiento y evolución: Realizamos una intervención multidisciplinar, incluyendo el servicio de rehabilitación, neurología, psiquiatría y psicología. Se utilizaron intervenciones con movimientos articulares, fortalecimiento muscular, estimulación eléctrica y psicoterapia. Posteriormente se obtuvo la recuperación completa de la paciente antes del alta hospitalaria, con la exigencia de seguimiento ambulatorio, además de una inserción satisfactoria en las actividades sociales y familiares. Conclusiones: Este caso refleja la importancia de un análisis neurológico detallado, el conocimiento de diferentes herramientas de semiología y el reto diagnóstico de los trastornos funcionales en neurológicos. La intervención de un equipo multidisciplinar favorece abordajes multidimensionales y resultados clínicos favorables.

Introduction: Functional disorders pose a clinical challenge in the care of patients with neurological deficits. They can generate typical clinical manifestations and great disability. Diagnosis requires a high initial suspicion together with comprehensive physical examination. Clinical Findings: We present the case of a 19-year-old pregnant indigenous patient, with loss of strength in her lower extremities, with a sensitive level and loss of sphincter control. After a stationary evolution with imaging and infectious studies within normal limits, a diagnosis of a functional neurological disorder was suspected; thus, the Spinal Injuries Center (SIC) test was performed, showing positive results. Treatment and evolution: A multidisciplinary intervention was carried out, including the neurology, psychiatry and psychology rehabilitation. Interventions amied towards joint movements, muscle strengthening, electrical stimulation and psychotherapy were used. Eventually, the patient's complete recovery was achieved before hospital discharge, in addition to a satisfactory integration into social and family activities, with a outpatient follow-up requirement. Conclusions: This case reflects the importance of a detailed neurological analysis, knowledge of different semiology tools and the diagnostic challenge of functional neurological disorders. The intervention of a multidisciplinary team favors multidimensional approaches and favorable clinical results.

Tratamiento de la mielopatía cervical mediante abordaje posterior: laminoplastia vs. laminectomía con fijación posterior. ¿Existen diferencias desde el punto de vista clínico y radiológico? / Treatment of cervical myelopathy by posterior approach: Laminoplasty vs. laminectomy with posterior fixation, are there differences from a clinical and radiological point of view?

Introducción La mielopatía cervical degenerativa representa una entidad patológica producida por la estenosis del canal medular cervical, resultando en una compresión crónica de la médula espinal, variable y progresiva. El abordaje quirúrgico de la columna cervical puede realizarse por vía anterior y/o vía posterior. Respecto al abordaje posterior, existen 2 técnicas fundamentales: laminoplastia y laminectomía con fijación posterior (LFP). En la literatura actual existe controversia acerca de cuál de las 2 técnicas permite obtener mejores resultados postoperatorios. El objetivo es el estudio de las diferencias entre laminoplastia y LFP desde el punto de vista clínico y radiológico. Materiales y métodosSe realiza un estudio de una cohorte histórica de 39 pacientes (12 LFP y 27 laminoplastia) intervenidos en un período de 10 años en el Hospital Universitario La Paz con un seguimiento de 12 meses tras la cirugía. Se analizan y comparan los resultados clínicos mediante la escala de Nurick y la Escala Japanese Orthopaedic Association modificada (mJOA) y los resultados radiológicos mediante el ángulo de Cobb, eje sagital vertical, T1 Slope y el alineamiento (medido mediante Cobb-T1 Sloppe). Resultados Se observan diferencias significativas en la mejoría postoperatoria de la escala Nurick (p=0,008) y mJOA (p=0,018) en el grupo de laminoplastia. En LFP se objetiva una tendencia a una mejoría mayor, pero no se alcanza la significación estadística debido al bajo tamaño muestral de este grupo. No se objetivan diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a la variables radiológicas. Respecto al total de complicaciones, se observó un número mayor en el grupo de laminoplastia (7 casos) frente a LFP (un caso), pero no se vieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas... (AU)

