Retro-odontoid Pseudotumors Research Articles

Evaluation of the Bone Union Occurring Subsequent to C1-2 Fusion Combined With C1 Laminectomy for the Surgical Treatment of Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumor.

Introduction Surgical treatments for retro-odontoid pseudotumors (ROPs) include C1 laminectomies and C1-2 and occipitocervical (OC) fusions. When a C1 laminectomy is combined with a C1-2 fusion, concerns arise regarding an increased risk of pseudarthrosis due to decreased bone grafting space. Extension of the fusion area to the OC region may be considered to ensure an adequate bone graft bed. However, this procedure is associated with a risk of complications. Thus, in this study, we investigated the bone fusion and clinical outcomes of C1-2 fusion combined with a C1 laminectomy. Methods Between January 2017 and December 2022, seven patients with ROPs who had undergone C1-2 fusion combined with a C1 laminectomy were included in the study. All patients were followed up for >1 year. Bone fusion was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) at one year postoperatively, while implant failure was assessed by radiography at the final follow-up. Clinical evaluations included preoperative and one-year postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and recovery rates. Results This study included five male and two female patients, with an average age of 71.9 years. The average follow-up duration was 3.3 years. The primary anchor choices included the C1 lateral mass screw and the C2 pedicle screw. In one case, the transarticular screw was utilized unilaterally, and in another case, a lamina screw was utilized unilaterally. One year postoperatively, CT revealed bone fusion in three of the seven patients. Fusion occurred at the lateral and median atlantoaxial joints in two cases and one case, respectively. Screw loosening was observed in one case. None of the patients required reoperations. The average JOA recovery rate was 34.6%. Conclusion This surgical technique is useful for stabilizing and decompressing the C1-2 region while preserving mobility at the OC joint. However, further long-term follow-up studies are required.

Comparative Study of Surgical Outcomes of Occipitocervical and Atlantoaxial Fusion for Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumor

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). 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. 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. 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.

Transdural Approach for Resection of Craniovertebral Junction Cysts: Case Series.

Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) cysts, including retro-odontoid pseudotumors, are challenging pathologies to treat and manage effectively. Surgical intervention is indicated when these lesions result in progressive myelopathy, intractable pain, or instability. To present a case series of older patients who underwent successful resection retro-odontoid lesions using transdural approach. A single-center, retrospective observation study of older patients who underwent transdural resection of CVJ cysts at a single institution was performed. Summary demographic information, clinical presentation, perioperative and intraoperative imaging, and Nurick scores were collected and analyzed. Eight patients were included (mean age [±SD] 75.88 ± 9.09 years). All patients presented with retro-odontoid lesions resulting in severe cervical stenosis, cord compression, and myelopathy. The mean duration of surgery was 226 ± 83.7 minutes. The average intraoperative blood loss was 181.2 cc. The average hospital stay was 4.5 days ± 1.3 (range, 3-7 days). The average follow-up time was 12.5 ± 9.5 months. No intraoperative complications were encountered. The Nurick classification score for myelopathy improved at the final postoperative examination (2.38 ± 1.06 vs 1 ± 1.07). Three patients demonstrated a pre-existing deformity prompting an instrumented fusion. Both computed tomography and MRI evidence of complete regression of retro-odontoid cyst were noted in all patients on the final follow-up. Posterior cervical transdural approach for ventral lesions at the CVJ is a safe and effective means of treating older patients with progressive myelopathy. This technique provides immediate spinal cord decompression while limiting neurological complications commonly associated with open or endoscopic anterior transpharyngeal approaches.

Imaging Characterization of Non-Rheumatoid Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumors: Comparison with Atlantoaxial Manifestation of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Backgroundand Objectives: To date, imaging characterization of non-rheumatic retro-odontoid pseudotumors (NRROPs) has been lacking; therefore, NRROPs have been confused with atlantoaxial joint involvement of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is important to differentiate these two disease because the treatment strategies may differ. The purpose of this study is to characterize imaging findings of NRROPs and compare them with those of RA. Material and Methods: From January 2015 to December 2019, 27 patients (14 women and 13 men) with NRROPs and 19 patients (15 women and 4 men) with RA were enrolled in this study. We evaluated various imaging findings, including atlantoaxial instability (AAI), and measured the maximum diameter of preodontoid and retro-odontoid spaces with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Results: Statistical significance was considered for p < 0.05. AAI was detected in eight patients with NRROPs and in all patients with RA (p < 0.0001). Seventeen patients with NRROPs and six patients with RA showed spinal cord compression (p = 0.047). Compressive myelopathy was observed in 14 patients with NRROPs and in 4 patients with RA (p = 0.048). Subaxial degeneration was observed in 25 patients with NRROPs and in 9 patients with RA (p = 0.001). Moreover, C2-3 disc abnormalities were observed in 11 patients with NRROPs and in 2 patients with RA (p = 0.02). Axial and longitudinal diameter of retro-odontoid soft tissue and preodontoid and retro-odontoid spaces showed significant differences between NRROP and RA patients (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, CT AAI measurements were differed significantly between NRROP and RA patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: NRROPs showed prominent retro-odontoid soft tissue thickening, causing compressive myelopathy and a high frequency of subaxial and C2-3 degeneration without AAI.

