Intradural Spinal Tumors Research Articles

Clinicopathological Study of Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Tumors and Its Correlation With Functional Outcome.

IntroductionIntradural extramedullary (IDEM) spinal cord tumors account for approximately two-thirds of largely benign intraspinal neoplasms. These are amenable to gross total excision and usually carry a good functional outcome.MethodsIn this study, we reviewed the surgical outcomes of 35 patients who underwent excision of intradural extramedullary tumors. Patient demographics, severity and duration of symptoms, and tumor characteristics (anatomical and pathological) in all operated spinal IDEM tumors were collected. The neurological findings obtained during the preoperative stage and the postoperative follow-up were evaluated according to the Frankel and Nurick grading. The back pain was assessed with help of the Denis pain scale (DPS).ResultsThe histopathological outcomes of the study were as follows: six patients of neurofibroma, 12 cases of schwannoma, nine cases of meningiomas, three cases of ependymoma, one case of dorsal neurenteric cyst, two cases of epidermoid cyst, one case of cauda equina paraganglioma, and one case of filum terminale dermoid cyst. Paresthesia/numbness were the commonest symptoms (88.6%), weakness of limbs in (80%), sphincter dysfunction in 15 patients (42.9%), and paraplegia was seen in three patients (8.57%). The complications encountered were - one case each of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, surgical site infection, and pseudomeningocele. The percentage of spinal canal occupied ranged from 71-94%. The mean percentage of the spinal canal occupied by the tumor was 81.8%.In our series, 77.14% of patients (p<0.0001) had good functional outcomes as per improvement in Frankel score. The DPS and Nurick score mean values showed a significant decrease over the follow-up duration as compared to preoperative mean values. Significant functional improvement was noted at the one-week, one-month, and one-year follow-up, with a p-value of <0.0001.ConclusionsThe IDEM tumors are usually benign and are readily detected by contrast-enhanced MRI scans. These have excellent surgical outcomes with some exceptions. Greater canal occupancy and a longer duration of symptoms are usually seen to correspond with suboptimal functional outcomes.

Spinal intradural extra-arachnoid inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT): Case report and review of the literature

In recent years, molecular genetics studies have highlighted the pathogenesis of IMT, more and more studies have been conducted to explore ALK gene. Literaturelly, the expression of ALK gene in IMT is very rare in central nervous system, while is relative common in non-central nervous system. The present case is the first reported patient with spinal intradural extra-arachnoid Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor (IMT) with overexpressed ALK1. Preoperatively, the case was initially diagnosed as spinal lymphoma. ALK abnormalities was determined by immunohistochemistry and Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH). Spinal IMT has no definite features either clinically or in the imaging manifestations. The disease should be considered when excluding other possible diseases. Keywords: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor; Intradural; ALK; Spine.

Endoscopic spine surgery for cervicothoracic spine neurofibroma: a case report

Introduction: Spinal tumors are rare lesions. The incidence of spinal tumors is about 0.5-2.5 cases per 100,000 population per year.1 Thirty percent of spinal tumors are located intradural. Twenty to thirty percent of intradural tumors are schwannoma and spinal neurofibroma.2 Surgery is the leading choice for schwannomas and neurofibromas that grow progressively or cause neurological deficits.2,3,4 Currently, minimally invasive surgery is developing rapidly, including minimally invasive surgery on spine surgery.Better outcomes are expected in endoscopic spine surgery compared to conventional spine surgery techniques.This paper aims to provide an overview of endoscopic procedures for the surgical removal of spinal tumors.Case description: A 59-year-old man presented paraplegia of both lower limbs. The patient complained difficulty walking for nine months before admitted to the hospital. The patient also complained of difficulty moving both of his legs, burning pain sensation, pain and numbness sensation that radiates from chest region to both of his toes, he felt that his chest was tied, and he complained hard to breathe when he feels pain. Complaints are getting worse until the patient was unable to walk. We found intra-dural extramedullary lesion from the MRI that was suspicious of a nerve cell sheath tumor. The patient underwent surgical treatment for tumor removal with an endoscopic technique, the cancer was complete. From the histopathology, the tumor was a neurofibroma tumor.Conclusion: Neurofibroma is one of the most frequently intradural extramedullary spinal tumors. Good imaging can guide the diagnosis and a good plan for manage patients with spinal tumors. Complete tumor resection provides a better prognosis in patients with neurofibromas. With endoscopic techniques, total spinal tumor removal surgery can be performed. The surgical procedure for spinal tumors using an endoscopic approach may be an option for spinal neurofibromas patients.

