Computed Tomography Myelogram Research Articles

Spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak in the context of pars interarticularis fracture

BackgroundSpinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak can lead to intracranial hypotension and is an important differential diagnosis to consider in patients with sudden-onset chronic daily headaches. Pars interarticularis (PI) fracture is a potential rare cause of suspected spinal CSF leak.MethodsThis is a retrospective case series of 6 patients with suspected spinal CSF leak evaluated between January 2016 and September 2019. All patients received a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain with and without gadolinium, MRI whole spine and full spine computed tomography (CT) myelogram. Targeted epidural patches with fibrin sealant were performed. Treatment response at return visit (3 months post-patch) was documented.ResultsSix patients (4 females, 2 males) were diagnosed with a suspected spinal CSF leak and PI fracture. Mean age at the time of headache onset was 39 years old, and a range from 32 to 50 years old. Mean time to targeted epidural patches with fibrin sealant was 4.5 years. All 6 patients had PI fractures identified on CT myelogram and received targeted epidural patches with fibrin sealant at the site of the PI fracture. All patients had significant improvement in their headache intensity.ConclusionOur study highlights: 1) the importance of PI fracture as a possible culprit of suspected spinal CSF leak in patients with intracranial hypotension; 2) the added benefit of CT imaging for detecting bony abnormalities such as fractures in patients with intracranial hypotension; and 3) the successful treatment of suspected spinal CSF leak when targeting the fracture site.

Cauda Equina Syndrome: A Rare Presentation in Burkitt Lymphoma

NOTICE: THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a serious neurological condition in which neurological dysfunction affects the lumbar and sacral nerve roots within the vertebral canal. The most common cause is central disc protrusion at L5 - S1 level. Diagnosis usually requires imaging studies including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) myelogram. We present a very rare case of CES due to extensive Burkitt lymphoma involving spinal cord. J Med Cases. 2019;10(6):168-170 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3308

The Evaluation of Indirect Neural Decompression After Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using Intraoperative Computed Tomography Myelogram

The effect of indirect decompression after lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is widely acknowledged; however, its details remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of indirect decompression just after LLIF cage placement but just before posterior instrumentation, using intraoperative computed tomography myelogram (iCTM). Fifty-three levels from 28 patients undergoing LLIF with iCTM, were included in this retrospective study. Radiographic parameters were obtained from preoperative computed tomography myelogram and iCTM. Segmental correction, cross-sectional areas of the spinal canal, and bilateral foramen were compared preoperatively and intraoperatively to assess the neural decompression just after LLIF cage placement. Canal stenosis status during axial computed tomography myelogram was classified into 3 grades according to modified Schizas's grading to determine the necessity of additional posterior decompression procedures. The Oswestry Disability Index was obtained before and 3 months after the operation. Significant improvements in all radiological parameters of segmental correction, cross-sectional areas of the spinal canal, and bilateral foramen were observed just after LLIF cage placement. However, 11 (21%) levels had insufficient neural decompression status with iCTM grade (10 central canal and 1 lateral recess stenosis), requiring further direct posterior decompression. The difference in the improvement of Oswestry Disability Index between the decompression and nondecompression group was not significant, suggesting the validity of our decision. Detailed evaluation with iCTM revealed that adequate indirect decompression with LLIF was not always obtained, validating the intraoperative decision of further posterior decompression. This procedure, LLIF with iCTM, may reduce the risk of unnecessary direct decompression and reoperation after insufficient indirect decompression.

Prevalence of hyperdense paraspinal vein sign in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension without dural CSF leak on standard CT myelography.