Operative Technique for Resection of a Ventral Transdural Retro-Odontoid Pannus: A 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Retro-odontoid pseudotumors are rare inflammatory complications of atlantoaxial instability often associated with cervical degenerative disease and rheumatoid arthritis. While propagation of these lesions has been shown to cause spinal cord compression and cervical myelopathy, intradural extension has rarely been reported. In this manuscript and 2-dimensional illustrative intraoperative video, we demonstrate cervical decompression, removal of the intradural component, and stabilization with C1-2 instrumentation using a posterior approach. A 71-year-old patient presented with progressive cervical myelopathy. Preoperative imaging demonstrated a large retro-odontoid pannus causing severe spinal cord compression and an associated contrast-enhancing intradural lesion, in the absence of obvious C1-2 instability or fractures on computed tomography scan. C1-2 posterior decompression and fusion were performed with maximally safe intradural pannus resection and ventral dural reconstruction. Postoperatively, the patient experienced significant improvement in myelopathic symptoms. Imaging demonstrated good spinal cord decompression with complete intradural pannus resection and debulking of the extradural component. Our outcome in this rare complication suggests a posterior approach may be effective in treating similar patients.

Cervical Myelopathy Caused by Non-Rheumatic Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumor: An Investigation of Underlying Mechanisms and Optimal Surgical Strategy.

Retrospective case-control study. This study aimed to identify the underlying pathologies of non-rheumatic retro-odontoid pseudotumors (NRPs), which would help establish an appropriate surgical strategy for myelopathy caused by NRP. We identified 35 patients with myelopathy caused by NRP who underwent surgery between 2006 and 2017. An age- and sex-matched control group of 70 subjects was selected from patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy. Radiographic risk factors for NRP were compared between cases and controls. We also assessed surgical outcomes following occipital-cervical (O-C) fusion, atlantoaxial (C1-2) fusion, or C1 laminectomy. Patients with NRP had significantly lower C1 sagittal inner diameter, C2-7 range of motion (ROM), C2-7 Cobb angle, and C7 tilt, as well as significantly higher C1-2 ROM, atlantodental interval (ADI), and C1-2 to O-C7 ROM ratio. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that ADI, C2-7 ROM, and C7 tilt were independent risk factors for NRP. Neurological recovery and pseudotumor size reduction were comparable among surgical procedures, whereas post-operative cervical spine function was significantly lower in the O-C fusion group than in the other groups. Non-rheumatic retro-odontoid pseudotumor was associated with an increase in ADI, suggesting that spinal arthrodesis surgery is a reasonable strategy for NRP. C1-2 fusion is preferable over O-C fusion because of the high prevalence of ankylosis in the subaxial cervical spine. Given that 29% of patients with NRP have C1 hypoplasia, such cases can be treated by posterior decompression alone. Our study highlights the need to select appropriate surgical procedures based on the underlying pathology in each case.

Nonrheumatoid Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumors: Characteristics, Surgical Outcomes, and Time-Dependent Regression After Posterior Fixation.

