A Case Series of Surgically Treated Spinal Dumbbell Tumors of Critical Parent Nerve Roots: To Cut or Not to Cut?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicki Marie Butenschoen ◽  
Nikolaus Kögl ◽  
Bernhard Meyer ◽  
Claudius Thomé ◽  
Maria Wostrack
Keyword(s):  
Motor Function ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Motor Deficits ◽  
Nerve Roots ◽  
Dumbbell Tumor ◽  
Lumbar Level

Abstract BACKGROUND Dumbbell tumors present challenging cases, with either an incomplete tumor resection or a need to sacrifice nerve roots. Published literature suggests encouraging neurological outcomes after nerve root amputation. OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of postoperative neurological deficits after amputating the parent nerve root. METHODS A retrospective consecutive analysis of all patients treated for dumbbell nerve sheet tumors with a reported amputation of the functional relevant parent nerve roots C5-Th1 and L3-S1. RESULTS Among 21 evaluated patients, minor postoperative neurological motor function deterioration occurred in 4 patients (19%). Most patients recovered to the preoperative level at the follow-up examination, and only one patient retained a new Medical Research Council (MRC) scale of 4/5 for deltoid weakness. The majority of tumors were resected at the lumbar level (nerve root L3: 28.6%, L5: 19%). Gross total resection was achieved in 90.5% of patients. Neuropathic pain was reported in one third of the patients during the long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION Amputating critical parent nerve roots during the dumbbell tumor resections seems to result in a low incidence of postoperative motor deficits and may offer an acceptable sacrifice in otherwise only incompletely resectable dumbbell tumors. The cross-innervation of neighboring nerve roots and its, probably, per-se-reduced functionality may be a possible mechanism for maintaining motor function.

Management and outcomes of isolated interhemispheric subdural hematomas associated with falx syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 131 (6) ◽  
pp. 1920-1925
Author(s):  
Daniel A. Tonetti ◽  
William J. Ares ◽  
David O. Okonkwo ◽  
Paul A. Gardner
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Deterioration ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Motor Deficits ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Venous Infarction ◽  
Nonsurgical Management ◽  
Subdural Hematomas ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
Contemporary Management

OBJECTIVELarge interhemispheric subdural hematomas (iSDHs) causing falx syndrome are rare; therefore, a paucity of data exists regarding the outcomes of contemporary management of iSDH. There is a general consensus among neurosurgeons that large iSDHs with neurological deficits represent a particular treatment challenge with generally poor outcomes. Thus, radiological and clinical outcomes of surgical and nonsurgical management for iSDH bear further study, which is the aim of this report.METHODSA prospectively collected, single-institution trauma database was searched for patients with isolated traumatic iSDH causing falx syndrome in the period from January 2008 to January 2018. Information on demographic and radiological characteristics, serial neurological examinations, clinical and radiological outcomes, and posttreatment complications was collected and tallied. The authors subsequently dichotomized patients by management strategy to evaluate clinical outcome and 30-day survival.RESULTSTwenty-five patients (0.4% of those with intracranial injuries, 0.05% of those with trauma) with iSDH and falx syndrome represented the study cohort. The average age was 73.4 years, and most patients (23 [92%] of 25) were taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications. Six patients were managed nonoperatively, and 19 patients underwent craniotomy for iSDH evacuation; of the latter patients, 17 (89.5%) had improvement in or resolution of motor deficits postoperatively. There were no instances of venous infarction, reaccumulation, or infection after evacuation. In total, 9 (36%) of the 25 patients died within 30 days, including 6 (32%) of the 19 who had undergone craniotomy and 3 (50%) of the 6 who had been managed nonoperatively. Patients who died within 30 days were significantly more likely to experience in-hospital neurological deterioration prior to surgery (83% vs 15%, p = 0.0095) and to be comatose prior to surgery (100% vs 23%, p = 0.0031). The median modified Rankin Scale score of surgical patients who survived hospitalization (13 patients) was 1 at a mean follow-up of 22.1 months.CONCLUSIONSiSDHs associated with falx syndrome can be evacuated safely and effectively, and prompt surgical evacuation prior to neurological deterioration can improve outcomes. In this study, craniotomy for iSDH evacuation proved to be a low-risk strategy that was associated with generally good outcomes, though appropriately selected patients may fare well without evacuation.