A recently identified and treatable cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-venous fistula, and a recently described computed tomography myelogram (CTM) finding highly compatible with but not diagnostic of this entity is the hyperdense paraspinal vein sign. We aimed to retrospectively measure the prevalence of the hyperdense paraspinal vein sign on CTMs in SIH patients without dural CSF leak, in comparison with control groups. Three CTM groups were identified: 1) SIH study group, which included dural CSF leak-negative standard CTMs performed for SIH, with early and delayed imaging; 2) Early control CTMs, which were performed for indications other than SIH, with imaging shortly after intrathecal contrast administration; 3) Delayed control CTMs, which included delayed imaging. CTMs were retrospectively reviewed for the hyperdense paraspinal vein sign by experienced neuroradiologists, blinded to the group assignment. All CTMs deemed by a single reader to be positive for the hyperdense paraspinal vein sign were independently reviewed by two additional neuroradiologists; findings were considered positive only if consensus was present among all three readers. For positive cases, noncontrast CTs and prior CTMs, if available, were reviewed for the presence of the sign. Seven of 101 (7%) SIH patients had contrast in a spinal/paraspinal vein consistent with the hyperdense paraspinal vein sign; no patient in either control group (total n=54) demonstrated the hyperdense paraspinal vein sign (P = 0.0463). The finding occurred only at thoracic levels. Each patient had a single level of involvement. Six (86%) occurred on the right. Four occurred in female patients (57%). The sign was seen on early images in 3 of 7 cases (43%) and on both early and delayed images in 4 of 7 cases (57%). In 2 of 7 patients (29%), a noncontrast CT covering the relevant location was available and negative for the sign. A prior CTM was available in 2 of 7 patients (29%), and in both cases the hyperdense paraspinal vein sign was also evident. The prevalence of the hyperdense paraspinal vein sign in SIH patients with dural CSF leak-negative standard CTM was 7%. As the sign was not seen in control groups, this sign is highly compatible with the presence of CSF-venous fistula. Since the CTMs were not specifically dedicated to identifying hyperdense paraspinal veins (i.e., they were not dynamic and were not preceded by digital subtraction myelography), the true prevalence of the sign may be higher. Radiologists should scrutinize conventional CTMs for this sign, especially in patients in whom a traditional dural CSF leak is not identified.

A Case of Recurrent Bacterial Meningitis Due to Retained 54-Year-Old Ureterodural Anastomosis.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are the current treatment of choice for congenital hydrocephalus. It is rare for physicians to see patients with alternative types of shunting devices. Lumboureteral shunts, once popular from the 1940s to 1960s, decompress via the genitourinary system. Immediate complications were dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, infection, and the sacrifice of a functional kidney. Long-term complications include retrograde meningitis due to urinary tract infections. Three shunt types have been documented: polyethylene, silicone rubber, and ureterodural anastomosis. Routine imaging cannot detect a ureterodural anastomosis, and if suspected, computed tomography myelogram is needed for confirmation. This article presents the case of a man with long-standing ureterodural anastomosis that required ligation after recurrent episodes of acute meningitis secondary to urinary retention.

Myelography in the Assessment of Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis and Its Influence on Surgical Management.

ObjectiveMyelography has been shown to highlight foraminal and lateral recess stenosis more readily than computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It also has the advantage of providing dynamic assessment of stenosis in the loaded spine. The advent of weight-bearing MRI may go some way towards improving assessment of the loaded spine and is less invasive, however availability remains limited. This study evaluates the potential role of myelography and its impact upon surgical decision making.MethodsOf 270 patients undergoing myelography during 2006–2009, a period representing peak utilisation of this imaging modality in our unit, we identified 21 patients with degenerative scoliosis who fulfilled our inclusion criteria. An operative plan was formulated by our senior author based initially on interpretation of an MRI scan. Subsequent myelogram and CT myelogram investigations were scrutinised, with any additional abnormalities noted and whether these impacted upon the operative plan.ResultsFrom our 21 patients, 18 (85.7%) had myelographic findings not identified on MRI. Of note, in 4 patients, supine CT myelography yielded additional information when compared to supine MRI in the same patients. The management of 7 patients (33%) changed as a result of myelographic investigation. There were no complications of myelography of the total 270 analysed.ConclusionMRI scan alone understates the degree of central and lateral recess stenosis. In addition to the additional stenosis displayed by dynamic myelography in the loaded spine, we have also shown that static myelography and CT myelography are also invaluable tools with regards to surgical planning in these patients.