ObjectiveAlthough a retro-odontoid pseudotumor associated with rheumatoid arthritis is a well-known clinical entity, little is known about retro-odontoid pseudotumors not associated with rheumatoid arthritis due to their rarity. MethodsBetween 2006 and 2019, consecutive patients with nonrheumatoid pseudotumors were included and retrospectively compared with patients with rheumatoid pseudotumors. ResultsNineteen patients had nonrheumatoid pseudotumors (mean age, 73 ± 6 years; male, 53%). All had cervical lesions including ossified anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments with a history of cervical surgery in 5. The mean thickness of the pseudotumors at diagnosis was 8.1 mm (range, 4.2–17.2 mm). Pseudotumor thickness had a significant negative correlation with the atlantodental interval (p = 0.008) and the subaxial range of motion (p = 0.049). In comparison with 7 rheumatoid pseudotumor patients, nonrheumatoid pseudotumor patients were older (p = 0.042), had a higher proportion of males (p = 0.023), had a smaller atlantodental interval (p = 0.007), and had larger pseudotumors at diagnosis (p = 0.030). Of the 19 patients, 18 received posterior fixation with or without C1 laminectomy, while the other received C1 laminectomy alone. The percent pseudotumor thickness at follow-up to those at diagnosis was 91%, 77%, 68%, 46%, 58%, and 49% at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery, respectively. ConclusionThis study revealed markedly clinical and radiological differences between nonrheumatoid and rheumatoid pseudotumors. The main etiology for nonrheumatoid pseudotumors was subaxial cervical degeneration and ossified lesions. There were good outcomes following posterior fixation and time-dependent pseudotumor regression within 12 months.

Preoperative Cyst Formation as a Predictive Feature of Spontaneous Regression of Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumor After Posterior Fusion

Although the spontaneous regression of pseudotumors after posterior fusion has been reported, the predictive factors remain unclear. We examined the radiological features that predict for the regression of retro-odontoid pseudotumors after posterior fusion, with a specific focus on cyst formation. We included 28 patients with a diagnosis of retro-odontoid pseudotumor using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The radiographic parameters and pseudotumor thickness were measured pre- and postoperatively. The regression rate for each pseudotumor was calculated. The presence of a cyst around the retro-odontoid pseudotumor was investigated. If present, the cyst thickness was measured. To elucidate the predictors for the postoperative regression of pseudotumors, the patients were divided into 2 cohorts: the regression group with a regression rate >40% and the no-regression group with a regression rate of <40%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, including the demographic data and preoperative radiographic parameters as independent variables, was performed. The mean pseudotumor size had decreased significantly from 8.8 ± 3.6 mm preoperatively to 5.3 ± 2.0 mm postoperatively (P < 0.0001). The mean regression rate was 35.9% during a magnetic resonance imaging follow-up period of 8.6 months (range, 6-12 months). Cystic lesions were noted in 10 patients (35.7%) preoperatively. The mean cyst size was 4.7 ± 1.9 mm. All cysts were located dorsal to the pseudotumors and were involved at the maximum spinal compression levels. Nevertheless, all the cysts had disappeared postoperatively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the pseudotumor regression group had had a significantly greater proportion of cysts (57.1% vs. 14.3%; odds ratio, 11.7; P= 0.013). The presence of cystic lesions protruding from retro-odontoid pseudotumors might serve as a predictive factor for the spontaneous regression of pseudotumors after posterior fusion.

Effects of Preservation of the Semispinalis Cervicis Inserted into C2 on Craniocervical Alignment After Laminoplasty

The preservation of nuchal musculature is essential for preventing axial pain and cervical malalignment after laminoplasty. A few studies have examined the effect of preservation of nuchal musculature on the degenerative progression after laminoplasty. We aimed to clarify the influence of preservation of the semispinalis cervicis inserted into C2 on cervical degenerative change and alignment after laminoplasty. We retrospectively reviewed 106 consecutive patients who underwent C3-7 laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy during 2006-2017. Patients wereclassified into 2 groups according to the preservation (P-group; n= 33) or detachment (D-group; n= 73) of the Semispinalis cervicis muscles inserted into the C2 spinous process. Parameters of cervical sagittal alignment, range of motion, and progressive degenerative changes next to or within the range of laminoplasty were evaluated in cervical spine radiographs, and magnetic resonance images obtained during follow-up period. In the D-group, the postoperative C2-7 Cobbangle significantly decreased (-0.06°/month), while the O-C2 Cobb angle significantly increased (0.07°/month). In addition, the C2-7 range of motion significantly decreased in the D-group (-0.12°/month). Degenerative changes in the laminoplasty range were found in 5 patients per group. Three patients from the D-group developed retroodontoid pseudotumors (P < 0.001). To maintain horizontal gaze, the craniocervical segment can compensate for the loss of lordosis by increasing the Cobb angle. Excessive compensation may exert mechanical stress on the atlantoaxial junction, contributing to the development of a retroodontoid pseudotumor. Preservation of the semispinalis cervicis inserted into C2 is critical for the prevention of malalignment after laminoplasty.