Cost and Health Care Resource Utilization Differences After Spine Surgery for Bony Spine versus Primary Intradural Spine Tumors

The aim of this study was to compare complication rates, length of stay (LOS), and hospital costs after spine surgery for bony spine tumors and intradural spinal neoplasms. A retrospective cohort study was performed using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2017. All adult inpatients who underwent surgical intervention for a primary intradural spinal tumor or primary/metastatic bony spine tumor were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis/procedural coding systems. Patient demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative variables, complications, LOS, discharge disposition, and total cost of hospitalization were assessed. Backward stepwise multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of perioperative complication, extended LOS (≥75th percentile), and increased cost (≥75th percentile). A total of 9855 adult patients were included in the study; 3850 (39.1%) were identified as having a primary intradural spinal tumor and 6005 (60.9%) had a primary or metastatic bony spine tumor. Those treated for bony tumors had more comorbidities (≥3, 67.8% vs. 29.2%) and more commonly experienced ≥1 complications (29.9% vs. 7.9%). Multivariate analyses also showed those in the bony spine cohort had a higher odds of experiencing ≥1 complications (odds ratio [OR], 4.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.04-5.97; P < 0.001), extended LOS (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.75-3.38; P< 0.001), and increased cost (OR, 5.32; 95% CI, 3.67-7.71; P< 0.001). Relative to patients being treated for primary intradural tumors, those undergoing spine surgery for bony spine tumors experience significantly higher risk for perioperative complications, extended LOS, and increased cost of hospital admission. Further identification of patient and treatment characteristics that may optimize management of spine oncology may reduce adverse outcomes, improve patient care, and reduce health care resources.

Laminectomy versus Unilateral Hemilaminectomy for the Removal of Intraspinal Schwannoma: Experience of a Single Institution and Review of Literature.

Spinal schwannomas are benign slow-growing tumors, and gross total resection is the gold standard of treatment. The conventional surgical approach is laminectomy, which provides a wide working area. Today minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is popular because it is associated with shorter hospital stay, less operative blood loss, minimized tissue traumas and relative postoperative pain, and, and spine surgery, avoidance of spinal instability. From January 2016 to December 2019, we operated on 40 patients with spinal intradural extramedullary tumor (schwannoma) with laminectomy or hemilaminectomy. Baseline medical data, including patients' sex and age, tumor location, days of postoperative bed rest, operative time, length of hospitalization, and 1-month visual analog scale (VAS) value were collected and analyzed. Data analysis was performed using STATA/IC 13.1 statistical package (StataCorp LP, College Station, Texas, United States). Hemilaminectomy was associated with faster operative time (p < 0.001), shorter postoperative time spent in bed (p < 0.001), and shorter hospitalization (p < 0.001). At 1-month follow-up, the mean VAS score was 4.6 (1.7) among the laminectomy patients and 2.5 (1.3) among the hemilaminectomy patients (p < 0.001). Postoperative complications occurred in 1 (7.7%) and 7 (25.9%) patients in the hemilaminectomy and laminectomy groups, respectively (p = 0.177). Unilateral hemilaminectomy has significant advantages compared with laminectomy in spinal schwannoma surgery including shorter operative time, less time spent in bed, shorter hospitalization, and less postoperative pain.

Clinical outcome of intradural extramedullary spinal cord tumors: A single-center retrospective analytical study.

