Abstract
Intraoperative spinal sonography (IOSS) was performed in 28 patients with extramedullary spinal tumours. Images were obtained of 31 tumours, because 2 patients had multiple tumours. There were 17 neurilemmomas, 9 meningiomas and 2 dermoid cysts. All tumours appeared well-defined and highly echogenic. There was no difficulty differentiating extramedullary spinal tumours from intramedullary masses excepting case, a big neurilemmoma at the conus medullaris. All images were assessed with reference to the surface of the lesions, the existence of cysts, and movement. Neurilemmomas had smooth surfaces, some cysts, and exhibited a "floating" movement. Meningiomas had irregular surfaces, were more highly echogenic than neurilemmomas, and adhered tightly to the dura mater. However, some neurilemmomas and meningiomas did not have these, and it was not always possible to differentiate them. Although IOSS has limitations of resolution, it gave useful information about the size of the tumours, the degree of displacement of the spinal cord, and even about the type of tumour in some cases. It was extremely helpful to the surgeon.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.