Preoperative Computed Tomography Myelography Parameters as Predictors of Outcome in Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Results of a Systematic Review.

Study Design:Systematic review.Objectives:To determine the preoperative computed tomography (CT) myelogram imaging parameters in patients diagnosed with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) that correlate with severity of DCM and predict postoperative patients’ functional outcome.Methods:An electronic database search was performed using Ovid Medline and Embase. CT myelogram studies investigating the correlation between imaging characteristics and DCM severity or postoperative outcomes were included. Two independent reviewers performed citation screening, selection, qualitative assessment, and data extraction using an objective and blinded protocol.Results:A total of 5 studies (402 patients) were included in this review and investigated the role of preoperative CT myelogram parameters in predicting the functional outcome after surgical treatment of DCM. All studies were retrospective cohort studies. CT myelogram characteristics included the transverse area of the spinal cord at maximum level of compression, spinal canal narrowing, number of blocks, spinal canal diameter, and flattening ratio. There is low evidence suggesting that patients with a preoperative transverse area of the spinal cord >30 mm2 at the level of maximum compression have better postoperative recovery and outcome. We found no studies investigating the correlation between preoperative CT myelogram parameters and DCM severity.Conclusions:Patients with greater transverse area of spinal cord at the level of maximum compression on the preoperative CT myelogram are more likely to have better neurological outcome after surgery. There is insufficient evidence to suggest that any of the other CT myelogram parameters investigated are predictors of postoperative outcomes in patients with DCM.

Dosimetric analysis of varying cord planning organ at risk volume in spine stereotactic body radiation therapy

BackgroundSpine stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is becoming widely accepted as first-line treatment of oligometastatic spine disease as well as in the postoperative setting. The reported incidence of myelopathy is very low and guidelines vary widely on the maximum tolerable dose of the spinal cord and thecal sac. Methods and materialsBetween April 2008 and December 2010, radiation parameters were exported for 46 patients treated with spine SBRT at the Mayo Clinic. Using an in-house data mining program, dose-volume histogram constraints were extracted, including dose prescription, dose fractionation, planning target volume, planning target volume coverage, maximum dose to the cord, D2cc thecal sac, and D2cc spinal cord. Diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging scans and/or computed tomography myelograms were fused with the planning set to delineate the cord and thecal sac for receiver operating characteristic analysis of cord and thecal sac subvolume doses. A high-resolution planning at-risk volume was created in 1-mm increments for cord (1-7 mm) and the thecal sac (1-2 mm) to examine dose gradients that might be correlated with toxicity. ResultsNo patients experienced myelopathy with a median follow-up of 14 months. The most common toxicities were pain and nausea. Median values of D2cc maximum dose (maximum dose received by 2 cc of the organ at risk; biologically equivalent 2-Gy dose maximum [EQD2]) for cord and thecal sac were 38.5 Gy (range, 7.5-67.9 Gy) and 67.7 Gy (range, 15.5-155.8 Gy), respectively. Median values for high-dose subvolumes for cord and thecal sac were 2 times higher than the doses for 5% predicted grade 3 cord toxicity as recommended in the current literature. Cord D0.1cc[EQD2] ≥23.8 Gy was correlated with pain flare (n = 5). Thecal sac D2cc [EQD2] ≥29.3 Gy was a significant indicator of nausea. ConclusionCurrent guidelines may overestimate the risk of myelopathy from spine SBRT. The current study's population included both radiation-naïve and retreatment cases, but no myelopathy was observed despite exceeding recommended spine limits.