Primary Calvarial Ewing Sarcoma: A Case Series

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandeep Mohindra ◽  
Manjul Tripathi ◽  
Aman Batish ◽  
Ankur Kapoor ◽  
Ninad Ramesh Patil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ewing Sarcoma ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Radical Excision ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Intradural Tumor ◽  
Age Range

Abstract Background Calvarial Ewing tumor is a relatively rare differential among bony neoplasms. We present our experience of managing primary calvarial Ewing sarcoma (EWS), highlighting their clinical and radiological findings. Method In a retrospective analysis, we evaluated our 12-year database for pathologically proven EWS. A literature search was conducted for the comparative presentation and update on the management and outcome. Result From January 2008 to December 2020, we managed eight patients (male:female = 5:3; age range 6 months to 19 years, mean 11.5 years) harboring primary calvarial EWS. All cases underwent wide local excision; two patients required intradural tumor resection, while one required rotation flap for scalp reconstruction. Mean hospital stay was 8 days. All patients received adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy. Three patients remained asymptomatic at 5 years of follow-up, while two patients died. Conclusion Primary calvarial EWS is a rare entity. It usually affects patients in the first two decades of life. These tumors can be purely intracranial, causing raised intracranial pressure symptoms, which may exhibit rapidly enlarging subgaleal tumors with only cosmetic deformities or symptoms of both. Radical excision followed by adjuvant therapy may offer a favorable long-term outcome.

A new endoscopic technique to decompress lumbar nerve roots affected by spondylolysis

2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koichi Sairyo ◽  
Shinsuke Katoh ◽  
Tadanori Sakamaki ◽  
Shinji Komatsubara ◽  
Natsuo Yasui
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Nerve Root ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Skin Incision ◽  
Endoscopic Technique ◽  
Spinal Instability ◽  
Nerve Roots ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proximal Stump

✓ The authors describe a new endoscopic technique to decompress lumbar nerve roots affected by spondylolysis. Short-term clinical outcome was evaluated. Surgery-related indications were: 1) radiculopathy without low-back pain; 2) no spinal instability demonstrated on dynamic radiographs; and 3) age older than 40 years. Seven patients, four men and three women, fulfilled these criteria and underwent endoscopic decompressive surgery. Their mean age was 60.9 years (range 42–70 years). No subluxation was present in four patients, whereas Meyerding Grade I slippage was demonstrated in three. For endoscopic decompression, a skin incision of 16 to 18 mm in length was made, and fenestration was performed to identify the affected nerve root. The proximal stump of the ragged edge of the spondylotic lesion, and the fibrocartilaginous mass compressing the nerve root were removed. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 22 months (mean 11.7 months). Clinical outcome was evaluated using Gill criteria; in three patients the outcome was excellent, and in four it was good. This new endoscopic technique was useful in the decompression of nerve roots affected by spondylolysis, the technique was minimally invasive, and the clinical results were acceptable.

Reconstruction with Custom Unicondylar Hemiarthroplasty following Tumor Resection: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (08) ◽  
pp. 818-824
Author(s):  
Joseph A. Ippolito ◽  
Megan L. Campbell ◽  
Brianna L. Siracuse ◽  
Joseph Benevenia
Keyword(s):  
Distal Femur ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Full Weight Bearing ◽  
Musculoskeletal Tumor ◽  
Musculoskeletal Tumor Society ◽  
Optimal Function ◽  
Tumor Involvement

AbstractFor patients with tumors of the distal femur, options for limb salvage include tumor resection followed by reconstruction. While reconstruction commonly involves a distal femoral replacement, careful selection of patients with tumor involvement limited to a single condyle may be candidates for reconstruction with distal femur hemiarthroplasty. In these procedures, resection spares considerably more native anatomy. Three consecutive patients who underwent resection and reconstruction at the distal femur with custom unicondylar hemiarthroplasty are presented in this case series at a mean follow-up of 45 months (range, 26–78). In two cases, prostheses were utilized as a secondary procedure after failure of initial reconstruction. In one case, the custom prosthesis was utilized as the primary method of reconstruction. Mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society disease-specific scores were 26.7 (range, 25–28). All patients achieved a return to full weight bearing, activities of daily living, and functional range of motion. In appropriately selected patients with tumors of the distal femur, reconstruction with custom unicondylar hemiarthroplasty provides benefits including optimal function postoperatively via preservation of tumor-free bone and ligamentous structures. Additionally, maintenance of greater bone stock may confer benefits to patients with pathology at a high likelihood for recurrence and need for subsequent procedures.

