RESUMO
To explore the favorable factors that help slow the progression of disease in patients with mild Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM). A retrospective analysis was conducted, involving the enrollment of 115 CSM patients. The categorization of patients into two groups was based on the duration of symptoms, assessments using the mJOA scale and Health Transition (HT) scores: mild-slow group and severe-rapid group. We found that the patients in both groups had similar degrees of spinal cord compression, but mild-slow group were older and had smaller C2-C7 cobb angle (Flexion) (CL(F)), C2-C7 cobb angle (Range of motion) (CL(ROM)), Transverse area (TA), Normal-TA, Compressive spinal canal area (CSCA), Normal-Spinal canal area (Normal-SCA) and lower Spinal cord increased signal intensity (ISI) Grade than the severe-rapid group. A binary logistic regression analysis showed that CL(ROM) and Normal-TA are favorable factors to help slow the progression of disease patients with mild CSM. Through ROC curves, we found that when CL(ROM) < 39.1° and Normal-TA < 80.5mm2, the progression of disease in CSM patients may be slower. Meanwhile, we obtained a prediction formula by introducing joint prediction factor: L = CL(ROM) + 2.175 * Normal-TA. And found that when L < 213.0, the disease progression of patients may be slower which was superior to calculate CL(ROM) and Normal-TA separately.
Assuntos
Vértebras Cervicais , Progressão da Doença , Espondilose , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Espondilose/diagnóstico por imagem , Vértebras Cervicais/diagnóstico por imagem , Vértebras Cervicais/patologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Idoso , Compressão da Medula Espinal/patologia , Doenças da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Amplitude de Movimento Articular , Curva ROC , Adulto , Índice de Gravidade de DoençaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Pure epidural spinal cavernous hemangiomas are rare, benign vascular tumors that account for approximately 4% of all spinal epidural tumors. Due to their dumbbell shape and propensity for foraminal invasion, they are often misdiagnosed and inadequately treated. We present a case of a 58-year-old male with extra-osseous cavernous hemangioma to better aid in diagnosis and management of these lesions. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old male presented with chronic lower back pain, progressive lower extremity weakness, T10 sensory level, absent lower extremity proprioception, hyperreflexia, and an episode of bowel incontinence. Imaging demonstrated T7-T10 homogenous dorsal epidural mass causing cord signal change. He underwent resection with histopathologic exam revealing a pure epidural cavernous hemangioma. CONCLUSION: Spinal epidural cavernous hemangiomas are exceedingly rare lesions that are often misdiagnosed as nerve sheath tumors and meningiomas. Common features include chronic pain and myelopathy as well as T1 isodensity, T2 hyperintensity, and homogenous enhancement. Uniquely, they present as a lobulated, spindled shape with tapered ends in the dorsal epidural space. Both gross and subtotal resection result in favorable neurologic outcomes.
Assuntos
Hemangioma Cavernoso , Doenças da Medula Espinal , Vértebras Torácicas , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Vértebras Torácicas/diagnóstico por imagem , Hemangioma Cavernoso/cirurgia , Hemangioma Cavernoso/diagnóstico , Hemangioma Cavernoso/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças da Medula Espinal/cirurgia , Doenças da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Neoplasias Epidurais/cirurgia , Neoplasias Epidurais/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Epidurais/patologia , Neoplasias Epidurais/complicações , Imageamento por Ressonância MagnéticaRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Simultaneous assessment of neurodegeneration in both the cervical cord and brain across multiple centres can enhance the effectiveness of clinical trials. Thus, this study aims to simultaneously assess microstructural changes in the cervical cord and brain above the stenosis in degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a multicentre study. METHODS: We applied voxelwise analysis with a probabilistic brain/spinal cord template embedded in statistical parametric mappin (SPM-BSC) to process multi parametric mapping (MPM) including effective transverse relaxation rate (R2*), longitudinal relaxation rate (R1), and magnetization transfer (MT), which are indirectly sensitive to iron and myelin content. Regression analysis was conducted to establish associations between neurodegeneration and clinical impairment. Thirty-eight DCM patients (mean age ± SD = 58.45 ± 11.47 years) and 38 healthy controls (mean age ± SD = 41.18 ± 12.75 years) were recruited at University Hospital Balgrist, Switzerland and Toronto Western Hospital, Canada. RESULTS: Remote atrophy was observed in the cervical cord (p = 0.002) and in the left thalamus (0.026) of the DCM group. R1 was decreased in the periaqueductal grey matter (p = 0.014), thalamus (p = 0.001), corpus callosum (p = 0.0001), and cranial corticospinal tract (p = 0.03). R2* was increased in the primary somatosensory cortices (p = 0.008). Sensory impairments were associated with increased iron-sensitive R2* in the thalamus and periaqueductal grey matter in DCM. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous assessment of the spinal cord and brain revealed DCM-induced demyelination, iron deposition, and atrophy. The extent of remote neurodegeneration was associated with sensory impairment, highlighting the intricate and expansive nature of microstructural neurodegeneration in DCM, reaching beyond the stenosis level.