Introduction Cervical degenerative myelopathy is a variable and progressive degenerative disease caused by chronic compression of the spinal cord. Surgical approaches for the cervical spine can be performed anteriorly and/or posteriorly. Regarding the posterior approach, there are 2 fundamental techniques: laminoplasty and laminectomy with posterior fixation (LPF). There is still controversy concerning the technique in terms of outcome and complications. The aim of the present work is to analyze from the clinical and radiological point of view these 2 techniques: laminoplasty and LPF. Materials and methods A historical cohort of 39 patients was reviewed (12 LFP and 27 laminoplasty) including patients operated in a 10 years period at the Hospital Universitario La Paz with a follow-up of 12 months after surgery was carried out. The clinical results were analyzed and compared using the Nurick scale and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale (mJOA) and the radiological results using the Cobb angle, Sagittal Vertical Axis, T1 Slope and alignment (measured by Cobb-T1 Sloppe). Results Significant differences were observed in the postoperative improvement of the Nurick scale (P=.008) and mJOA (P=.018) in the laminoplasty group. In LFP there is a tendency to a greater improvement, but statistical significance is not reached due to the low sample size of this group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the radiological variables. Regarding the total number of complications, a higher number was observed in the laminoplasty group (7 cases) versus LFP (one case), but no statistically significant differences were observed. (AU)

Dorsal arachnoid web: A rare cause of syringomyelia and myelopathy / Telaraña aracnoidea dorsal: una causa rara de siringomielia y mielopatía

Dorsal arachnoidal webs are condensations of arachnoidal tissue densely adherent to the pial surface of the posterior aspect of the dorsal spinal cord. Infrequently described in literature they disrupt the flow of CSF in the spinal subarachnoid space leading to syringomyelia and myelopathy. While there are several theories on their origin, the “scalpel sign” on magnetic resonance imaging is considered to be pathognomonic of this condition. An illustrative case of a 58 year old man with syringomyelia and dorsal cord indentation who presented with spastic paraparesis, gait instability, parasthesias and bilateral non radicular upper limb pain that resolved following excision of the web is described to highlight the importance of considering this diagnosis when cases of so called “idiopathic” syringomyelia are encountered (AU)

Las membranas aracnoideas dorsales son condensaciones de tejido aracnoideo densamente adherido a la superficie pial de la cara posterior de la médula espinal dorsal. Descritas con poca frecuencia en la literatura, interrumpen el flujo del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) en el espacio subaracnoideo espinal y provocan siringomielia y mielopatía. Si bien existen varias teorías sobre su origen, el «signo del bisturí» en la resonancia magnética se considera patognomónico de esta afección. Se describe un caso ilustrativo de un varón de 58 años con siringomielia e indentación medular dorsal que presentó paraparesia espástica, inestabilidad de la marcha, parestesias y dolor bilateral no radicular en miembro superior que se resolvió tras la exéresis de la telaraña para resaltar la importancia de considerar este diagnóstico cuando se encuentran casos de la llamada siringomielia «idiopática» (AU)

Dorsal arachnoid web: A rare cause of syringomyelia and myelopathy.

Dorsal arachnoidal webs are condensations of arachnoidal tissue densely adherent to the pial surface of the posterior aspect of the dorsal spinal cord. Infrequently described in literature they disrupt the flow of CSF in the spinal subarachnoid space leading to syringomyelia and myelopathy. While there are several theories on their origin, the "scalpel sign" on magnetic resonance imaging is considered to be pathognomonic of this condition. An illustrative case of a 58 year old man with syringomyelia and dorsal cord indentation who presented with spastic paraparesis, gait instability, parasthesias and bilateral non radicular upper limb pain that resolved following excision of the web is described to highlight the importance of considering this diagnosis when cases of so called "idiopathic" syringomyelia are encountered.

