Spinal Adhesive Arachnoiditis Research Articles

Does long segment subarachnoido-subarachnoid shunt prevent posttraumatic and postinfectious spinal arachnoid cyst recurrence?: technical note and case series

Syringomyelia associated with extensive spinal adhesive arachnoiditis (SAA) can be defined as a rare but progressive disease with potentially devastating clinical consequences. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the absence of specific clinical findings, confusion with other pathologies, and late imaging modalities. The treatment strategy for syringomyelia associated with extensive SAA should include direct drainage of the syringomyelia, and dissection of the adhesive arachnoid with expansive duraplasty. Hence, several approaches have been reported for arachnoid dissection and decompression of the subarachnoid space. The high risk of recurrence after the operation is one of the most challenging situations. First two cases were operated previously, and the cyst walls were removed and anastomosed to the intact subarachnoid space at the upper and lower ends by each other. However, in both cases, the cyst recurred after a short time and they were anastomosed again in our clinic. A subarachnoid-subarachnoid shunt was placed with a multi-hole silicone tube extending to the proximal and distal intact subarachnoid spaces and passing through the cyst removal area. In our third case, the shunt system we described was applied directly, and satisfactory results were obtained in the clinical follow-up of the patient. It has been demonstrated that subarachnoido-subarachnoid shunt is a very satisfactory treatment option for this type of pathology, which is difficult to follow and treat.

Surgical Management of Syringomyelia Associated with Spinal Adhesive Arachnoiditis

Surgical Management of Syringomyelia Associated with Spinal Adhesive Arachnoiditis

Flexible thecoscopy for extensive spinal arachnoiditis.

Chronic adhesive spinal arachnoiditis (SA) is a complex disease process that results in spinal cord tethering, CSF flow blockage, intradural adhesions, spinal cord edema, and sometimes syringomyelia. When it is focal or restricted to fewer than 3 spinal segments, the disease responds well to open surgical approaches. More extensive arachnoiditis extending beyond 4 spinal segments has a much worse prognosis because of less adequate removal of adhesions and a higher propensity for postoperative scarring and retethering. Flexible neuroendoscopy can extend the longitudinal range of the surgical field with a minimalist approach. The authors present a cohort of patients with severe cervical and thoracic arachnoiditis and myelopathy who underwent flexible endoscopy to address arachnoiditis at spinal segments not exposed by open surgical intervention. These observations will inform subsequent efforts to improve the treatment of extensive arachnoiditis. Over a period of 3 years (2017-2020), 10 patients with progressive myelopathy were evaluated and treated for extensive SA. Seven patients had syringomyelia, 1 had spinal cord edema, and 2 had spinal cord distortion. Surgical intervention included 2- to 5-level thoracic laminectomy, microscopic lysis of adhesions, and then lysis of adhesions at adjacent spinal levels performed using a rigid or flexible endoscope. The mean follow-up was 5 months (range 2-15 months). Neurological function was examined using standard measures. MRI was used to assess syrinx resolution. The mean length of syringes was 19.2 ± 10 cm, with a mean maximum diameter of 7.0 ± 2.9 mm. Patients underwent laminectomies averaging 3.7 ± 0.9 (range 2-5) levels in length followed by endoscopy, which expanded exposure by an average of another 2.4 extra segments (6.1 ± 4.0 levels total). Endoscopic dissection of extensive arachnoiditis in the dorsal subarachnoid space proceeded through a complex network of opaque arachnoidal bands and membranes bridging from the dorsal dura mater to the spinal cord. In less severely problematic areas, the arachnoid membrane was transparent and attached to the spinal cord through multifocal arachnoid adhesions bridging the subarachnoid space. The endoscope did not compress or injure the spinal cord. Intrathecal endoscopy allowed visual assessment and safe removal of intradural adhesions beyond the laminectomy margins. Further development of this technique should improve its effectiveness in opening the subarachnoid space and untethering the spinal cord in cases of extensive chronic adhesive SA.

Immunotherapies in chronic adhesive arachnoiditis - A case series and literature review.

Chronic spinal adhesive arachnoiditis (CSAA) is a rare condition with limited therapeutic options. Surgical treatment proves effective in approximately 60% of cases. Conservative treatment options have not been extensively investigated. Here, we report the course of the disease, analyze the effect of immune treatments in patients with CSAA who were treated in the University Hospital Essen between 2015 and 2020, and conduct a literature review. Three out of four patients showed no improvement after treatment with corticosteroids, methotrexate, or plasmapheresis. All non-responders suffered from CSAA for several years, while one patient who had a disease duration of less than one month fully recovered. It is necessary to verify whether treatment at an early stage of the disease is better than treatment after chronic adhesion manifestation, as it interrupts the development of adhesions and all subsequent complications.