Assuntos
Medula Cervical , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Adulto , Medula Cervical/diagnóstico por imagem , Medula Cervical/patologia , Encéfalo/diagnóstico por imagem , Encéfalo/patologia , Doenças da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Doenças Neurodegenerativas/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças Neurodegenerativas/patologiaAssuntos
Medula Cervical , Doença Relacionada a Imunoglobulina G4 , Humanos , Doença Relacionada a Imunoglobulina G4/complicações , Doença Relacionada a Imunoglobulina G4/diagnóstico , Medula Cervical/diagnóstico por imagem , Medula Cervical/patologia , Masculino , Doenças da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Vértebras Cervicais/diagnóstico por imagemRESUMO
STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. OBJECTIVES: Investigating the association between neurodegeneration within rostral spinal cord and brain gray matter volume (GMV) and assessing the relationship between remote neurodegenerative changes and clinical outcomes at the early phase of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM). SETTING: University/hospital. METHODS: Using Spinal Cord Toolbox, spinal cord morphometrics (cross-sectional area [CSA], gray matter area [GMA], white matter area [WMA]) of 40 patients with CSM and 28 healthy controls (HCs) were computed and compared using two-sample t test. Brain GMV of the two groups was analyzed using voxel-based morphometry approach. Pearson's correlation between spinal cord morphometrics and altered brain GMV and Spearman's relationship between remote neurodegenerations and clinical outcomes were conducted in CSM group. RESULTS: Compared to HCs, CSA and WMA at C2/3 and GMV in right postcentral gyrus (PoCG.R) and left supplementary motor area (SMA.L) were significantly decreased in patients with CSM. CSA and WMA at C2/3 were associated with GMV in SMA.L and MCG.R in patients with CSM. CSA at C2/3 and GMV in PoCG.R were related to modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score in patients with CSM. CONCLUSIONS: The associations between CSA and WMA at C2/3 and GMV in SMA.L and MCG.R suggest a concordant change pattern and adaptive mechanisms for neuronal plasticity underlying remote neurodegeneration in early CSM. The atrophy of CSA at C2/3 and GMV loss in PoCG.R can serve as potential neuroimaging biomarkers of early structural changes within spinal cord and brain preceding marked clinical disabilities in patients with CSM.
Assuntos
Atrofia , Vértebras Cervicais , Substância Cinzenta , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Espondilose , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Substância Cinzenta/patologia , Substância Cinzenta/diagnóstico por imagem , Espondilose/diagnóstico por imagem , Espondilose/patologia , Espondilose/complicações , Atrofia/patologia , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Vértebras Cervicais/diagnóstico por imagem , Vértebras Cervicais/patologia , Idoso , Doenças da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Medula Espinal/patologia , Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Encéfalo/patologia , Encéfalo/diagnóstico por imagem , Adulto , Tamanho do ÓrgãoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated the relationship between sagittal facet orientation and cervical degenerative spondylolisthesis. However, the associations between facet orientation and cervical spinal stenosis (CSS) have rarely been studied. METHODS: One hundred twenty patients with CSS (CSS group) and 120 healthy participants (control group) were consecutively enrolled. The cervical facet angles and anteroposterior diameter (A-P diameter) of spinal canal at each subaxial cervical levels were measured using axial magnetic resonance imaging. The intersection angle of the midsagittal line of the vertebra to the facet line represents the orientation of the facet joint. RESULTS: The facet angles on the right side at C2- C3 and C3-C4 in CSS group and at C2- C3 in control group had significantly higher values than those of the other sides. Besides, the facet angles and A-P diameter of spinal canal in CSS group were significantly smaller than those in control group at all levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that patients with CSS have smaller axial cervical facet joint angles compared to the healthy individuals. Further studies are needed to elicit the specific underlying mechanism between sagittalization of the cervical facet joints and the pathology of CSS.