Need for head and neck repositioning to restore electrophysiological signal changes at positioning for cervical myelopathy surgery / Necesidad de recolocación de la cabeza y el cuello para revertir alteraciones neurofisiológicas intraoperatorias en el posicionamiento para cirugía de mielopatía cervical

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of significant intraoperative electrophysiological signal changes during surgical positioning, and to assess the effectiveness of head and neck repositioning on the restoration of signals, among patients undergoing surgery for cervical myelopathy.Material and methods: We used multimodal intraoperative monitoring (somatosensory [SEP] and motor evoked potentials [MEP] and spontaneous electromyography) before and after patients’ positioning in a consecutive cohort of 103 patients operated for symptomatic cervical myelopathy. Significant changes were defined as>50% attenuation in amplitude or>10% increase in latency of SEP, or abolishment or 50–80% attenuation of MEP.Results: Out of 103 patients (34.9% female, median age 54.5 years) 88 underwent laminectomy (85.4%) and 15 (14.6%) anterior approach. At the time of positioning, signal alterations occurred in 44 patients (42.7%), yet only 11 patients (10.7%) showed alarming changes. Immediate neck repositioning of these resulted in complete (n=6) or partial (n=4) restoration of potentials, yielding no postoperative deficits. The patient in which signals could not be restored after repositioning resulted in added postoperative deficit. The accuracy (true positives plus true negatives) of monitoring to detect new neurological deficits was 99.0% (102/103) for the entire cohort, and 100% (11/11) for those showing significant changes at the moment of positioning. Overall, only 1 patient, with non-significant SEP attenuation, experienced a new postoperative deficit, yielding a 0.97% rate of false negatives.Conclusion: Among patients undergoing surgery for cervical myelopathy, 10.7% showed alarming electrophysiological signal changes at the time of positioning. Immediate repositioning of the neck resulted in near always restoration of potentials and avoidance of added neurological damage. Complete or partial restoration of potentials after(AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar la incidencia de alteraciones neurofisiológicas intraoperatorias graves en el momento del posicionamiento del paciente, y la efectividad de la recolocación del cuello para revertir dichos cambios en los pacientes que se intervienen de mielopatía cervical.Material y métodos: Se empleó una monitorización intraoperatoria multimodal (potenciales evocados sensoriales [PES], motores [PEM] y electromiografía) antes y después de colocar al paciente en posición, en una cohorte de 103 pacientes consecutivos operados de mielopatía cervical. Se consideraron cambios significativos (de alarma): una disminución >50% de la amplitud o un aumento >10% de la latencia de los PES, o la abolición o disminución >50-80% en amplitud de los PEM.Resultados: De los 103 pacientes (el 34,9% mujeres, mediana de edad: 54,5 años), a 88 se les realizó laminectomía (85,4%) y a 15 (14,6%) un abordaje anterior. En el momento del posicionamiento, ocurrieron alteraciones de señal en 44 pacientes (42,7%), aunque solo en 11 (10,7%) estas fueron significativas. La recolocación inmediata del cuello consiguió revertir la alteración de señal completa (n=6) o parcialmente (n=4), sin producirse déficits postoperatorios. El paciente en el cual la recolocación no consiguió restaurar los potenciales despertó con déficit neurológico añadido. La precisión (verdaderos positivos+verdaderos negativos) de la monitorización intraoperatoria para detectar déficits postoperatorios fue del 99% (102/103) para la cohorte completa y del 100% (11/11) para el subgrupo con alteraciones significativas. Globalmente, solo un paciente, que mostró cambios no significativos, despertó con nuevo déficit neurológico (0,97% de falsos negativos).Conclusión: El 10,7% de los pacientes intervenidos de mielopatía cervical mostraron cambios neurofisiológicos de alarma en el momento del posicionamiento quirúrgico. La inmediata recolocación del cuello revirtió dichos cambios (completa o parcialmente)(AU)