Diagnostic and therapeutic values of intraoperative electrophysiological neuromonitoring during resection of intradural extramedullary spinal tumors: a single-center retrospective cohort and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 839-849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wataru Ishida ◽  
Joshua Casaos ◽  
Arun Chandra ◽  
Adam D’Sa ◽  
Seba Ramhmdani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Evoked Potentials ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Spinal Tumors ◽  
Intradural Extramedullary ◽  
Baseline Characteristics

OBJECTIVEWith the advent of intraoperative electrophysiological neuromonitoring (IONM), surgical outcomes of various neurosurgical pathologies, such as brain tumors and spinal deformities, have improved. However, its diagnostic and therapeutic value in resecting intradural extramedullary (ID-EM) spinal tumors has not been well documented in the literature. The objective of this study was to summarize the clinical results of IONM in patients with ID-EM spinal tumors.METHODSA retrospective patient database review identified 103 patients with ID-EM spinal tumors who underwent tumor resection with IONM (motor evoked potentials, somatosensory evoked potentials, and free-running electromyography) from January 2010 to December 2015. Patients were classified as those without any new neurological deficits at the 6-month follow-up (group A; n = 86) and those with new deficits (group B; n = 17). Baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes, and IONM findings were collected and statistically analyzed. In addition, a meta-analysis in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines was performed to estimate the overall pooled diagnostic accuracy of IONM in ID-EM spinal tumor resection.RESULTSNo intergroup differences were discovered between the groups regarding baseline characteristics and operative data. In multivariate analysis, significant IONM changes (p < 0.001) and tumor location (thoracic vs others, p = 0.018) were associated with new neurological deficits at the 6-month follow-up. In predicting these changes, IONM yielded a sensitivity of 82.4% (14/17), specificity of 90.7% (78/86), positive predictive value (PPV) of 63.6% (14/22), negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.3% (78/81), and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.893. The diagnostic value slightly decreased in patients with schwannomas (AUC = 0.875) and thoracic tumors (AUC = 0.842). Among 81 patients who did not demonstrate significant IONM changes at the end of surgery, 19 patients (23.5%) exhibited temporary intraoperative exacerbation of IONM signals, which were recovered by interruption of surgical maneuvers; none of these patients developed new neurological deficits postoperatively. Including the present study, 5 articles encompassing 323 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis, and the overall pooled diagnostic value of IONM was a sensitivity of 77.9%, a specificity of 91.1%, PPV of 56.7%, and NPV of 95.7%.CONCLUSIONSIONM for the resection of ID-EM spinal tumors is a reasonable modality to predict new postoperative neurological deficits at the 6-month follow-up. Future prospective studies are warranted to further elucidate its diagnostic and therapeutic utility.

Reversible monoparesis following decompressive hemicraniectomy for traumatic brain injury

2008 ◽  
Vol 109 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirley I. Stiver ◽  
Max Wintermark ◽  
Geoffrey T. Manley
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Ct Perfusion ◽  
Motor Deficits ◽  
Decompressive Hemicraniectomy ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Motor Strength