Assuntos
Doenças da Medula Espinal , Estenose Espinal , Espondilolistese , Articulação Zigapofisária , Humanos , Estenose Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Estenose Espinal/patologia , Articulação Zigapofisária/diagnóstico por imagem , Articulação Zigapofisária/patologia , Vértebras Cervicais/diagnóstico por imagem , Vértebras Cervicais/patologia , Pescoço , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Vértebras Lombares/patologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Performing routine brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely accepted as the standard of care for disease monitoring in multiple sclerosis (MS), but the utility of performing routine spinal cord (SC) MRI for this purpose is still debatable. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure the frequency of new isolated cervical spinal cord lesions (CSLs) in people with MS (pwMS) undergoing routine brain and cervical SC-MRI for disease monitoring and determine the factors associated with the development of new CSLs and their prognostic value. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 1576 pwMS who underwent follow-up 3T brain and cervical SC-MRI over a 9-month period. MRI was reviewed for the presence of new brain lesions (BLs) and CSLs. Clinical records were reviewed for interval relapses between sequential scans and subsequent clinical relapse and disability worsening after the follow-up MRI. RESULTS: In 1285 pwMS (median interval: 13-14 months) who were clinically stable with respect to relapses, 73 (5.7%) had new CSLs, of which 49 (3.8%) had concomitant new BLs and 24 (1.9%) had new isolated CSLs only. New asymptomatic CSLs were associated with ⩾ 3 prior relapses (p = 0.04), no disease-modifying therapy (DMT) use (p = 0.048), and ⩾ 3 new BLs (p < 0.001); ⩾ 3 new BLs (OR: 7.11, 95% CI: 4.3-11.7, p < 0.001) remained independently associated with new CSLs on multivariable analysis. Having new asymptomatic CSLs was not independently associated with subsequent relapse or disability worsening after the follow-up MRI (median follow-up time of 26 months). CONCLUSION: Routine brain and cervical SC-MRI detected new isolated CSLs in only < 2% of clinically stable pwMS. Developing new asymptomatic CSLs was associated with concomitant new BLs and did not confer an independent increased risk of relapse or disability worsening. Performing SC-MRI may not be warranted for routine monitoring in most pwMS, and performing only brain MRI may be sufficient to capture the vast majority of clinically silent disease activity.
Assuntos
Medula Cervical , Esclerose Múltipla , Doenças da Medula Espinal , Humanos , Esclerose Múltipla/diagnóstico por imagem , Esclerose Múltipla/patologia , Medula Cervical/diagnóstico por imagem , Medula Cervical/patologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Progressão da Doença , Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Medula Espinal/patologia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Encéfalo/diagnóstico por imagem , Encéfalo/patologia , RecidivaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Preoperative symptom severity in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) can be variable. Radiomic signatures could provide an imaging biomarker for symptom severity in CSM. This study utilizes radiomic signatures of T1-weighted and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging images to correlate with preoperative symptom severity based on modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scores for patients with CSM. METHODS: Sixty-two patients with CSM were identified. Preoperative T1-weighted and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging images for each patient were segmented from C2-C7. A total of 205 texture features were extracted from each volume of interest. After feature normalization, each second-order feature was further subdivided to yield a total of 400 features from each volume of interest for analysis. Supervised machine learning was used to build radiomic models. RESULTS: The patient cohort had a median mJOA preoperative score of 13; of which, 30 patients had a score of >13 (low severity) and 32 patients had a score of ≤13 (high severity). Radiomic analysis of T2-weighted imaging resulted in 4 radiomic signatures that correlated with preoperative mJOA with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 78%, 89%, and 83%, respectively (P < 0.004). The area under the curve value for the ROC curves were 0.69, 0.70, and 0.77 for models generated by independent T1 texture features, T1 and T2 texture features in combination, and independent T2 texture features, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Radiomic models correlate with preoperative mJOA scores using T2 texture features in patients with CSM. This may serve as a surrogate, objective imaging biomarker to measure the preoperative functional status of patients.