Background: Intradural extramedullary spinal cord tumors (IESCT) account for approximately two-thirds of largely benign intraspinal neoplasms. They occasionally present with acute neurological deterioration warranting emergent surgical intervention.Methods: Here, we reviewed a series of 31 patients with intradural extramedullary spinal tumors who underwent surgery from 2012 to 2019. Patients averaged 50.8 years of age, and there were 16 males and 15 females. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year. Multiple clinical outcome variables were studied (e.g., Karnofsky Performance Score [KPS], visual analog scale (VAS), and Frankel grade).Results: The majority of IESCT tumors were found in the thoracic spine 18 (58.06%) followed by the lumbar 8 (25.80%), cervical 1 (3.22%), and combined junctional tumors 4 (12.90%) (cervicothoracic-02 and thoracolumbar-02). Histopathological diagnoses included schwannomas-16 (51.61%), meningiomas-11 (35.48%), lipomas-2 (6.45%), hemangiomas-1 (3.22), and ependymomas-01 (03.22%). The VAS score was reduced in all cases, while KPS and Frankel grades were significantly improved. Complications included cerebrospinal fluid leakage, new/residual paresthesias, and tumor recurrence (12.50%).Conclusion: Most intradural extramedullary tumors are benign and are readily diagnosed utilizing MRI scans. Notably, good functional outcomes follow surgical intervention.

Minimally Invasive Resection of Spinal Tumors with Tubular Retractor: Case Series, Surgical Technique, and Outcome

Traditional laminectomy for excision of spinal tumors involves extensive dissection of the midline spinous ligaments, greater blood loss, and risk of delayed segmental instability. The minimally invasive technique of spinal tumor resection using tubular retractors can achieve safe and complete tumor resection while preserving the structural and functional integrity. The authors present their experience of minimally invasive spinal surgery for spinal tumors in this case series. The authors retrospectively reviewed 41 consecutive spinal tumor cases operated by the MISS-Key Hole technique using the tubular retractor system at Sree Utharadom Thirunal Hospital, Kerala, India between January 2015 and January 2020. Preoperative clinical findings, surgical technique, operative statistics, complications, and patient outcomes were analyzed in detail. We could successfully achieve gross total resection in 39 cases (95.12%) and subtotal resection in 2 cases. There were 4 cervical, 1 craniovertebral junction, 20 thoracic, 14 lumbar, and 2 sacral lesions, of which 4 were extradural, 1 extradural foraminal, 33 intradural, and 3 dumbbell lesions. The Modified McCormick Scale at 12 weeks had improved by 1-2 scales in all but 2 patients. There was no cerebrospinal fluid leak, pseudomeningocele, or infection in our series. This series demonstrates the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of the keyhole approach for excision of intradural and extradural spinal tumors extending up to 2 levels. Careful case selection, good preoperative planning, meticulous microsurgical resection, and watertight dural closure are crucial for successful outcome. Early mobilization, less blood loss, and avoidance of delayed instability are the advantages of minimally invasive spinal surgery when compared with open surgery.

Sodium Fluorescein for Spinal Intradural Tumors.

Technological innovations in spinal intradural tumor surgery simplify treatment. Surgical treatment of cranial benign and malignant pathologies under microscope with sodium (Na)-fluorescein guidance has often been reported, but few studies have focused on spinal intradural tumors. We aimed to investigate the usefulness of Na-fluorescein under yellow filter in intradural spinal tumor surgery by retrospectively reviewing cases involving intramedullary and extramedullary tumors operated under the guidance of Na-fluorescein. Forty-nine adult patients with a diagnosis of spinal intradural tumor operated under a yellow filter (560 nm) microscope using Na-fluorescein dye were included in the study. Demographic data, such as age and sex, neurological status, extent of tumor resection, histopathological diagnosis, Na-fluorescein staining pattern, and its usefulness during surgery were noted and statistically analyzed. Of all recruited patients, 26 women (53.1%) and 23 men (46.9%), were included for analysis. The age range of the patients was 18–64 years, with a mean age of 41.6 ± 13.9. An intradural intramedullary mass was found in 30.6% (n = 15) of the patients, and an intradural extramedullary mass in 69.4% (n: 34). While Na-fluorescein staining was homogeneous in all intradural extramedullary tumors, 73.3% (n: 11) of intradural intramedullary tumors were homogeneous, and 13.3% (n: 2) moderately heterogeneous. In the whole study group, the Na-fluorescein staining pattern was helpful in surgical resection in 47 cases (95.9%). While 34/34 (100%) found it helpful for extramedullary tumors, 13/15 (86.7%) did in intramedullary tumors, and for 2/15 (13.3%) it was not. In conclusion, Na-fluorescein helps in distinguishing tumor from healthy tissue in intradural extramedullary and intramedullary tumor surgery under a yellow filter microscope in most cases, thus providing convenient assistance to surgeons.