Nuances in Localization and Surgical Treatment of Syringomyelia Associated with Fenestrated and Webbed Intradural Spinal Arachnoid Cyst: A Retrospective Analysis

Intradural spinal arachnoid cysts (SACs) are among many etiologies for syringomyelia. Consequentially, neurologic symptoms arise such as pain, gait disturbance, and bladder dysfunction. Identification of SAC on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be challenging, as SACs can be fenestrated or in the form of fine webs. Imaging and clinical data for 7 patients who underwent surgical treatment for SAC associated with syringomyelia were reviewed. All previous publications of this pathology were reviewed via MEDLINE search. Seven patients with a mean age 59 years were found to have a SAC causing syringomyelia. Intraoperative exploration confirmed SAC appearances of fine webs or a fluid-filled loculation impinging on the spinal cord. Common presentations were back pain, gait disturbance, and bladder incontinence. Diagnosis was made by MRI, although in 3 cases, the SAC was not identified on the initial review. Computed tomography myelogram was performed in one case due to the enlarged syringomyelia and lack of obvious spinal cord compression. Thoracic laminectomy/laminoplasty was performed for all patients, centered at the level of a subtle indentation of the cord; the syringomyelia proper was not directly addressed. Postoperatively, all patients had complete resolution of their symptoms with MRI demonstrating resolution of the syringomyelia. Careful evaluation of the MRI can demonstrate subtle indentation of the cord at the caudal or cephalad end of the syringomyelia and may obviate the need for additional imaging. Meticulous arachnoid dissection and establishment of good CSF flow is sufficient for resolution of the syringomyelia, averting the need for more aggressive procedures.

Radionuclide tagged blood cell patch to monitor spine coverage for spontaneous diffuse CSF leaks

We present a 14-year-old female patient with a 2 yr history of positional headache secondary to spontaneous diffuse cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. We treated the leak with an epidural blood patch which was radioactively labeled by a well- established nuclear medicine technique. Because spontaneous CSF leaks were frequently multifocal or diffuse throughout the spine, the extent of coverage or distribution of an epidural patch was generally determined by best estimate. Traditional radiographic contrast media mixed with the blood cellshad been used to monitor the patch coverage and it is questionable whether the contrast can be representative of the cell distribution. We applied a nuclear medicine technique to label the autologous red blood cells to monitor the range of spinal cord coverage of each epidural patch. After two visible epidural patches covered both the lumbar and thoracic spine, computed tomography myelogram demonstrated significantly decreased leakage when compared to the pre-patch images. However, the patient's symptoms remained essentially unchanged in the long term, which is consistent with refractory spontaneous CSF leaks. We believe that this sophisticated nuclear medicine blood labeling technique is a simple and accurate way to monitor the true cell coverage of the spine and the pattern of distribution.

Heterotopic Ossification Causing Radiculopathy after Lumbar Total Disc Arthroplasty

To date, no reports have presented radiculopathy secondary to heterotopic ossification following lumbar total disc arthroplasty. The authors present a previously unpublished complication of lumbar total disk arthroplasty (TDA) secondary to heterotopic ossification (HO) in the spinal canal, and they propose a modification to the McAfee classification of HO. The patient had undergone an L5/S1 lumbar TDA two years prior due to discogenic back pain. His preoperative back pain was significantly relieved, but he developed new, atraumatic onset radiculopathy. Radiographs and a computed tomography myelogram revealed an implant malposition posteriorly with heterotopic bone formation in the canal, causing an impingement of the traversing nerve root. Revision surgery was performed with implant extraction, L5/S1 anterior lumbar interbody fusion, supplemental posterior decompression, and pedicle screw fixation. The patient tolerated the procedure well, with complete resolution of the radicular leg pain. At a two-year follow up, the patient had a solid fusion without subsidence or recurrence of heterotopic bone. This case represents a novel pattern of heterotopic ossification, and it describes a previously unreported cause for implant failure in lumbar disc replacement surgery-reinforcing the importance of proper intraoperative component positioning. We propose a modification to the existing McAfee classification of HO after TDA with the addition of Class V and VI HO.

Hydatid disease of spine: Multiple meticulous surgeries and a long term followup.