Assuntos
Doenças da Medula Espinal , Espondilose , Humanos , Resultado do Tratamento , Radiômica , Doenças da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças da Medula Espinal/cirurgia , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Vértebras Cervicais/diagnóstico por imagem , Vértebras Cervicais/cirurgia , Vértebras Cervicais/patologia , Espondilose/diagnóstico por imagem , Espondilose/cirurgia , Espondilose/complicações , BiomarcadoresRESUMO
PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of tract-specific diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics in identifying the responsible segments for neurological dysfunction in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). METHODS: The study encompassed nineteen participants diagnosed with CSM, including 10 males and 9 females. Additionally, a control group consisting of ten healthy caregivers (5 males and 5 females) were recruited with no symptoms and no compressions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All participants underwent a comprehensive physical examination, MRI assessment, and DTI examination conducted by a senior chief physician. Several parameters were collected from the MR images, including the aspect ratio (defined as the anteroposterior diameter / the transverse diameter of the corresponding segment's spinal cord), transverse ratio (defined as the transverse diameter of the corresponding segment's spinal cord / the transverse diameter of the spinal cord at C2/3), and T2 high signal of the spinal cord. Furthermore, quantitative DTI metrics, such as axial diffusivity (AD), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and fractional anisotropy (FA), were calculated using automatic region-of-interest (ROI) analysis for both whole spinal cord column and dorsal column. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the aspect ratio, transverse ratio, and DTI parameters. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. Intraoperative spinal cord electrophysiological examination was performed as the objective measure of spinal cord function during surgery. RESULTS: As determined by electrophysiological examination, neurological dysfunction was found in 2 patients due to C3/4 compression, in 10 patients due to C4/5 compression, in 6 patients due to C5/6 compression, and in 1 patient due to C6/7 compression. The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale (mJOA) was 12.71 ± 1.55 in the CSM group, with 4.87 ± 0.72 for sensory nerve function and 5.05 ± 1.35 for motor nerve function. For the control group, none of the volunteers had neurological dysfunction. T2 high signal was found at the most stenotic segment in 13 patients of the CSM group. Considering all the cervical segments, the aspect ratio (AUC = 0.823, P = 0.001, Sensitivity = 68.42%, Specificity = 82.47%) was more capable of determining the responsible segment than transverse ratio (AUC = 0.661, P = 0.027, Sensitivity = 68.42%, Specificity = 67.01%). AD, MD, and RD were significantly higher while FA was significantly lower in the responsible segment than in the irresponsible segment (P < 0.05). The AUC of DTI-Dorsal column parameters (AD, MD, RD, FA) was larger than the corresponding parameters of the DTI (Whole spinal cord). AD of DTI-Dorsal Column possessed the greatest efficacy (AUC = 0.823, sensitivity = 84.21%, specificity = 77.32%) to determine the responsible segment, larger than AD of DTI-Whole spinal cord (AUC = 0.822, P = 0.001, Sensitivity = 89.47%, Specificity = 77.32%), aspect ratio (AUC = 0.823, P = 0.001, Sensitivity = 68.42%, Specificity = 82.47%) and transverse ratio (AUC = 0.661, P = 0.027, Sensitivity = 68.42%, Specificity = 67.01%). Subgroup analysis revealed that the diagnostic efficacy of DTI and MRI parameters was influenced by cervical spine segment. CONCLUSIONS: When considering all cervical segments, AD from the DTI-Dorsal Column exhibited the most significant potential in identifying responsible segments. This potential was found to be superior to that of DTI-Whole spinal cord, aspect ratio, the most stenotic segment, T2 high signals, transverse ratio, motor nerve dysfunction, and sensory nerve dysfunction. The diagnostic effectiveness of both DTI and MRI parameters was notably influenced by the specific cervical spine segment.
Assuntos
Doenças da Medula Espinal , Espondilose , Masculino , Feminino , Humanos , Imagem de Tensor de Difusão/métodos , Doenças da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças da Medula Espinal/cirurgia , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Imagem de Difusão por Ressonância Magnética , Constrição Patológica , Vértebras Cervicais/patologia , Espondilose/diagnóstico por imagem , Espondilose/cirurgia , Espondilose/patologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the ability of intraoperative CEUS to predict neurological recovery in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). METHODS: Twenty-six patients with DCM who underwent laminoplasty and intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) were included in this prospective study. The modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scores and MRI were assessed before surgery and 12 months postoperatively. The anteroposterior diameter (APD), maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC), and area of signal changes in the cord at the compressed and normal levels were measured and compared using MRI and IOUS. Conventional blood flow and CEUS indices (time to peak, ascending slope, peak intensity (PI), and area under the curve (AUC)) at different levels during IOUS were calculated and analysed. Correlations between all indicators and the neurological recovery rate were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients underwent IOUS and intraoperative CEUS, and the total recovery rate was 50.7 ± 33.3%. APD and MSCC improved significantly (p < 0.01). The recovery rate of the hyperechoic lesion group was significantly worse than that of the isoechoic group (p = 0.016). 22 patients were analysed by contrast analysis software. PI was higher in the compressed zone than in the normal zone (24.58 ± 3.19 versus 22.43 ± 2.39, p = 0.019). ΔPI compress-normal and ΔAUC compress-normal of the hyperechoic lesion group were significantly higher than those of the isoechoic group (median 2.19 versus 0.55, p = 0.017; 135.7 versus 21.54, p = 0.014, respectively), and both indices were moderately negatively correlated with the recovery rate (r = - 0.463, p = 0.030; r = - 0.466, p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Signal changes and microvascular perfusion evaluated using CEUS during surgery are valuable predictors of cervical myelopathy prognosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: In the spinal cord compression area of degenerative cervical myelopathy, especially in the hyperechoic lesions, intraoperative CEUS showed more significant contrast agent perfusion than in the normal area, and the degree was negatively correlated with the neurological prognosis. KEY POINTS: ⢠Recovery rates in patients with hyperechoic findings were lower than those of patients without lesions detected during intraoperative ultrasound. ⢠The peak intensity of CEUS was higher in compressed zones than in the normal parts of the spinal cord. ⢠Quantitative CEUS comparisons of the peak intensity and area under the curve at the compressed and normal levels of the spinal cord revealed differences that were inversely correlated to the recovery rate.