Need for head and neck repositioning to restore electrophysiological signal changes at positioning for cervical myelopathy surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of significant intraoperative electrophysiological signal changes during surgical positioning, and to assess the effectiveness of head and neck repositioning on the restoration of signals, among patients undergoing surgery for cervical myelopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used multimodal intraoperative monitoring (somatosensory [SEP] and motor evoked potentials [MEP] and spontaneous electromyography) before and after patients' positioning in a consecutive cohort of 103 patients operated for symptomatic cervical myelopathy. Significant changes were defined as>50% attenuation in amplitude or>10% increase in latency of SEP, or abolishment or 50-80% attenuation of MEP. RESULTS: Out of 103 patients (34.9% female, median age 54.5 years) 88 underwent laminectomy (85.4%) and 15 (14.6%) anterior approach. At the time of positioning, signal alterations occurred in 44 patients (42.7%), yet only 11 patients (10.7%) showed alarming changes. Immediate neck repositioning of these resulted in complete (n=6) or partial (n=4) restoration of potentials, yielding no postoperative deficits. The patient in which signals could not be restored after repositioning resulted in added postoperative deficit. The accuracy (true positives plus true negatives) of monitoring to detect new neurological deficits was 99.0% (102/103) for the entire cohort, and 100% (11/11) for those showing significant changes at the moment of positioning. Overall, only 1 patient, with non-significant SEP attenuation, experienced a new postoperative deficit, yielding a 0.97% rate of false negatives. CONCLUSION: Among patients undergoing surgery for cervical myelopathy, 10.7% showed alarming electrophysiological signal changes at the time of positioning. Immediate repositioning of the neck resulted in near always restoration of potentials and avoidance of added neurological damage. Complete or partial restoration of potentials after repositioning yielded no postoperative deficits.

Mielopatía asociada a virus linfotrópico humano de células T tipo 1 en el Paraguay. Reporte de caso / Myelopathy associated with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 in Paraguay. Case report

RESUMEN La mielopatía asociada con infección por HTLV-1 o paraparesia espástica tropical es una enfermedad crónica degenerativa del sistema nervioso central que afecta principalmente la médula espinal, una enfermedad rara en nuestro medio. El caso se trata sobre una mujer de 65 años, que acude con un cuadro de 2 años de evolución con disminución de la fuerza muscular de miembros inferiores progresiva hasta impedir la marcha, se acompaña de incontinencia urinaria y fecal, y hormigueo en miembros inferiores. Examen físico neurológico: disminución de fuerza muscular en miembros inferiores (2/5), reflejos osteotendinosos exaltados en miembros inferiores, Babisnky bilateral, hipostesia en cara lateral de piernas y dorso y planta de los pies, clonus patelar, y sin nivel sensitivo. En estudios paraclínicos: líquido cefalorraquídeo con cito químico (proteínas ligeramente aumentada) y citológico normal, ausencia de bandas oligoclonales, serología HIV negativo, perfil autoinmune negativo. Electromiografía normal, tomografía de cráneo, tórax y abdomen normal. Resonancia magnética cerebral y medular normal al principio, los cuales fueron repetidos al cabo de 8 meses y se observan lesiones inflamatorias en cerebro y médula espinal. PCR (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa) en sangre para HLTV-1 positiva. La paciente fue tratada con pulsos de metilprednisolona, seguido de prednisona oral y azatioprina por 3 meses sin respuesta favorable y con efectos secundarios a los corticoides por lo que se suspende. Se inició inmunoglobulina IV 400mg kg/p/mensual por 3 meses, sin respuesta. Se inicia rituximab 500mg cada 15 días hace 1 mes y evaluar la respuesta en los controles sucesivos. Conclusión: La mielopatía asociada a virus linfotrópico humano de células T tipo 1(HTLV-1) o paraparesia espástica tropical (MAH/PET), debe ser considerado en el diagnóstico diferencial en un paciente con mielopatia en el Paraguay.