A Case of Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumor in a Very Elderly Individual

Retro-odontoid pseudotumors are mainly caused by aging or rheumatoid arthritis. We treated a very elderly patient with retro-odontoid pseudotumor. A 92-year-old man was admitted with the chief complaints of difficulty walking and progressive numbness in the right upper and lower extremities. Neurological examination revealed muscle weakness and exaggerated tendon reflexes of the right upper and lower extremities, and disturbance in skilled motor activities of the fingers, bilaterally. He had no bladder or rectal disturbances. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score for cervical myelopathy was 10/17. Rheumatoid arthritis was interpreted as negative. Radiography of the neck showed no atlanto-axial instability. Cervical magnetic resonance(MR)imaging revealed a mass located posterior to the C2 odontoid process, severely compressing the cervical cord. The patient underwent a C1 laminectomy and C2 half laminectomy without fixation to achieve cord decompression. Postoperatively, muscle weakness in the right upper and lower extremities was remarkably improved, and gait disturbance was also improved. However, skilled motor activities of the fingers on the right hand during tasks such as writing letters, holding a cup, and using chopsticks, were not improved. JOA score was improved to 14/17. Postoperative radiography revealed no atlanto-axial instability and MR imaging revealed adequate decompression of the spinal canal. Laminectomy without fixation is recommended as an effective and less invasive treatment for retro-odontoid pseudotumor, especially in very elderly patients without atlanto-axial instability.

Post-operative regression of retro-odontoid pseudotumors treated with and without fusion.

Retro-odontoid pseudotumor is common in elderly people and is a cause of cervical myelopathy. The goal of the study was to investigate surgical procedures, outcomes, and post-operative spontaneous regression of posterior cervical retro-odontoid pseudotumors. The subjects were 29 patients who underwent surgery for myelopathy due to a retro-odontoid pseudotumor around the craniocervical region at 9 facilities and were followed-up for an average of 54months (range 12-96months). Data were collected in a multicenter review of a retrospective database. Comparisons were performed between cases treated with and without fusion. The JOA recovery rate at final follow-up did not differ significantly between the fusion (n = 17, including all 15 patients with atlantoaxial subluxation) and non-fusion (n = 12) groups. However, pseudotumor regression was significantly more frequent in the fusion group (100% vs. 42%, p < 0.01). In all patients, regression cases had significantly higher rates of contrast enhancement of the pseudotumor on pre-operative T1 gadolinium-enhanced MRI (68% vs. 14%, p = 0.013) and of JOA recovery (50% vs. 30%, p < 0.01). Regression of pseudotumor occurred in all cases treated with fusion surgery. There was a significant difference in pseudotumor regression with or without fusion, and regression was significantly related to gadolinium enhancement on MRI. Therefore, it is preferable to use fusion surgery for a retro-odontoid pseudotumor that shows contrast enhancement, even if there is no apparent instability pre-operatively. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Factors associated with retro-odontoid soft-tissue thickness in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE Increasing soft-tissue mass posterior to the odontoid process causes spinal cord compression. Retro-odontoid pseudotumors are considered to be associated with atlantoaxial instability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the exact mechanism by which these lesions develop has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationships between retro-odontoid soft-tissue (ROST) thickness and radiological findings or clinical data in patients with RA. METHODS A total of 201 patients with RA who had been followed up at the outpatient clinic of the authors' institution were enrolled in this study. ROST thickness was evaluated on midsagittal T1-weighted MRI. The correlations between ROST thickness and radiographic findings or clinical data on RA were examined. The independent factors related to ROST thickness were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression analysis. RESULTS The average thickness of ROST was 3.0 ± 1.4 mm. ROST thickness showed an inverse correlation with disease duration (r = -0.329, p < 0.01), Steinbrocker stage (r = -0.284, p < 0.01), the atlantodental interval (ADI) in the neutral position (r = -0.326, p < 0.01), the ADI in the flexion position (r = -0.383, p < 0.01), and the ADI in the extension position (r = -0.240, p < 0.01). On stepwise multiple regression analysis, ADI in the flexion position and Steinbrocker stage were independent factors associated with ROST thickness. CONCLUSIONS Although the correlations were not strong, ROST thickness in patients with RA was inversely correlated with ADI and Steinbrocker stage. In other words, ROST thickness tends to be smaller as atlantoaxial instability and peripheral joint destruction worsen. Clinical trial registration no.: UMIN000000980 (UMIN Clinical Trials Registry).

Microscopic Posterior Transdural Resection of Cervical Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumors.