Assuntos
Medula Cervical , Compressão da Medula Espinal , Doenças da Medula Espinal , Humanos , Compressão da Medula Espinal/patologia , Estudos Prospectivos , Medula Cervical/diagnóstico por imagem , Medula Cervical/cirurgia , Medula Cervical/patologia , Vértebras Cervicais/diagnóstico por imagem , Vértebras Cervicais/cirurgia , Vértebras Cervicais/patologia , Medula Espinal/patologia , Doenças da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças da Medula Espinal/cirurgia , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred examination approach for patients with suspected cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the predictive value of MRI spinal cord swelling on the prognosis of decompression surgery in patients with CSM. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 115 patients with CSM who underwent decompression surgery was performed. According to whether cervical MRI showed spinal cord swelling, they were divided into a spinal cord swelling group and non-swelling group. The Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (MJOA) score, MJOA improvement rate and abnormal spinal cord enhancement rate in the two groups were compared before and after surgery. Multiple linear regression was used to analyse the influencing factors of the MJOA improvement rate. RESULTS: The time from symptom onset to operation (t= 2.400, p= 0.018) and preoperative MJOA score in the spinal cord swelling group were lower than those in the non-swelling group (t= 3.253, p= 0.002). The body mass index (t= 2.895, p= 0.005), anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal (t= 4.421, p< 0.001), cross-sectional area (t= 3.136, p= 0.002), postoperative improvement rate (t= 4.277, p< 0.001) and proportion of abnormal enhancement of the spinal cord in the swelling group were higher than those in the non-swelling group (χ2= 3.136, p= 0.002). The preoperative MJOA score in the swelling group was lower than that in the non-swelling group (t= 2.583, p= 0.013). A multivariate linear regression model revealed that age and spinal cord swelling were independent predictors of MJOA score improvement, explaining 33.2% of the total variation. CONCLUSION: Patients with CSM with spinal cord swelling have less time from symptoms to surgery, and the degree of preoperative neurological deterioration is more obvious. Spinal cord swelling is an independent predictor of surgical prognosis in patients with CSM.
Assuntos
Doenças da Medula Espinal , Espondilose , Humanos , Resultado do Tratamento , Estudos Retrospectivos , Espondilose/diagnóstico por imagem , Espondilose/cirurgia , Espondilose/patologia , Doenças da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças da Medula Espinal/cirurgia , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Prognóstico , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Vértebras Cervicais/diagnóstico por imagem , Vértebras Cervicais/cirurgia , Edema/patologiaRESUMO
PURPOSE: Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM) is a degenerative condition that leads to loss of cervical spinal cord (CSC) integrity. Various spinal cord Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods can identify and characterize the extent of this damage. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the diagnostic, biomarker, and predictive utilities of different spinal cord MRI methods in clinical research studies of CSM. The aim was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the progress in this direction for future studies and effective diagnosis and management of CSM. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed and EMBASE from 2010 to 2022 according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies with non-human subjects, less than 3T magnetic field strength, non-clinical design, or not quantitatively focusing on the structural integrity of CSC were excluded. The extracted data from each study included demographics, disease severity, MRI machine characteristics, quantitative metrics, and key findings in terms of diagnostic, biomarker, and predictive utilities of each MRI method. The risk of bias was performed using the guide from AHRQ. The quality of evidence was assessed separately for each type of utility for different MRI methods using GRADE. RESULTS: Forty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria, utilizing diffusion-weighted imaging (DTI) (n = 39), magnetization transfer (MT) (n = 6), MR spectroscopy (n = 3), and myelin water imaging (n = 1), as well as a combination of MRI methods (n = 12). The metric fractional anisotropy (FA) showed the highest potential in all facets of utilities, followed by mean diffusivity. Other promising metrics included MT ratio and intracellular volume fraction, especially in multimodal studies. However, the level of evidence for these promising metrics was low due to a small number of studies. Some studies, mainly DTI, also reported the usefulness of spinal cord MRI in mild CSM. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal cord MRI methods can potentially facilitate the diagnosis and management of CSM by quantitatively interrogating the structural integrity of CSC. DTI is the most promising MRI method, and other techniques have also shown promise, especially in multimodal configurations. However, this field is in its early stages, and more studies are needed to establish the usefulness of spinal cord MRI in CSM.