ABSTRACT Myelopathy associated with HTLV-1 infection or tropical spastic paraparesis is a chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system that mainly affects the spinal cord, a rare disease in our setting. The case is about a 65-year-old woman, who presented with a 2-year history of progressive decrease in muscle strength of the lower limbs until it prevented her from walking, accompanied by urinary and fecal incontinence, and tingling in the lower limbs. Neurological physical examination: decreased muscle strength in the lower limbs (2/5), increased osteotendinous reflexes in the lower limbs, bilateral Babinky, hypoesthesia in the lateral aspect of the legs and the back and soles of the feet, patellar clonus, and no sensory level. In paraclinical studies: normal cytochemical and cytological cerebrospinal. Fluid (slightly increased protein), absence of oligoclonal bands, negative HIV serology, negative autoimmune profile. Normal electromyography, tomography of the skull, thorax and normal abdomen. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spinal cord was normal at the beginning, which were repeated after 8 months, and inflammatory lesions in the brain and spinal cord were observed. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) in blood for HLTV-1 positive. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone pulses, followed by oral prednisone and azathioprine for 3 months without a favorable response and with corticosteroid side effects, so she was discontinued. IV immunoglobulin 400mg kg/p/monthly for 3 months was started, with no response. Rituximab 500mg every 15 days was started 1 month ago and the response was evaluated in successive controls. Conclusion: myelopathy associated with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) or tropical spastic paraparesis (MAH/PET), should be considered in the differential diagnosis in a patient with myelopathy in Paraguay.

White cord syndrome: rara complicación luego de la cirugía de descompresión cervical / White cord syndrome: a rare complication after cervical decompressive surgery

RESUMEN Introducción: el white cord syndrome, conocido como una lesión por reperfusión de la médula espinal, es una rara complicación de la cirugía espinal para descompresión. Se define como un deterioro neurológico inmediato y súbito, luego de la cirugía de descompresión cervical. Objetivo: describir los elementos clínico-imagenológicos y estrategias de tratamiento del white cord syndrome. Métodos: se realizó la revisión de la literatura en bases de datos Pubmed y EMBASE, además en los servidores de preprints BioRxiv, MedRxiv y preprint.org, así como la plataforma ResearchGate. Se seleccionaron todos los artículos en inglés y español, con texto completo disponible. Se usaron los siguientes descriptores white cord syndrome AND cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Se excluyeron artículos editoriales, libros, revisiones, meta-análisis y aquellos sin carácter open-access. Luego de excluir artículos que no cumplían nuestros criterios, fueron seleccionadas 17 publicaciones para su revisión. Resultados: Se analizaron 17 artículos, con una muestra total de 24 pacientes reportados. Todos los pacientes mostraron afectación mielopática con defecto motor variable e hiperreflexia osteotendinosa. En diez artículos, la técnica quirúrgica empleada fue la descompresión posterior, con o sin fusión. Fue muy variable el empleo de dosis de esteroides, terapia física y las re-intervenciones quirúrgicas. Solo dos casos no mostraron recuperación neurológica al término del período de observación. Conclusiones: el reconocimiento de esta rara complicación es vital, ya que constituye una causa de defecto neurológico posterior a la cirugía. El diagnóstico se realiza luego de la exclusión de complicaciones trans-operatorias, y al observar hiperintensidad del cordón medular ponderado en T2 en las imágenes de resonancia magnética. El manejo radica en adecuada descompresión, uso de esteroides y rehabilitación.