We present a long term followup (13 years) of spinal hydatid disease with multiple recurrences and intradural dissemination of the disease at the last followup. Intradural extension of the disease in our case was supposedly through the dural rent which has not been reported in English literature. An early followup of the same case has been reported previously by the authors. A 53 year-old female came with progressive left leg pain and difficulty in walking since 2 months. On examination, she had grade four power of ankle and digit dorsiflexors (L4 and L5 myotomes) on the left side (Medical Research Council grade). There was no sensory loss, no myelopathy and sphincters were intact. Plain radiographs showed consolidation at D10-D11 (old operated levels) with stable anterior column and there were no implant related problems. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic lesion at L3-L4, signal intensity same as of cerebrospinal fluid in T2 and T1, displacing the cauda equina roots. The proximal extent of the lesion could not be identified because of artifacts from previous stainless steel instrumentation. Computed tomography myelogram showed complete block at L3-L4 junction with “meniscus sign”. This is the longest followup of hydatid disease of the spine that has ever been reported. Hydatid disease should always be included in the differential diagnosis of destructive or infectious lesions of the spine. Aggressive radical resection whenever possible and chemotherapy is the key to good results. Recurrence is known to occur even after that. Disease can have long remission periods. Possibility of intradural dissemination through dural injury is highly likely. Hence, it should always be repaired whenever possible.

Pig lumbar spine anatomy and imaging-guided lateral lumbar puncture: A new large animal model for intrathecal drug delivery

Intrathecal (IT) administration is an important route of drug delivery, and its modelling in a large animal species is of critical value. Although domestic swine is the preferred species for preclinical pharmacology, no minimally invasive method has been established to deliver agents into the IT space. While a “blind” lumbar puncture (LP) can sample cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), it is unreliable for drug delivery in pigs. Using computed tomography (CT), we determined the underlying anatomical reasons for this irregularity. The pig spinal cord was visualised terminating at the S2–S3 level. The lumbar region contained only small amounts of CSF found in the lateral recess. Additional anatomical constraints included ossification of the midline ligaments, overlapping lamina with small interlaminar spaces, and a large bulk of epidural adipose tissue. Accommodating the the pig CT anatomy, we developed a lateral LP (LLP) injection technique that employs advanced planning of the needle path and monitoring of the IT injection progress. The key features of the LLP procedure involved choosing a vertebral level without overlapping lamina or spinal ligament ossification, a needle trajectory crossing the midline, and entering the IT space in its lateral recess. Effective IT delivery was validated by the injection of contrast media to obtain a CT myelogram. LLP represents a safe and reliable method to deliver agents to the lumbar pig IT space, which can be implemented in a straightforward way by any laboratory with access to CT equipment. Therefore, LLP is an attractive large animal model for preclinical studies of IT therapies.

Postpartum workup of postdural puncture headache leads to diagnosis and surgical treatment of thoracic pseudomeningocele: a case report

Postdural puncture headache is a well-known complication of neuraxial anesthesia in childbirth. There are, however, many other causes of postpartum headache, some of which may present like postdural puncture headache and confuse the diagnosis. We report a case of postpartum headache due to pseudomeningocele. A 31-yr-old primigravida presented at 35weeks gestation for induction of labour. A pre-pregnancy history of migraines was suspicious for low cerebrospinal fluid headache, but this had been ruled out by normal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the headaches had resolved with pregnancy. A labour epidural was easily placed at L3/4. On postpartum day one the patient complained of mild headache, and the severe pre-pregnancy headache returned within weeks. The pounding occipital/hemispheric headache was associated with nausea and vomiting; it worsened over the day, and improved when the patient was supine. A repeat brain MRI showed evidence of intracranial hypotension, and an epidural blood patch was performed at L3/L4 with no improvement. A second blood patch was performed ten days later, still with no improvement. A subsequent brain MRI showed unchanged intracranial hypotension, and a spine MRI revealed a pseudomeningocele at T7. A computed tomography myelogram confirmed a T7/8 pseudomeningocele. The patient underwent direct microsurgical exploration and repair four months later, which was followed by re-operation ten months later. The patient's condition has since remained significantly improved. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a wide differential in the workup of postpartum headache after regional anesthesia, particularly in cases refractory to blood patch. This case also reveals a T7 pseudomeningocele causing spontaneous intracranial hypotension that otherwise may not have been detected and corrected.