Assuntos
Doenças da Medula Espinal , Espondilose , Humanos , Imagem de Tensor de Difusão/métodos , Doenças da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças da Medula Espinal/etiologia , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Medula Espinal/patologia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Vértebras Cervicais/diagnóstico por imagem , Vértebras Cervicais/patologia , Biomarcadores , Espondilose/complicações , Espondilose/diagnóstico por imagem , Espondilose/patologiaRESUMO
The aim of this study was to determine tissue-specific blood perfusion impairment of the cervical cord above the compression site in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) using intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging. A quantitative MRI protocol, including structural and IVIM imaging, was conducted in healthy controls and patients. In patients, T2-weighted scans were acquired to quantify intramedullary signal changes, the maximal canal compromise, and the maximal cord compression. T2*-weighted MRI and IVIM were applied in all participants in the cervical cord (covering C1-C3 levels) to determine white matter (WM) and grey matter (GM) cross-sectional areas (as a marker of atrophy), and tissue-specific perfusion indices, respectively. IVIM imaging resulted in microvascular volume fraction ([Formula: see text]), blood velocity ([Formula: see text]), and blood flow ([Formula: see text]) indices. DCM patients additionally underwent a standard neurological clinical assessment. Regression analysis assessed associations between perfusion parameters, clinical outcome measures, and remote spinal cord atrophy. Twenty-nine DCM patients and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. At the level of stenosis, 11 patients showed focal radiological evidence of cervical myelopathy. Above the stenosis level, cord atrophy was observed in the WM (- 9.3%; p = 0.005) and GM (- 6.3%; p = 0.008) in patients compared to healthy controls. Blood velocity (BV) and blood flow (BF) indices were decreased in the ventral horns of the GM (BV: - 20.1%, p = 0.0009; BF: - 28.2%, p = 0.0008), in the ventral funiculi (BV: - 18.2%, p = 0.01; BF: - 21.5%, p = 0.04) and lateral funiculi (BV: - 8.5%, p = 0.03; BF: - 16.5%, p = 0.03) of the WM, across C1-C3 levels. A decrease in microvascular volume fraction was associated with GM atrophy (R = 0.46, p = 0.02). This study demonstrates tissue-specific cervical perfusion impairment rostral to the compression site in DCM patients. IVIM indices are sensitive to remote perfusion changes in the cervical cord in DCM and may serve as neuroimaging biomarkers of hemodynamic impairment in future studies. The association between perfusion impairment and cervical cord atrophy indicates that changes in hemodynamics caused by compression may contribute to the neurodegenerative processes in DCM.
Assuntos
Medula Cervical , Doenças Musculoesqueléticas , Compressão da Medula Espinal , Doenças da Medula Espinal , Humanos , Constrição Patológica/patologia , Doenças da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Compressão da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Compressão da Medula Espinal/patologia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Medula Cervical/diagnóstico por imagem , Medula Cervical/patologia , Perfusão , Doenças Musculoesqueléticas/patologia , Atrofia/patologia , Vértebras Cervicais/diagnóstico por imagem , Vértebras Cervicais/patologiaRESUMO
Subacute myelopathy is a rare but serious complication of methotrexate (MTX) that may cause paraplegia. Although its underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated, homocysteine is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of this adverse effect. Herein, we report the case of a 34-years old female patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who developed progressive paraplegia accompanied by dysfunctional bladder and bowel movements after treatment with a modified CODOX-M/IVAC regimen, including high-dose intravenous MTX and intrathecal (IT-) MTX. Neurological symptoms gradually improved to almost normal levels within 4.5 months of onset following treatment with a combination of S-adenosylmethionine, methionine, cyanocobalamin, and folate. During chemotherapy, including high-dose MTX and IT-MTX for hematological malignancies, MTX-induced subacute neuronal damage should be carefully evaluated, and appropriate treatment should be initiated as early as possible.