ABSTRACT Introduction: white cord syndrome, known as spinal cord reperfusion injury, is a rare complication of spinal decompressive surgery. It is defined as an immediate and sudden neurological deterioration after cervical decompression surgery. Objective: to describe the clinical-imaging elements and treatment strategies of white cord syndrome. Methods: a literature review was performed in Pubmed and EMBASE databases, as well as in the preprint servers BioRxiv, MedRxiv and preprint.org, and the ResearchGate platform. All articles in English and Spanish, with full text available, were chosen. The following descriptors were used: White cord syndrome AND cervical spondyloticmyelopathy. The editorial articles, books, reviews, meta-analyses and those without open-access characteristics were excluded. After excluding articles that did not meet the criteria established, 17 publications were chosen to be reviewed. Results: seventeen articles were analyzed, with a total sample of 24 patients reported. All patients showed myelopathic involvement with variable motor defect and osteotendinous hyperreflexia. In ten articles, the surgical technique used was posterior decompression, with or without fusion. The use of steroid doses, physical therapy and surgical re-interventions was highly variable. Only two cases did not show neurological recovery at the end of the observation period. Conclusions: recognition of this rare complication is vital, since it constitutes a cause of neurological defect after surgery. The diagnosis is made after exclusion of trans-operative complications, and after observing T2-weighted spinal cord hyper-intensity in magnetic resonance images. Management is based on adequate decompression, application of steroid treatment and rehabilitation.

Treatment of cervical myelopathy by posterior approach: Laminoplasty vs. laminectomy with posterior fixation, are there differences from a clinical and radiological point of view?

INTRODUCTION: Cervical degenerative myelopathy is a variable and progressive degenerative disease caused by chronic compression of the spinal cord. Surgical approaches for the cervical spine can be performed anteriorly and/or posteriorly. Regarding the posterior approach, there are 2 fundamental techniques: laminoplasty and laminectomy with posterior fixation (LPF). There is still controversy concerning the technique in terms of outcome and complications. The aim of the present work is to analyze from the clinical and radiological point of view these 2 techniques: laminoplasty and LPF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A historical cohort of 39 patients was reviewed (12 LFP and 27 laminoplasty) including patients operated in a 10 years period at the Hospital Universitario La Paz with a follow-up of 12 months after surgery was carried out. The clinical results were analyzed and compared using the Nurick scale and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale (mJOA) and the radiological results using the Cobb angle, Sagittal Vertical Axis, T1 Slope and alignment (measured by Cobb-T1 Sloppe). RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the postoperative improvement of the Nurick scale (p = 0.008) and mJOA (p = 0.018) in the laminoplasty group. In LFP there is a tendency to a greater improvement, but statistical significance is not reached due to the low sample size of this group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the radiological variables. Regarding the total number of complications, a higher number was observed in the laminoplasty group (7 cases) versus LFP (one case), but no statistically significant differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Laminoplasty and LFP are both safe and effective procedures in the treatment of cervical degenerative myelopathy. The findings of our study demonstrate statistically significant clinical improvement based on the Nurick and mJOA scales with laminoplasty. No significant differences in terms of complications or radiological variables were observed between the 2 techniques.

Mielorradiculopatia esquistossomótica: relato de caso em paciente pediátrico / Schistosomal Myeloradiculopathy: case report in a pediatric patient

A esquistossomose é uma endemia parasitária típica das Américas, Ásia e África. A Mielorradiculopatia Esquistossomótica surge como uma evolução severa da infecção por esquistossomose e, apesar de muito comum, sua prevalência em áreas endêmicas vem sendo subestimada. Objetivo: relatar caso de Mielorradiculopatia Esquistossomótica ocorrido em paciente pediátrico. Metodologia: estudo descritivo do tipo Relato de Caso retrospectivo, submetido e aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do Centro Universitário CESMAC, CAAE: 28835220.0.0000.0039, N.º do Parecer: 3.898.292. Relato de caso: paciente do sexo masculino, previamente hígido, 11 anos, iniciou quadro com história álgica aguda em membros inferiores que piorava no período da noite acompanhada de relato de febre. Quadro clínico evoluiu com lombalgia, disúria, oligúria, posterior anúria e formação de globo vesical. Evoluiu, também, com paresia de membros inferiores. A investigação realizou-se com Exame Parasitológico de Fezes positivo para esquistossomose, além de Ressonância Magnética de coluna lombo-sacra que corroboraram com a hipótese diagnóstica. Instituiu-se tratamento com Albendazol, Praziquantel e pulsoterapia com Metilprednisolona durante internação. Paciente teve alta hospitalar com melhora de quadro neurológico, em uso de prednisona 40 mg/dia. Conclusão: a MRE constitui a forma mais grave dentre as manifestações ectópicas da esquistossomose. A dificuldade do reconhecimento do quadro clínico e a limitação no acesso aos métodos complementares diagnósticos contribuem para o subdiagnóstico da enfermidade, acarretando sequelas graves para os portadores da doença e ocultando sua importância epidemiológica principalmente em pacientes pediátricos e jovens. (AU)