Lift-up式椎弓形成術を応用して癒着剝離術を行った脊髄癒着性くも膜炎の1例

Lift-up式椎弓形成術を応用して癒着剝離術を行った脊髄癒着性くも膜炎の1例

Safety and Efficacy of Syringoperitoneal Shunting with a Programmable Shunt Valve for Syringomyelia Associated with Extensive Spinal Adhesive Arachnoiditis: Technical Note

Although syringomyelia associated with extensive spinal adhesive arachnoiditis (SAA) can be a progressive disease that has potentially devastating clinical consequences, its surgical resolution has remained poorly defined. The aim of the present study was to verify the safety and efficacy of syringoperitoneal shunting for syringomyelia associated with extensive SAA. The present retrospective study included 15 patients who had undergone syringoperitoneal shunting with a programmable shunt valve for the diagnosis of syringomyelia associated with extensive SAA from October 2012 to June 2018. The shunt pressure was appropriately adjusted according to the postoperative sequential clinical condition and change in syringomyelia evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging. The average postoperative follow-up duration was 32.7 months. No surgery-related complications such as shunt dysfunction or infection occurred during the follow-up period, except for 2 patients with minor issues with the shunt tube. The average shunt pressure at the last follow-up examination was 4.5 cm H2O. The findings from the clinical assessment suggested that the average grade on the sensory pain scale was 2.9 before surgery and had improved significantly to 2.5 at the most recent follow-up examination. Radiological analysis suggested that improvement of syringomyelia was noted in 14 of the 15 patients (93.3%), with no cases of radiological aggravation. No recurrence of syringomyelia developed during the follow-up period in the present study. Syringoperitoneal shunting with a programmable shunt valve was safe and effective for clinical control of syringomyelia associated with extensive SAA. Long-term follow-up is mandatory to monitor for shunt dysfunction and mechanical trouble.

Extensive Spinal Adhesive Arachnoiditis After Extradural Spinal Infection–Spinal Dura Mater Is No Barrier to Inflammation

Spinal adhesive arachnoiditis (SAA) is an inflammatory process of the meninges. Cystic changes and cicatrization may lead to neurologic deficits and immobilization. Therapy is difficult and often unsatisfactory. We describe 8 cases of extensive SAA after extradural spinal infection. A total of 238 patients with epidural abscess or osteomyelitis were treated at our institution between 2011 and 2018. We identified 8 patients who developed extensive SAA on follow-up. Different forms of the disease, radiologic changes, and potential treatment options are described. Eight patients developed extensive SAA after either spontaneous epidural infection in 4 cases (50%) or after surgery or steroid injection (50%). Initial treatment for epidural infection was surgery without dural injury in 87.5%. One patient was treated conservatively. SAA was diagnosed 1 month to 8 years after the initial infection, not only in the index region but throughout the whole spine, with varying clinical symptoms. Treatment options such as corticosteroids (n= 4), thecaloscopy (n= 1), syringe-subarachnoid shunting (n= 1), and focal or multilevel arachnolysis (n= 5) were applied. In 2 patients (25%), a rare complication of internal malabsorptive hydrocephalus had to be treated. Patients showed diverse outcomes at last follow-up (mean, 37 months). The prognosis for extensive SAA is poor. Surgical interventions may improve radiologic findings and clinical presentation at least temporarily. Even extradural infection can lead to severe SAA. Early surgery with local reduction of the epidural infection might reduce the risk of inflammation passing the dural sac and causing SAA.