Assuntos
Doenças da Medula Óssea , Linfoma Difuso de Grandes Células B , Doenças da Medula Espinal , Humanos , Feminino , Adulto , Metotrexato/efeitos adversos , Doenças da Medula Espinal/induzido quimicamente , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Linfoma Difuso de Grandes Células B/induzido quimicamente , Metionina/efeitos adversos , S-Adenosilmetionina/efeitos adversos , Paraplegia/induzido quimicamenteRESUMO
BACKGROUND: To provide normative data and to determine accuracy and reliability of preoperative measurements of spondylolisthesis and kyphosis on supine static magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy. METHODS: T2-weighted midsagittal images of the cervical spine were in 100 cases reviewed twice by one junior observer, with an interval of 3 months, and once by a senior observer. The spondylolisthesis slip (SSlip, mm) and the modified K-line interval (mK-line INT, mm) were assessed for accuracy with the standard error of measurement (SEm) and the minimum detectable change (MDC). Intraobserver and interobserver reliability levels were determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The SEm was 0.5 mm (95% CI 0.4-0.6) for spondylolisthesis and 0.6 mm (95% CI 0.5-0.7) for kyphosis. The MDC, i.e., the smallest difference between two examinations that can be detected with statistical certainty, was 1.5 mm (95% CI 1.2-1.8) for spondylolisthesis and 1.6 mm (95% CI 1.3-1.8) for kyphosis. The highest reliability levels were seen between the second observation of the junior examiner and the senior observer (ICC = 0.80 [95% CI 0.70-0.87] and ICC = 0.96 [95% CI 0.94-0.98] for SSlip and mK-line INT, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides normative values of alignment measurements of spondylolisthesis and kyphosis in DCM patients. It further shows the importance of taking measurement errors into account when defining cut-off values for cervical deformity parameters and their potential clinical application in surgical decision-making.
Assuntos
Cifose , Doenças da Medula Espinal , Espondilolistese , Humanos , Espondilolistese/complicações , Espondilolistese/diagnóstico por imagem , Espondilolistese/patologia , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Cifose/diagnóstico por imagem , Cifose/patologia , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Vértebras Cervicais/patologia , Imageamento por Ressonância MagnéticaRESUMO
The neurological manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, including spontaneous spinal hemorrhage (SSH), are diverse. SSH is a detrimental neurosurgical event requiring immediate medical attention. We aimed to investigate the association between SARS-CoV-2 and SSH and delineate a rational clinical approach. The authors searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published up to January 25, 2023, on SSH and SARS-CoV-2 infection. For each dataset, the authors performed pooled estimates examining three outcomes of interest: (1) early post-intervention neurological status, (2) mortality, and (3) post-intervention neurological rehabilitation outcomes. After reviewing 1341 results, seven datasets were identified for the final analysis. Fifty-seven percent of patients were females. Twenty-eight percent of the patients experienced severe systemic infection. The mean interval between the SARS-CoV-2 infection and neurological presentation was 18 days. Pain and sensorimotor deficits were the most common (57%). Spinal epidural hematoma (EDH) was the most common presentation (71.4%). Three patients were treated conservatively, while 4 received neurosurgical intervention. Pain and sensorimotor deficits had the best treatment response (100%), while the sphincter had the worst response (0%). Long-term follow-up showed that 71% of patients had good recovery. SARS-CoV-2-associated SSH is a rare complication of infection, with an often insidious presentation that requires high clinical suspicion. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and new neurological symptoms or disproportionate neck or back pain require a neuroaxis evaluation. Neurosurgical intervention and conservative management are both viable options to treat SSH following COVID-19. Still, a homogenous approach to the treatment paradigm of SSH cannot be obtained, but lesions with space-occupying effects are suitable for neurosurgical evacuation-decompression while more indolent lesions could be treated conservatively. These options should be tailored individually until larger studies provide a consensus.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Doenças da Medula Espinal , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , COVID-19/patologia , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos , Dor , SARS-CoV-2/fisiologia , Hematoma Epidural Espinal/patologia , Hematoma Epidural Espinal/terapia , Hematoma Epidural Espinal/virologia , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Doenças da Medula Espinal/terapia , Doenças da Medula Espinal/virologia , HematomaRESUMO
Since its development, spinal cord functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has utilized various methodologies and stimulation protocols to develop a deeper understanding of a healthy human spinal cord that lays a foundation for its use in clinical research and practice. In this review, we conducted a comprehensive literature search on spinal cord fMRI studies and summarized the recent advancements and resulting scientific achievements of spinal cord fMRI in the following three aspects: the current state of spinal cord fMRI methodologies and stimulation protocols, knowledge about the healthy spinal cord's functions obtained via spinal cord fMRI, and fMRI's exemplary usage in spinal cord diseases and injuries. We conclude with a discussion that, while technical challenges exist, novel fMRI technologies for and new knowledge about the healthy human spinal cord have been established. Empowered by these developments, investigations of pathological and injury states within the spinal cord have become the next important direction of spinal cord fMRI. Recent clinical investigations into spinal cord pathologies, for example, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and cervical spondylotic myelopathy, have already provided deep insights into spinal cord impairments and the time course of impairment-caused changes. We expect that future spinal cord fMRI advancement and research development will further enhance our understanding of various spinal cord diseases and provide the foundation for evaluating existing and developing new treatment plans.