Spinal Intraosseus Schwannoma: A Case Report

Introduction: Schwannomas are the most frequent extramedullary intradural spinal tumors, accounting for approximately 24% of all nerve sheath tumors in adults. In a lower percentage of cases they may be extradural or transdural (1-19%). Intramedullary schwannomas and intraosseous schwannoma are quite rare tumors representing. Case Description: A 74-year-old woman presented intense low back pain for a few months, associated with left cruralgia and dysesthesia spread to both lower limbs. Magnetic resonance and computed tomography examination demonstrated an extramedullary intradural osteolytic lesion located in the posterior part of the vertebral body and pedicles of L1. The patient underwent a first surgery 4 years earlier with complete removal of the tumor but after about two years she had a recurrence. She was then subjected to a new intervention of decompression, removal of the tumor and arthrodesis. The histological findings were compatible with a classical schwannoma characterized by intraosseous growth and multifocal bone infiltration. Conclusion: We reported a rare case of intraosseous schwannoma presenting as a recurrence four years after radical surgical removal of a classic lumbar schwannoma. Only 25 cases of these tumors have been previously reported and none of them as an intraosseous recurrence.

Spinal schwannoma causes acute subarachnoid haemorrhage: A case report and literature review

BackgroundSpinal schwannomas that arise from spinal nerve root sheaths are the most common intradural extramedullary spinal tumours and are often accompanied by nerve roots or spinal cord irritation symptoms. The phenomenon of spinal schwannoma causing subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is rare, with ependymoma of the conus medullaris accounting for most cases. Case reportA 45-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to progressive lower limb weakness and sudden back pain after hard physical work. The patient had not been able to walk for 2hours upon admission. An emergency magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed that the spinal cord at the C6-T4 level was severely compressed by a subdural mass. During the emergency operation, exploration of the dura and arachnoid mater revealed a fresh blood clot covering a tumour located on the ventral side of the spinal cord. The size of the tumour was approximately 3×2×1cm without adhesion to the surrounding tissue, but the drainage vein was ruptured. Postoperative pathology showed that the tumour was a schwannoma with areas of fresh haemorrhage and focal necrosis. ConclusionsSpinal schwannomas presenting with SAH are rare events. In our opinion, spinal pathology with rapid progression of neurological symptoms requires early diagnosis and emergency management. Complete excision of haemorrhagic tumours is the goal of treatment to prevent recurrence, which can effectively avoid irreversible damage to the spinal cord resulting from spinal cord compression.

Shape Factor of the Spinal Cord: A Possible Predictor of Surgical Outcome for Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Tumors in the Thoracic Spine.

Study Design:Retrospective diagnostic analysis.Objectives:To establish a new predictor of surgical outcome after surgery for intradural extramedullary spinal tumor (IDEMT) in the thoracic spine, we introduced shape factor (SF), a mathematical description of the morphology of the spinal cord. SF was calculated by dividing object area by the square of perimeter.Materials and Methods:Forty-three consecutive patients with IDEMT, detected by magnetic resonance imaging at the thoracic level with myelopathic signs, were included. Preoperative transverse cross-sectional area (CSA) and perimeter of the spinal cord (perimeter) at the level of maximal compression were measured. SF was calculated as 4π × CSA/(perimeter)2. The association between clinicoradiological factors and surgical outcome of IDEMT was statistically analyzed.Results:Mean CSA, perimeter, and SF were 27.8 ± 15.8 mm2, 28.8 ± 6.1 mm, and 0.385 ± 0.14, respectively. A histogram distribution revealed that perimeter and SF, but not CSA, fit the normal distribution. The patients were subdivided into 2 groups according to postoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Score (mJOA). [group F (favorable): n = 32, mJOA ≥ 9; group UF (unfavorable): n = 11, mJOA < 9). Group UF had significantly lower mean CSA and SF. In univariate analysis of possible predictive factors for IDEMT surgery, greater age, lower preoperative mJOA, and lower SF were significantly associated with unfavorable outcome. In multivariate analysis, lower SF was the only significant predictor of postoperative outcome (odds ratio = 2.66, 95% CI 1.10–6.39, p = 0.0115).Conclusion:Measurements of CSA and perimeter, followed by calculation of SF, may provide valuable quantitative information for the outcome of surgery for IDEMT.