Retro-odontoid pseudotumors are noninflammatory masses formed posterior to the odontoid process. Because of their anatomy, the optimal surgical approach for resecting pseudotumors is controversial. Conventionally, 3 approaches are used: the anterior transoral approach, the lateral approach, and the posterior extradural approach; however, each approach has its limitations. The posterior extradural approach is the most common; however, it remains challenging due to severe epidural veins. Although regression of pseudotumors after fusion surgery has been reported, direct decompression and a pathologic diagnosis are ideal when the pseudotumor is large. We therefore developed a new microscopic surgical technique; transdural resection. After C1 laminectomy, the dorsal and ventral dura was incised while preserving the arachnoid. Removal of the pseudotumor was performed and both of the dura were repaired. The patient’s clinical symptoms subsequently improved and the pathologic findings showed degenerative fibrocartilaginous tissue. In addition, no neurological deterioration, central spinal fluid leakage, or arachnoiditis was observed. Currently, the usefulness of the transdural approach has been reported for cervical and thoracic disk herniation. According to our results, the transdural approach is recommended for resection of retro-odontoid pseudotumors because it enables direct decompression of the spinal cord and a pathologic diagnosis.

Surgical Outcome for Hemodialysis-Related Upper Cervical Lesions.

Study DesignA retrospective study.PurposeTo investigate the surgical outcome for hemodialysis-related upper cervical lesions.Overview of LiteratureSurgical outcome of lower cervical lesions in patients undergoing hemodialysis has been reported. However, surgical outcome for upper cervical lesions in hemodialysis patients is unclear.MethodsUpper cervical lesions in nine patients undergoing hemodialysis were surgically treated. Mean age at surgery was 61.6 years (range, 52-68 years), and the mean follow-up period was 45.4 months (range, 2-98 months). Patients had undergone hemodialysis for an average of 25.3 years (range, 16-40 years) at surgery. Seven patients with destructive spondyloarthropathy (DSA) of the upper cervical spine were treated with atlantoaxial or occipitocervical fixation. Two patients with retro-odontoid pseudotumors were treated with C1 posterior arch resection alone. Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores for cervical myelopathy, postoperative complications, postoperative radiography, and preoperative and postoperative occipital pain were evaluated.ResultsMean preoperative and postoperative JOA score was 3.7 and 8.1, respectively. The seven patients with DSA had severe preoperative occipital pain that disappeared postoperatively. Postoperative radiography showed solid bone union in DSA cases and no instability in pseudotumor cases.ConclusionsSatisfactory surgical outcome was observed for hemodialysis-related upper cervical lesions.

Radiographic Risk Factors and Surgical Outcomes for Retroodontoid Pseudotumors

Retrospective review. The aim of this study is to assess the radiographic characteristics of patients with a retroodontoid pseudotumor and to evaluate the efficacy of posterior fusion. Retroodontoid pseudotumors are usually caused by chronic atlantoaxial instability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the pathomechanism and optimum treatment are unknown. We reviewed the charts and radiographs of 11 patients (5 RA and 6 non-RA) with a retroodontoid pseudotumor who underwent posterior fusion. Preoperative radiographs were evaluated for atlantodental interval; Redlund-Johnell criterion; O-C1, C1-2, C2-3, and C2-7 angles. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was used to evaluate clinical outcomes. All RA patients and 1 non-RA patient displayed atlantoaxial subluxation. Three patients underwent occipitocervical fusion and 8 patients atlantoaxial fusion. The JOA score improved significantly from 10.0 to 12.8 at follow-up (P<0.01). The retroodontoid pseudotumor regressed in 10 patients. Maximal thickness of the pseudotumor decreased from 8.9 mm preoperatively to 5.3 mm (P<0.01) at follow-up. In non-RA patients, the mean differences (Δ) between flexion and extension were 7.8, 13.4, 3.5, and 18.5 degrees for ΔO-C1, ΔC1-2, ΔC2-3, and ΔC2-7, respectively. In RA patients, a retroodontoid pseudotumor may develop because of atlantoaxial subluxation. In non-RA patients, excessive atlantoaxial angular motion because of the limited range of motion of O-C1 and/or subaxial vertebra may cause a pseudotumor. Atlantoaxial fusion to suppress atlantoaxial instability is one of the optimum treatments.

Surgical Strategy for a Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumor

Surgical Strategy for a Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumor Retro-odontoid pseudotumors that are not associated with rheumatoid arthritis or hemodialysis are clinically rare. A pseudotumor is a non-neoplastic mass in the retro-odontoid region that can occur in elderly people. Retro-odontoid pseudotumors are regarded as non-neoplastic masses that arise as a result of instability of the atlantoaxial joint. However, Retro-odontoid pseudotumor has occasionally been reported without instability on dynamic radiography.