Object The “syndrome of the trephined” is an uncommon and poorly understood disorder of delayed neurological deficit following craniectomy. From the authors' extensive experience with decompressive hemicraniectomy for traumatic brain injury (TBI), they have encountered a number of patients who developed delayed motor deficits, also called “motor trephine syndrome,” and reversal of the weakness following cranioplasty repair. The authors set out to study motor function systematically in this patient population to define the incidence, contributing factors, and outcome of patients with motor trephine syndrome. Methods The authors evaluated patient demographics, injury characteristics, detailed motor examinations, and CT scans in 38 patients with long-term follow-up after decompressive hemicraniectomy for TBI. Results Ten patients (26%) experienced delayed contralateral upper-extremity weakness, beginning 4.9 ± 0.4 months (mean ± standard error) after decompressive hemicraniectomy. Motor deficits improved markedly within 72 hours of cranioplasty repair, and all patients recovered full motor function. The CT perfusion scans, performed in 2 patients, demonstrated improvements in cerebral blood flow commensurate with resolution of cerebrospinal fluid flow disturbances on CT scanning and return of motor strength. Comparisons between 10 patients with and 20 patients (53%) without delayed motor deficits identified 3 factors—ipsilateral contusions, abnormal cerebrospinal fluid circulation, and longer intervals to cranioplasty repair—to be strongly associated with delayed, reversible monoparesis following decompressive hemicraniectomy. Conclusions Delayed, reversible monoparesis, also called motor trephine syndrome, is common following decompressive hemicraniectomy for TBI. The results of this study suggest that close follow-up of motor strength with early cranioplasty repair may prevent delayed motor complications of decompressive hemicraniectomy.

scholarly journals Clinical outcomes following resection of giant spinal schwannomas: a case series of 32 patients

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 494-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeleine Sowash ◽  
Ori Barzilai ◽  
Sweena Kahn ◽  
Lily McLaughlin ◽  
Patrick Boland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Symptom Relief ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Nerve Roots ◽  
Melanotic Schwannoma ◽  
Median Size ◽  
Histological Variants ◽  
Prevention Of Recurrence

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to review clinical outcomes following resection of giant spinal schwannomas. METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective review of a case series of patients with giant spinal schwannomas at a tertiary cancer hospital. RESULTS Thirty-two patients with giant spinal schwannomas underwent surgery between September 1998 and May 2013. Tumor size ranged from 2.5 cm to 14.6 cm with a median size of 5.8 cm. There were 9 females (28.1%) and 23 males (71.9%), and the median age was 47 years (range 23–83 years). The median follow-up duration was 36.0 months (range 12.2–132.4 months). Three patients (9.4%) experienced recurrence and required further treatment. All recurrences developed following subtotal resection (STR) of cellular or melanotic schwannoma. There were 3 melanotic (9.4%) and 6 cellular (18.8%) schwannomas included in this study. Among these histological variants, a 33.3% recurrence rate was noted. In 1 case of melanotic schwannoma, malignant transformation occurred. No recurrence occurred following gross-total resection (GTR) or when a fibrous capsule remained due to its adherence to functional nerve roots. CONCLUSIONS Resection is the treatment of choice for symptomatic or growing giant schwannomas, frequently requiring anterior or combined approaches, with the goals of symptom relief and prevention of recurrence. In this series, tumors that underwent GTR, or where only capsule remained, did not recur. Only melanotic and cellular schwannomas that underwent STR recurred.

Postoperative Radiosurgery for Malignant Spinal Tumors

Neurosurgery ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 891-898 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack P. Rock ◽  
Samuel Ryu ◽  
Mohammad S. Shukairy ◽  
Fang-Fang Yin ◽  
Aktham Sharif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Records ◽  
Spinal Tumor ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Metastatic Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Tumor ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Spinal Tumors ◽  
Primary Therapy ◽  
Nerve Roots

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Although, as a primary therapy, radiosurgery for spinal tumors is becoming more common in clinical practice and is associated with encouraging clinical results, we wanted to evaluate outcomes after radiosurgery in a series of postoperative patients. METHODS: We examined the medical records of 18 postoperative patients who received radiosurgical treatment to their residual spinal tumors: metastatic carcinoma (10), sarcoma (3), multiple myeloma/plasmacytoma (4), and giant cell tumor (1). Marginal radiosurgical doses ranged from 6 to 16 Gy (mean, 11.4 Gy) prescribed to the 90% isodose line. All regions of the spine received treatment: 2 cervical, 15 thoracic, and 1 lumbosacral. The volume of irradiated spinal elements receiving 30, 50, and 80% of the total dose ranged from 0.51 to 11.05, 0.19 to 6.34, and 0.06 to 1.73 cm3, respectively. Treatment sessions (i.e., patient in to patient out of the room) varied between 20 and 40 minutes. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 36 months (median, 7 mo). RESULTS: Even though significant doses of radiation were delivered to all regions of the spinal cord and nerve roots coincidentally involved in the treatments, only one patient in this series developed progressive symptoms possibly attributable to a toxic effect of the radiosurgery. Of those patients initially presenting with neurological deficits, 92% either remained neurologically stable or improved. CONCLUSION: Our observations suggest that radiosurgery as prescribed in this series of postoperative patients with residual spinal tumor is well-tolerated and associated with little to no significant morbidity.