Clinicopathological study of intradural extramedullary spinal tumors in central Indian rural hospital: 6-year experience

BACKGROUND: Single institutional study of intradural extramedullary (IDEM) based on clinical presentation, location, and histopathological diagnosis.AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate a single institution-based epidemiology of IDEM spinal tumors in Rural Hospital of Central India.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is retrospective observational study from July 2013 to July 2019 in the Department of Neurosurgery, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram. A total of 27 patients fulfilled the criteria and were included in the study. The case records of the patients were identified and studied for clinical manifestation, neurological examination, and radiological and histopathological diagnosis.RESULTS: Out of total 35 spinal tumors, 27 patients were IDEM tumors (77.14%) with male-to-female ratio of 1:1.07. While spinal nerve sheath tumors were slightly more common in males, meningioma had significant female preponderance. The most common location of spinal tumor was dorsal spine and the most common histopathological type was schwannoma.CONCLUSION: At present, no published study about epidemiology of IDEM tumors in central India is present. This study may provide the clinicopathological profile of various IDEM spinal tumors for our region.

Bone-to-bone ligament preserving laminoplasty technique for reconstruction of laminae.

Introduction:Laminoplasty is a method used in spinal intradural tumor surgery to reduce the possibility of iatrogenic deformity. In classic laminoplasty, the interspinous, supraspinous, and ligamentum flavum integrity may be impaired, thereby creating a risk of deformity despite the laminoplasty. The aim of this study was to review the outcomes of bone-to-bone ligament preserving laminoplasty (BLP laminoplasty) technique.Materials and Methods:The data of 14 cases who underwent BLP laminoplasty for intradural spinal tumor between 2017 and 2019 were reviewed. Through examination of preoperative and postoperative computed tomography images and flexion-extension lateral X-rays, the fusion and kyphotic changes were evaluated in the laminas. An axial Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate clinical satisfaction.Results:The cases comprised 10 females and 4 males, with a mean age of 39.2 years (range, 16–52 years). The masses were intramedullary in six cases and extramedullary in eight. Lumbar region localization was most frequent. Ependymoma was determined in 8 cases, schwannoma in 4, and meningioma in 2. Laminoplasty was applied at 43 levels (10 thoracic and 33 lumbar). No complications were observed, and fusion was obtained in all the cases at the end of 1 year. No segmental kyphotic changes were determined. In the clinical evaluation, the VAS scores improved from 3.4 ± 2.0 preoperatively to 1.8 ± 2.1 postoperatively.Conclusion:BLP laminoplasty is a safe technique which preserves posterior ligamentous integrity. Furthermore, the use of ultrasonic bone scalpel provides a narrower gap between laminae and other bones, preventing dislocation, and allowing for more fusion, and consequently preventing kyphosis.