Factors Influencing on Retro-Odontoid Soft-Tissue Thickness

A retrospective, consecutive case series. To analyze the relationship between retro-odontoid soft-tissue thickness and patients' age, sex, and degenerative changes of cervical spine and to investigate the effect these factors have on retro-odontoid soft-tissue thickness. Thickening of the soft tissue posterior to the odontoid process can form a retro-odontoid pseudotumor causing symptoms of spinal cord compression. Rheumatoid arthritis and long-term dialysis have been reported as possible causes for this. However, there have been reports of retro-odontoid pseudotumors without coexisting diseases. Findings from a total of 503 cases of cervical spine magnetic resonance images were reviewed, and retro-odontoid soft-tissue thickness was measured. The values were matched for age, sex, presence of degenerative changes, rheumatoid arthritis, and dialysis and were analyzed for significance. Retro-odontoid soft tissue thickened with age, and this was also seen in male patients and patients with degenerative changes. Significant increase in thickness was also observed in patients undergoing dialysis and further increased with prolonged dialysis. There was no significant association with presence of rheumatoid arthritis. There is association between age, sex, degenerative cervical spine changes, and dialysis with retro-odontoid soft-tissue thickness. With dialysis, retro-odontoid soft-tissue thickness increases with increasing duration. Thus, reviewing magnetic resonance image from daily practice indicates that cervical spine degeneration is associated with the development of retro-odontoid pseudotumors.

Pseudotumor retroodontoideo en un paciente con hiperostosis esquelética idiopática difusa

Retro-odontoid pseudotumors are lesions caused by inflammatory granulation or reactive soft tissue hypertrophy from chronic atlantoaxial subluxation. However, one-third of the cases reported in the medical literature did not show atlantoaxial instability clearly. The authors present the case of a 76-year-old man previously diagnosed with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis who presented with severe progressive myelopathy. A magnetic resonance imaging of his cervical spine revealed a retro-odontoid predural mass, which caused a severe compression of the cervical spinal cord. The patient underwent a posterior laminectomy of the atlas and an occipitocervical fusion. After surgery, the pseudotumor was considerably smaller and the neurological symptoms improved.

Surgical treatment for retro-odontoid pseudotumors

Surgical treatment for retro-odontoid pseudotumors

Radiographic Analysis of the Cervical Spine in Patients With Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumors

A retrospective review of 10 consecutive patients with a noninflammatory retro-odontoid pseudotumor. To examine the radiographic characteristics in patients with a retro-odontoid pseudotumor and to evaluate the efficacy of posterior fusion. A retro-odontoid pseudotumor, a reactive fibrocartilaginous mass, is known to develop after chronic atlantoaxial instability; however, one-third of the reported cases showed no overt atlantoaxial instability. The pathomechanism for such "atypical" cases remains unclear, although altered cervical motion secondary to ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament (OALL) or severe spondylosis has been implicated. We reviewed the charts and radiographs of 10 patients with a retro-odontoid pseudotumor who underwent surgery. Preoperative radiographs were evaluated for atlas-dens interval (ADI), presence of OALL, range of motion, and segmental motion adjacent to the atlantoaxial joint. Computed tomography was evaluated for degenerative changes of zygapophysial joints. There were 6 men and 4 women. Atlantoaxial instability (ADI >4 mm) was observed in 2 patients. ADI was less than 3 mm in 5 patients. Frequent association of OALL (6 patients) and marked decrease in C2 to C7 range of motion (mean, 17.6 degrees ; range, 3 degrees-36 degrees ) were noted. Ankylosis of O-C1 was observed in 4 patients and C2 to C3 in 6. Severe degenerative change of C2 to C3 zygapophysial joint was observed in 4 patients. The patients underwent occipito-cervical fusion (9 patients) or direct removal of the pseudotumor (1 patient). Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging invariably demonstrated the mass regression. Retro-odontoid pseudotumors were not always associated with radiographic atlantoaxial instability. Our data indicate that extensive OALL and ankylosis of the adjacent segments are risk factors for the formation of the pseudotumor. Retro-odontoid pseudotumors may develop as an "adjacent segment disease" after altered biomechanics of the cervical spine, especially those in the adjacent segments. Posterior fusion was effective even in cases without radiographic atlantoaxial instability.