THECALOSCOPY: A NOVEL METHOD IN SPINE SURGERY

ABSTRACT Objetive: Thecaloscopy is a less invasive method of exploration of the spinal subarachnoid space, using an ultra-thin, flexible endoscope and endoscopic fenestration of scars and adhesions. Thecalopscopy was used in Russian neurosurgery for the first time. Methods: Since 2009, we have operated on 32 patients with the following diagnoses: 17 - spinal adhesive arachnoiditis (8 - local forms, 9 - diffuse forms), 12 - spinal arachnoid cysts (7 - post-traumatic cysts, 5 - idiopathic cysts), and 3 - extramedullary tumors (thecaloscopic videoassistance and biopsy). In all cases, we performed exploration of subarachnoid space and pathologic lesion with endoscopic perforation of the cyst or dissection of adhesions using special instrumentation. The mean follow-up time in our group was 11.4 months. Results: Neurological improvement (mean 1.4 by the modified Frankel scale, 1.8 by the Ashworth spasticity scale) was seen in 87% of patients operated for spinal arachnopathies. Temporary neurological deterioration (mild disturbances of deep sensitivity) was seen in 9% of patients and managed successfully with conservative treatment. One patient (3.1%) was operated three times due to relapse of adhesions. There were no serious intraoperative complications (e.g. severe bleeding or dura perforation). Postoperative complications included one CSF leakage and one case of postoperative neuralgic pain. The mean hospitalization time was 7.6 days. Conclusion: According to our data, we conclude that thecaloscopy is efficient and safe method, and should be widely used for spinal arachnopathies, adhesive arachnoiditis and arachnoid cysts. Taking into account that adhesive spinal arachnoiditis is a systemic process, and that spinal arachnoid cysts may also be extended, thecaloscopy may be regarded as the most radical and less-invasive form of surgical treatment that currently exists in neurosurgery.

Delayed syringomyelia as a result of spinal adhesive arachnoiditis after tuberculous meningitis

Delayed syringomyelia as a result of spinal adhesive arachnoiditis after tuberculous meningitis

Thecaloscopy – newest less invasive method of diagnosis and surgical treatment in spine surgery

Thecaloscopy is less invasive exploration of spinal subarachnoid space with ultra-thin flexible endoscope and endoscopic fenestratio of scars and adhesions. Thecaloscopy was used in Russian neurosurgery at the first time. Since 2009 we operated 32 patients with following diagnosis: 17 – spinal adhesive arachnoiditis (8 – local forms, 9 – diffuse forms), 12 –spinal arachnoid cysts (7 – posstraumatic cysts, 5 – idiopathic cysts), 3 – extramedullary tumors (thecaloscopic videoassistance and biopsy). In all cases we realized exploration of subarachnoid space and pathologic lesion with endoscopic perforation of cyst or dissection of adhesions using special instrumentation. Mean follow-up in our group was 11.4 months. Neurological improvement (mean 1.4 by modified Frankel scale, 1.8 by Ashworth spasticity scale) was seen in 87% of patients operated for spinal arachnopathies. Temporary neurological deterioration (mild disturbances of deep sensitivity) was seen in 9% of patients and managed successfully with conservative treatment. 1 patient (3.1%) was operated 3 times because of relapse of adhesions. There were no serious intraoperative complications (e.g., serious bleeding, dura perforation etc). Postoperative complications included 1 CSF leakage and 1 postoperative neuralgic pain. Mean term of hospitalization was 7.6 days. According to our data, we suppose that thecaloscopy is efficient and safe method, and should be widely used for spinal arachnopaties, adhesive arachnoiditis and arachnoid cysts. Taking into account that adhesive spinal arachnoiditis is systemic process and spinal arachnoid cysts can be extended as well, thecaloscopy may be regarded as the most radical and less-invasive way of surgical treatment existing currently in neurosurgery

Experimental Syringohydromyelia Induced by Adhesive Arachnoiditis in the Rabbit: Changes in the Blood–Spinal Cord Barrier, Neuroinflammatory Foci, and Syrinx Formation

There are many histological examinations of syringohydromyelia in the literature. However, there has been very little experimental work on blood permeability in the spinal cord vessels and ultrastructural changes. We prepared an animal model of spinal adhesive arachnoiditis by injecting kaolin into the subarachnoid space at the eighth thoracic vertebra of rabbits. The animals were evaluated 4 months later. Of the 30 rabbits given kaolin injection into the cerebrospinal fluid, 23 showed complete circumferential obstruction. In the 7 animals with partial obstruction of the subarachnoid space, intramedullary changes were not observed. However, among the 23 animals showing complete obstruction of the subarachnoid space, dilatation of the central canal (hydromyelia) occurred in 21, and intramedullary syrinx (syringomyelia) was observed in 11. In animals with complete obstruction, fluorescence microscopy revealed intramedullary edema around the central canal, extending to the posterior columns. Electron microscopy of hydromyelia revealed a marked reduction of villi on the ependymal cells, separation of the ependymal cells, and cavitation of the subependymal layer. The dilated perivascular spaces indicate alterations of fluid exchange between the subarachnoid and extracellular spaces. Syringomyelia revealed that nerve fibers and nerve cells were exposed on the surface of the syrinx, and necrotic tissue was removed by macrophages to leave a syrinx. Both pathologies differ in their mechanism of development: hydromyelia is attributed to disturbed reflux of cerebrospinal fluid, while tissue necrosis due to disturbed intramedullary blood flow is considered to be involved in formation of the syrinx in syringomyelia.