Laterality of cervical disc herniation

Cervical disc herniation (CDH) is found more frequently at the lower cervical spine than at the upper or middle level. However, there is scarcity of data about the laterality of CDH. The aim of this study is to detect the laterality of CDH. We retrospectively evaluated preoperative computed tomography myelograms and magnetic resonance images of 75 cases of CDH who underwent single level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C4-5, C5-6, or C6-7 levels from 2008 to 2010 in our institute. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square test. Eleven cases were found at C4-5 level, 42 cases at C5-6 level, and 22 cases at C6-7 level. At C4-5 level, CDH was recognized at the right side in 2 cases, at the left side in 2 cases, and at the center in 7 cases. At C5-6 level, CDH was found at the right side in 20 cases and at the left side in 22 cases. At C6-7 level, CDH was found at the right side in 3 cases and at the left side in 19 cases with significantly high frequency of left-sided CDH (p < 0.025). In this study, it was revealed that the left-sided CDH was more frequent than the right-sided CDH at C6-7 level.

Recurrent pleural effusion without intrathoracic migration of ventriculoperitoneal shunt catheter: A case report

Pleural effusion is a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting, usually due to the migration of the VP shunt catheter into the thorax. Herein we report a neurologically disadvantaged child with a lobar holoprosencephaly and hydrocephalus, initially treated with a VP shunt, who years later developed recurrent right-sided pleural effusion ultimately confirmed to be a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hydrothorax without intra-thoracic migration of the distal shunt catheter. Thoracentesis was compatible with a transudative effusion. Given the presence of a persistent pleural effusion, beta-2 transferrin concentrations were measured, which yielded a positive result. Plain radiographs and head computed tomography (CT) showed a normally positioned, functional VP shunt. A spine CT myelogram to look for a spinal dural-thoracic CSF fistula was negative. A radionuclide CSF shunt study demonstrated normal functioning VP shunt with radiotracer accumulation within the peritoneum, with subsequent tracer rapidly accumulating in the right hemithorax. Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) exploration with drainage of the pleural effusion and pleurodesis was then performed. No diaphragmatic defect or shunt tubing within the thorax was found and the procedure failed to resolve the effusion. The patient's recurrent effusion was ultimately resolved with intracranial endoscopic choroid plexus coagulation to decrease CSF output.

Transfer of a Motor Fascicle From the Ulnar Nerve to the Branch of the Radial Nerve Destined to the Long Head of the Triceps for Restoration of Elbow Extension in Brachial Plexus Surgery

Restoration of elbow extension has not been considered of much importance regarding functional outcomes in brachial plexus surgery; however, the flexion of the elbow joint is only fully effective if the motion can be stabilized, what can be achieved solely if the triceps brachii is coactivated. To present a novel nerve transfer of a healthy motor fascicle from the ulnar nerve to the nerve of the long head of the triceps to restore the elbow extension function in brachial plexus injuries involving the upper and middle trunks. Case 1 is a 32-year-old man sustaining a right brachial extended upper plexus injury in a motorcycle accident 5 months before admission. The computed tomography myelogram demonstrated avulsion of the C5 and C6 roots. Case 2 is a 24-year-old man who sustained a C5-C7 injury to the left brachial plexus in a traffic accident 4 months before admission. Computed tomography myelogram demonstrated signs of C6 and C7 root avulsion. The technique included an incision at the medial border of the biceps, in the proximal third of the involved arm, followed by identification of the ulnar nerve, the radial nerve, and the branch to the long head of the triceps. The proximal stump of a motor fascicle from the ulnar nerve was sutured directly to the distal stump of the nerve of the long head of the triceps. Techniques to restore elbow flexion and shoulder abduction were applied in both cases. Triceps strength Medical Research Council M4 grade was obtained in both cases. The attempted nerve transfer was effective for restoration of elbow extension in primary brachial plexus surgery; however, it should be selected only for cases in which other reliable donor nerves were used to restore elbow flexion.