Intraoperative Neuromonitoring in Patients with Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Cord Tumor: A Single-Center Case Series

Intradural extramedullary spinal cord tumors (ID-EMSCT) make up 40% of all spinal neoplasms. Resection of these tumors is mostly conducted using intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM). However, the literature shows heterogenous data on its added value for ID-EMSCT. The aim of this study is to define sensitivity and specificity of IONM in ID-EMSCT resection and to study possible correlations between preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables and neurologic outcomes after ID-EMSCT resection. Data of patients undergoing ID-EMSCT surgeries with IONM from January 2012 until July 2019 were examined. Using neurologic status 6 weeks and 1 year postoperatively, sensitivity and specificity for IONM were calculated. IONM test results and neurologic outcomes were paired to preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters. Data of 78 patients were analyzed. 6 weeks postoperatively, 14.10% of patients had worse neurologic status, decreasing to 9.84% 1 year postoperatively. Multimodal IONM showed a sensitivity of 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.94) and a specificity of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.66-0.87) after 6 weeks, and a sensitivity of 1.00 (95% CI, 0.54-1.00) and a specificity of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.57-0.82) after 1 year. IONM yielded high to perfect sensitivity and high specificity. However, IONM signals did not always determine the extent of resection, and false-positive results did not always result in incomplete tumor resections, because of surgeons overruling IONM. Therefore, IONM cannot fully replace clinical judgment and other perioperative information.

A refined method of en bloc open-door laminoplasty for resection of intradural spinal tumors in the thoracic and lumbar spine

BackgroundThe open-door laminoplasty has been used to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy. This technique has been applied to the surgical treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal canal tumors instead of simple laminectomy or hemilaminectomy. However, previously reported laminoplasty methods did not keep posterior supporting elements intact such as the laminae and the spinous processes with supraspinous and interspinous ligaments, and almost all of them needed instruments for the fixation of reconstructed laminae. The purpose of this paper is to introduce our open-door laminoplasty method, which keep all posterior supporting elements intact and reconstruct the laminae without instrument. MethodsEight patients (mean age 61 years) underwent en bloc open-door laminoplasty in the thoracic and lumbar spine for resection of intradural spinal tumors. Two grooves are made bilaterally on the laminae just medial side of the facet joints. One-half of each spinous process of the adjacent vertebrae above and below the laminoplasty is cracked diagonally to create a green stick fracture and bent to the hinged side for sufficient elevation of the laminar flap. After tumor resection, the laminar flap is restored to its original site, resulting in the complete preservation of the posterior supporting elements. ResultsOperative exposure was good and permitted complete resection. No complications such as postoperative spinal canal stenosis or kyphosis were observed. Computed tomography(CT) indicated that bony fusion occurred in all cases. ConclusionThe supraspinous and interspinous ligaments above and below laminoplasty were kept intact during surgery in our method. Therefore, the continuity of posterior supporting elements (laminae and spinous processes connected by supraspinous and interspinous ligaments) were completely preserved.

Intradural Spinal Tumour Resections at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust: Service Evaluation

Background: Intradural spinal tumour resections at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (ROH) are undertaken by a team of 3 consultant spinal neurosurgeons. This service evaluation aims to assess current practice of intradural tumour resection at this tertiary centre and compare pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative outcomes to principles of care published in 2006 by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in 'Improving Outcomes for People with Brain and Other CNS Tumours'.

Management of Extramedullary Intradural Spinal Tumors: The Impact of Clinical Status, Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring and Surgical Approach on Outcomes in a 12-Year Double-Center Experience.

Objective: Intradural Extramedullary (IDEM) tumors are usually treated with surgical excision. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact on clinical outcomes of pre-surgical clinical conditions, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM), surgical access to the spinal canal, histology, degree of resection and intra/postoperative complications.Methods: This is a retrospective observational study analyzing data of patients suffering from IDEM tumors who underwent surgical treatment over a 12 year period in a double-center experience. Data were extracted from a prospectively maintained database and included: sex, age at diagnosis, clinical status according to the modified McCormick Scale (Grades I-V) at admission, discharge, and follow-up, tumor histology, type of surgical access to the spinal canal (bilateral laminectomy vs. monolateral laminectomy vs. laminoplasty), degree of surgical removal, use and type of IONM, occurrence and type of intraoperative complications, use of Ultrasonic Aspirator (CUSA), radiological follow-up.Results: A total number of 249 patients was included with a mean follow-up of 48.3 months. Gross total resection was achieved in 210 patients (84.3%) mostly in Schwannomas (45.2%) and Meningiomas (40.4%). IONM was performed in 162 procedures (65%) and D-wave was recorded in 64.2% of all cervical and thoracic locations (99 patients). The linear regression diagram for McCormick grades before and after surgery (follow-up) showed a correlation between preoperative and postoperative clinical status. A statistically significant correlation was found between absence of worsening of clinical condition at follow-up and use of IONM at follow-up (p = 0.01) but not at discharge. No associations were found between the choice of surgical approach and the extent of resection (p = 0.79), the presence of recurrence or residual tumor (p = 0.14) or CSF leakage (p = 0.25). The extent of resection was not associated with the use of IONM (p = 0.91) or CUSA (p = 0.19).Conclusion: A reliable prediction of clinical improvement could be made based on pre-operative clinical status. The use of IONM resulted in better clinical outcomes at follow-up (not at discharge), but no associations were found with the extent of resection. The use of minimally invasive approaches such as monolateral laminectomy showed to be effective and not associated with worse outcomes or increased complications.