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic endemic typical of the Americas, Asia and Africa. Schistosomal Myeloradiculopathy is a severe evolution of schistosomiasis infection and, although very common, the prevalence in endemic areas has been underestimated. Objective: to report Schistosomal Myeloradiculopathy case in a pediatric patient. Methodology: descriptive study of the type Case Report retrospective, submitted and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the CESMAC University Center, CAAE: 28835220.0.0000.0039, Opinion N.º: 3.898.292. Case report: a previously healthy 11-year-old boy, started with a history of acute pain in lower limbs that worsened during the night accompanied of fever. Evolved with low back pain, dysuria, oliguria, subsequent anuria, vesical globe formation and lower limbs paresis. The investigation resulted in positive stool examination for schistosomiasis and magnetic resonance imaging of lumbosacral spine that corroborated the diagnostic hypothesis. The treatment included Albendazol, Praziquantel and pulsetherapy with Methylprednisolone during hospitalization. The patient was discharged from the hospital with improved neurological status, using prednisone 40 mg/day. Conclusion: Schistosomal Myeloradiculopathy is the most severe form of the ectopic manifestations of schistosomiasis. The difficulty in recognizing the clinical condition and the limitation of access to complementary diagnostic methods contributes to the underdiagnosis of the disease, causing severe sequels for patients with disease and hiding its epidemiological importance, especially in pediatric and young patients. (AU)

Severe cervical myelopathy: approaches and postoperative evaluation / Mielopatia cervical grave: vias de acesso e avaliação pós-operatória / Mielopatía cervical grave: vías de acceso y evaluación postoperatoria

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate and compare the clinical evolution of surgical approaches used in patients with severe cervical myelopathy. Methods: Retrospective observational study in which 19 patients with myelopathy who underwent surgery were evaluated. Neurological assessments using the Frankel scale were conducted both preoperatively and one year following surgery, and the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), Nurick, and Visual Analog Scale for pain (VAS) questionnaires were applied 1 year after the surgical procedure. Results: 89% of the participants were male and the average age was 63.9 years. No patient had postoperative neurological worsening, 12 patients (63.16%) had mild pain, and seven (36.84%) had moderate pain. The group with degenerative disease showed neurological improvement after surgery and the exclusively anterior approach was used in 84% of the cases, the exclusively posterior approach in 10% of the cases, and the dual approach in 6% of the cases. Conclusion: Surgical treatment has good results for inhibiting the unfavorable natural evolution of myelopathy within 1 year following surgery and promotes neurological improvement in degenerative cases, making it possible to use the anterior access route in most cases. Level of evidence III; Retrospective Study.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a evolução clínica em comparação com as vias de acesso cirúrgico em pacientes com mielopatia cervical grave. Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospectivo no qual foram avaliados 19 pacientes com mielopatia submetidos à cirurgia. Foram aplicados o questionário da Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) modificado, a Escala de Nurick e a Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) da dor um ano depois do procedimento cirúrgico e realizada avaliação neurológica pré-operatória e após um ano da cirurgia com a Escala de Frankel. Resultados: Os participantes eram 89% do sexo masculino e a média de idade foi de 63,9 anos. Nenhum paciente apresentou piora neurológica pós-operatória, 12 pacientes (63,16%) apresentaram dor leve e sete (36,84%) dor moderada. O grupo com doença degenerativa apresentou melhora neurológica depois da cirurgia e a via de acesso anterior exclusiva foi utilizada em 84% dos casos, 10% tiveram acesso exclusivamente por via posterior e 6% tiveram acesso com dupla via. Conclusões: O tratamento cirúrgico apresenta bons resultados para inibir a evolução natural desfavorável da mielopatia no período de um ano depois da cirurgia e promove melhora neurológica nos casos degenerativos, sendo possível a utilização da via de acesso anterior na maior parte dos casos. Nível de evidencia III; Estudo Retrospectivo.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Evaluar la evolución clínica en comparación con las vías de acceso quirúrgico en pacientes con mielopatía cervical severa. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo en el que se evaluaron 19 pacientes con mielopatía intervenidos quirúrgicamente. Se aplicó el cuestionario modificado de la Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), la escala de Nurick y la Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) del dolor 1 año después de la intervención quirúrgica y se realizó la evaluación neurológica preoperatoria y un año después de la cirugía utilizando la Escala de Frankel. Resultados: El 89% de los participantes eran hombres y la edad promedio era de 63,9 años. Ningún paciente presentó empeoramiento neurológico postoperatorio, 12 pacientes (63,16%) presentaron dolor leve y siete (36,84%) dolor moderado. El grupo con enfermedad degenerativa presentó mejoría neurológica tras la cirugía y en el 84% de los casos se utilizó la vía de acceso anterior exclusiva, el 10% la vía posterior exclusiva y el 6% la vía doble. Conclusión: El tratamiento quirúrgico presenta buenos resultados al inhibir la evolución natural desfavorable de la mielopatía en el período de un año después de la cirugía y promueve la mejoría neurológica en los casos degenerativos, posibilitando el uso de la vía de acceso anterior en la mayoría de los casos. Nivel de evidencia III; Estudio Retrospectivo.