Assuntos
Doenças da Medula Espinal , Traumatismos da Medula Espinal , Humanos , Medula Espinal/patologia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Traumatismos da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Vértebras CervicaisRESUMO
BACKGROUND: In recent years, structural and functional reorganization of the brain and changes in brainstem structural connectivity have been shown in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). We hypothesized that volume loss in the basal ganglia, thalami, and brainstem structures exists and is associated with spinal cord compression severity in patients with DCM. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with DCM and 25 patients with cervical radiculopathy were evaluated using cervical spinal cord and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Brainstem structures, basal ganglia, and thalami volumes were evaluated with FreeSurfer and compared between groups with correction for individual intracranial volume, as well as patient age and sex. Additionally, spinal cord MRI data were analysed with the Spinal Cord Toolbox, and cross-sectional area (CSA) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values were calculated. Correlations between MR-morphometry data and spinal cord structural changes, as well as disease duration, were also evaluated in patients with DCM. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction in the volume of the whole brainstem was revealed in the DCM group compared to the radiculopathy group (p < 0.01, FDR-corrected). Additionally, reductions in medulla oblongata, pons and midbrain volumes were found in patients with DCM (p < 0.01, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively, FDR-corrected). Additionally, a trend in the loss of volume of the left putamen was found (p = 0.087, FDR-corrected). Furthermore, medulla oblongata volume was correlated with spinal cord compression severity (R = 0.54, adjusted p < 0.001) and white matter damage (R = 0.46, adjusted p < 0.05) in patients with DCM. Negative correlations between the duration of the disease and the severity of spinal cord compression (R = -0.42, adjusted p < 0.05) and white matter damage (R = -0.49, adjusted p < 0.05) were also revealed, as well as a trend toward a negative association between the duration of the disease and the volume of the medulla oblongata (R = -0.35; adjusted p < 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: We revealed a reduction in the volume of brainstem structures in patients with DCM compared to patients with radiculopathy. Moreover, we found that these changes are associated with cord compression severity.
Assuntos
Medula Cervical , Radiculopatia , Compressão da Medula Espinal , Doenças da Medula Espinal , Humanos , Compressão da Medula Espinal/diagnóstico por imagem , Compressão da Medula Espinal/etiologia , Compressão da Medula Espinal/patologia , Doenças da Medula Espinal/patologia , Medula Espinal/patologia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Medula Cervical/diagnóstico por imagem , Medula Cervical/patologia , Tronco Encefálico/patologia , Vértebras Cervicais/patologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical and radiographic outcomes of occipitocervical fusion (OCF) with those of atlantoaxial fusion (AAF) in patients with cervical myelopathy caused by retroodontoid pseudotumors (ROPs). METHODS: This retrospective, comparative study included 26 patients; 12 underwent occipitocervical fusion (OCF) (group O) and 14 retroodontoid pseudotumor (AAF) (group A) with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Neurologic outcomes were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. Radiologic assessment included the maximum anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the anteroposterior-retroodontoid pseudotumor (AP-ROP), C2-7 angle, O-C2 angle, C1-2 angle, atlantodental interval (ADI), range of motion (ROM) of the ADI, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-7 SVA), and T1 slope. Global spinal alignments (pelvic incidence [PI] minus lumbar lordosis [LL] [PI-LL], pelvic tilt, sacral slope, and C7 sagittal vertical axis) were also compared between the groups. RESULTS: Both groups had equally good clinical outcomes with equal complication rates. Three patients had a three-level fusion, 5 cases had a four-level fusion, and 4 cases had more than five-level fusion in group O. All cases had a single-level fusion in group A. Surgical time was significantly shorter in group A. AP-ROP was significantly downsized postoperatively in both groups and was more prominent in group O. C2-7 SVA was significantly increased and C2-7A ROM was significantly reduced in group O at the final follow-up. The PI-LL showed a significant increase in group O at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although OCF and AAF were similarly effective for cervical myelopathy with ROP, AAF was less invasive, and spinal alignment was better maintained postoperatively in AAF than OCF.