scholarly journals Retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach to Meckel's cave and the middle fossa: surgical technique and outcome

1999 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. E1
Author(s):  
Madjid Samii ◽  
Marcos Tatagiba ◽  
Gustavo A. Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Petrous Bone ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Subtotal Resection ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Meckel’S Cave ◽  
Simpson Grade ◽  
Petroclival Meningiomas ◽  
Meckel's Cave

Object The goal of this study was to determine whether some petroclival tumors can be safely and efficiently treated using a modified retrosigmoid petrosal approach that is called the retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach (RISA). Methods The RISA was introduced in 1983, and since that time 12 patients harboring petroclival meningiomas have been treated using this technique. The RISA includes a retrosigmoid craniotomy and drilling of the suprameatus petrous bone, which is located above and anterior to the internal auditory meatus, thus providing access to Meckel's cave and the middle fossa. Radical tumor resection (Simpson Grade I or II) was achieved in nine (75%) of the 12 patients. Two patients underwent subtotal resection (Simpson Grade III), and one patient underwent complete resection of tumor at the posterior fossa with subtotal resection at the middle fossa. There were no deaths or severe complications in this series; all patients did well postoperatively, being independent at the time of their last follow-up examinations (mean 5.6 years). Neurological deficits included facial paresis in one patient and worsening of hearing in two patients. Conclusions The approach described here is a useful modification of the retrosigmoid approach, which allows resection of large petroclival tumors without the need for supratentorial craniotomies. Although technically meticulous, this approach is not time consuming; it is safe and can produce good results. This is the first report on the use of this approach for petroclival meningiomas.

scholarly journals Osteoid Osteoma and Osteoblastoma of the Cervical Spine: The Cause of Unusual Persistent Neck Pain

2010 ◽  
Vol 6;13 (6;12) ◽  
pp. 549-554
Author(s):  
Tuncay Kaner
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Osteoid Osteoma ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Spinal Instrumentation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Common Symptom

Background: The most important symptom in patients with osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma is a resistant localized neck pain and stiffness in the spine. Objective: To evaluate and analyze 6 cases of osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma of the cervical spine that were surgically treated over a 7-year period and to emphasize the unusual persistent neck pain associated with osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma of the cervical spine. Study Design: Retrospective study. Methods: Six patients, 3 male and 3 female, with a mean age of 21 years (range 16-31) diagnosed with osteoid osteoma or osteoblastoma during 2003 to 2009 were analyzed retrospectively. The preoperative neurological and clinical symptoms, neck pain duration, preoperative deformity, location of lesion, radiological findings, surgical technique and clinical follow-up outcomes of each patient were evaluated. Results: The average follow-up duration was 40.5 months (range, 19 to 83 months). Three patients had osteoid osteoma (2 female and one male), and 3 patients had osteoblastoma (one female and 2 male). Two male patients had recurrent osteoblastoma. The locations of the lesions were as follows: C7 (2 patients), C3 (one patient), C2 (one patient), C3-C4 (one patient) and C5-C6 (one patient). The most common symptom was local neck pain in the region of the tumor. Among all patients, only one patient, who had osteoblastoma, had neurological deficits (right C5-C6 root symptoms). The other patients had no neurological deficits. All patients were treated with surgical resection using microsurgery. Two patients underwent only tumor resection, one patient underwent tumor resection and fusion, and the other 3 patients underwent tumor resection, fusion and spinal instrumentation. No perioperative complications developed in any of our patients. There was no tumor recurrence during the follow-up period. Limitations: A retrospective study with 6 analyses of cases. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma of the spine has been standardized. The most common symptom of osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma of the cervical spine is local persistent neck pain in the region of the tumor. This symptom can be significant in the diagnosis of these tumors. Key words: neck pain, osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, bone tumors, cervical spine

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