Association of depression and functional outcomes in patients treated surgically for cervical spondylotic myelopathy through an anterior approach.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of Depression with clinical outcomes in patients treated surgically for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) using an anterior approach. METHOD: An observational study was conducted in patients with ECM. The Beck scale, modified scale of the Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA), neck disability index (NDI) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used preoperatively, one month and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Initial VAS showed more severe degrees in patients with depression. At one month and third month after surgery, there was a significant decrease in pain in the group without depression (p = 0.03). The mJOA at one month and three months was observed that the degree of severity decreased in both groups, being more noticeable in the group without depression (p = 0.02). Presurgical NDI was higher in the group with depression. At three months in both groups the improvement was noticeable with respect to the degree of preoperative disability. CONCLUSIONS: There is a favorable relationship in patients with ECM undergoing surgical treatment in the absence of depression prior to surgery and clinical evolution, with the possibility of promoting multidisciplinary management prior to surgery in patients with depression.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la asociación de depresión con los resultados clínicos en pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente por mielopatía espondilótica cervical (MEC) mediante abordaje anterior. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio observacional en pacientes con MEC. Se utilizaron la escala de Beck, la escala modificada de la Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA), el índice de discapacidad del cuello (NDI) y la escala visual análoga (EVA) de forma prequirúrgica, al mes y 3 meses posterior a la cirugía. RESULTADOS: La EVA inicial mostró mayor gravedad en los pacientes con depresión. Al mes y al tercer mes posteriores a la cirugía hay una disminución significativa del dolor en el grupo sin depresión (p = 0.03). En la mJOA al mes y a los 3 meses se observó que la gravedad disminuyó en ambos grupos, siendo más notorio en el grupo sin depresión (p = 0.02). El NDI prequirúrgico fue mayor en el grupo con depresión. A los 3 meses, en ambos grupos la mejoría fue notoria con respecto al grado de incapacidad preoperatorio. CONCLUSIONES: Existe una relación favorable en los pacientes con MEC sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico entre la ausencia de depresión previa a cirugía y la evolución clínica, con la posibilidad de promover un manejo multidisciplinario previo a la cirugía en los pacientes con depresión.