Long-term outcomes of spinal meningioma resection with outer layer of dura preservation technique

Spinal meningioma is a common benign intradural spinal tumor. It has been reported that the local recurrence rate after surgical resection increases with longer follow-up duration. Simpson grade 1 resection could reduce the risk of recurrence, but this procedure needs dural reconstruction, which would cause cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage or iatrogenic spinal cord injury. Saito et al. reported dura preservation technique to reduce the risk of CSF leakage, in which the meningioma together with the inner layer of the dura is removed and the outer layer is preserved for simple dural closure. The long-term outcomes with this technique have never been investigated. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the data of 38 surgically treated patients (dura preservation technique, 12 patients; Simpson grade 2 resection, 26 patients) to assess the long-term recurrence rate (mean, 121.5 months; range, 60–228 months). The local recurrence rate in the dura preservation group was 8.3% (1 of 12 cases), which was similar to that in Simpson grade 2 resection group (2 of 26 cases [7.7%]). Although this case series did not indicate the significant difference in the recurrence rates between the dura preservation group and Simpson grade 2 group, we consider that this technique still has advantages for surgically less invasiveness in terms of dural reconstruction which is necessary for Simpson grade 1 and higher possibility of complete resection of tumors compared with Simpson grade 2 resection.

Evaluating the Clinical Utility and Cost of Imaging Strategies in Adults with Newly Diagnosed Primary Intradural Spinal Tumors

In patients with new primary intradural spinal tumors, the best screening strategy for additional central nervous system (CNS) lesions is unclear. The goal of this study was to document the rate of additional CNS tumors in these patients. Adults with primary intradural spinal tumors were retrospectively reviewed. Imaging strategy at diagnosis was classified as focused spine (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar), total spine, or complete neuraxis (brain and total spine). Tumor pathology, genetic syndromes, and presence of additional CNS lesions at diagnosis or follow-up were collected. The study comprised 319 patients with mean age of 51 years and mean follow-up of 41 months. In 151 patients with focused spine imaging, 3 (2.0%) were found to have new lesions with 2 (1.4%) requiring treatment. In 35 patients with total spine imaging, there were no additional lesions. In 133 patients with complete neuraxis imaging, 4 (3.0%) were found to have new lesions with 2 (1.5%) requiring treatment. There was no difference in the identification of new lesions (P= 0.542) or new lesions requiring treatment (P= 0.772) across imaging strategies. Among patients without genetic syndromes, rates of new lesions requiring treatment were 1.4% for focused spine, 0% for total spine, and 2.2% for complete neuraxis (P= 0.683). There were no cases of delayed identification causing risk to life or neurological function. Complete neuraxis imaging carried an increased charge of $4420 per patient. Among patients without an underlying genetic syndrome, the likelihood of identifying additional CNS lesions requiring treatment is low. In appropriate cases, focused spine imaging may be a more cost-effective strategy.

Evaluating the Clinical Utility and Cost of Complete Neuraxis Imaging in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Primary Intradural Spinal Tumors

Evaluating the Clinical Utility and Cost of Complete Neuraxis Imaging in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Primary Intradural Spinal Tumors