Intrathecal Catheter Granuloma Associated with Continuous Sufentanil Infusion

Intrathecal sufentanil is a minimally utilized opioid for patients with intractable pain refractory to traditional intrathecal medications. We present an 86-year-old female with a history of multiple spine surgeries who eventually progressed to having chronic, intractable, and diffuse low back pain. After failing medical management, she underwent a successful intrathecal trial of opioid therapy and was subsequently treated with an implantable drug delivery system (IDDS) or intrathecal pump. We describe the first reported case of formation of a catheter tip granuloma associated with intrathecal infusion of sufentanil. Due to increasing opioid requirements and gradually escalating pain, a computed tomography myelogram was performed to explore neuraxial etiologies of her symptoms. This investigation revealed the presence of a catheter tip-associated inflammatory mass (granuloma). All patients receiving intrathecal medications, including sufentanil, must be considered for the possibility of catheter-associated granuloma, particularly with symptoms of altered neurological function and/or increasing medication requirements associated with worsening pain.

Postoperative spinal epidural hematoma at a site distant from the main surgical procedure: a case report and review of the literature

Background Context Postoperative spinal epidural hematomas are known complications of spinal surgery. However, to our knowledge, there are no known cases of postoperative spinal epidural hematoma that occurred distant from the portion of the procedure that breached the spinal canal. Purpose To report a case and review the literature on the development of postoperative spinal epidural hematoma at a site distant from the portion of the surgical procedure that breached the spinal canal. Study Design Case report and review of the literature. Methods One patient at our institution developed a hematoma at a site distant from the surgical procedure that breached the spinal canal. We retrospectively reviewed the patient's clinical charts, radiographs, and computed tomography scans. Results A 57-year-old woman with adult scoliosis and junctional kyphosis underwent a pedicle subtraction osteotomy and long spinal fusion from T3 to the sacrum. Three hours postoperatively, she developed paraplegia with a neurologic deficit at a level distant from the site at which the spinal canal was surgically breached. A computed tomography myelogram revealed a spinal epidural hematoma that was causing compression of the spinal cord in the upper thoracic spine. The patient was returned to the operating room emergently and underwent laminectomy and hematoma evacuation. She had near-complete recovery 5 months after surgery. Conclusion Spinal epidural hematomas are rare but dangerous complications that can result in severe neurologic deficits. A neurologic examination should always be conducted in the operating room immediately after surgery; if it is abnormal, spinal epidural hematoma should be suspected. If the examination indicates a deficit at a site distant from the original surgery, then diagnostic reimaging (magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography myelogram) is indicated.

Migration of Laminar Hook Causing Thoracic Myelopathy Eight Years Post Scoliosis Surgery

Case report. A case report describing late presentation of neurologic injury with latent infection following scoliosis surgery. Neurologic injury is a well described complication of scoliosis surgery. Late presentations of neurologic injury are rare but have been reported. To our knowledge, there are no reports of late presenting thoracic cord compression from a Cotrel-Dubousset type hook and rod instrumentation associated with latent indolent infection. A 23-year-old man, 8 years status post T3-L3 posterior spinal fusion for scoliosis, presented with approximately a 6-month history of progressive leg numbness and mild weakness. Computed tomography myelogram showed cord compression from a laminar hook at T10 on the left side. The patient's neurologic status improved after device removal. Intraoperative tissue cultures grew coagulase-negative Staphylococci despite having normal preoperative laboratory data for infection. We report a case of late presenting neurologic injury from migration of a laminar hook causing thoracic cord compression and myelopathy. Removal of device resulted in discovery of a latent infection and satisfactory neurologic recovery.