Novel surgical management of spinal adhesive arachnoiditis by arachnoid microdissection and ventriculo–subarachnoid shunting

Spinal cord tethering and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow disturbance are two major features in the pathophysiology of spinal adhesive arachnoiditis. We hypothesized that insufficient CSF supply to the surgically untethered spinal cord may be one of the causes of the typical post-operative recurrent extensive lesion. We report a patient with extensive spinal adhesive arachnoiditis, who was successfully treated using a novel surgical technique consisting of two procedures. First, microdissection of the thickened adherent arachnoid was performed to resolve spinal cord tethering. Next, a ventriculo–subarachnoid shunt was placed to provide sufficient flow of CSF. Clinical improvement was sustained for at least 22 months after surgery. The present surgical procedure may improve clinical outcome in patients with longitudinally extensive spinal adhesive arachnoiditis.

Long-term outcome of idiopathic hypertrophic thoracic pachymeningitis

Idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (IHSP) is a comparatively rare disease characterized by hypertrophic inflammation of the dura mater and clinical symptoms that progress from local pain to myelopathy. We report a case of IHSP followed up for 20 years in a 46-year-old man. Expansive laminoplasty was performed in 1991, and this case has been previously reported by a co-author. After 17 years, the patient's gait disturbance returned. Physical examination and imaging confirmed IHSP that had developed into syringomyelia at the T2-L1 conus level. This case was diagnosed as adhesive spinal arachnoiditis due to pachymeningitis caused by syringomyelia. T1-T4 laminectomy, a syringo-subarachnoid shunt (S-S shunt), and L2-L3 laminectomy were performed. The patient again developed dysesthesia and gait disturbance 3 years after the second operation. Most reports of IHSP have limited their focus to short-term follow-up after initial treatment with no long-term results. At present, there are only five reports referring to long-term results of greater than 5 years. All but one case needed additional surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in which syringomyelia occurred in a patient with IHSP. It is important to note that syringomyelia may be a cause of symptom recrudescence during long-term follow-up in IHSP patients.

A new approach for observing cerebral cisterns and ventricles via a percutaneous lumbosacral route by using fine, flexible fiberscopes

To establish a new method for the diagnosis of central nervous system diseases, the authors visualized the cerebral cisterns and ventricles via a percutaneous lumbosacral route by using newly developed fine, flexible fiberscopes. Fine, flexible fiberscopes, 0.9 and 1.4 mm in diameter, were introduced up to the cerebral cisterns and ventricles through a percutaneous lumbosacral route in awake patients with chronic headache and/or neck pain or those undergoing spinal surgery and in whom MR imaging did not disclose any particular abnormalities in the brain. A lumbosacral subarachnoid puncture was made with a modified method of a continuous epidural block. In 25 of 31 patients tested, the cerebellomedullary and/or pontine/interpeduncular cisterns were easily and safely reached, and the brainstem structures were visualized. Advancement of the fiberscope beyond the spinal level was abandoned in 6 patients with adhesive spinal arachnoiditis, because the fiberscopes encountered resistance seemingly caused by arachnoid adhesions. Further advancement of the fiberscopes up to the fourth and third ventricles was successfully achieved in 2 patients. A number of arachnoid filaments were found in the cerebellomedullary cistern in 4 patients: 2 with chronic spinal arachnoiditis, 1 with a spinal arachnoid cyst, and 1 with posttraumatic pain syndrome. None of the patients reported pain or any major complication except a postspinal headache and light fever, which were encountered in 4 and 1 patient, respectively. The approach to the supraspinal structures via the lumbosacral route by using a fine, flexible fiberscope may provide a new, minimally invasive, and safe way to observe the cerebral cisterns and/or brainstem regions.

IRM fonctionnelle (IRMf) auditive par stimulation sonore monotonale multifréquentielle pour le ciblage fonctionnel de la stimulation corticale chirurgicale dans les acouphènes invalidants

The rupture of an isolated spinal aneurysm is an exceptional occurrence. It might be responsible for a spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SSAH) that in rare cases can be complicated by arachnoiditis. Among the former the adhesive type is the most severe leading to the formation of a cyst and/or a syrinx.The literature review was performed via a PubMed search using the following keywords.Adhesive arachnoiditis; spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage; spinal arachnoiditis; spinal arachnoid cyst; arachnoid cyst .Thesearch yielded 24 articles. Given the fact that only a few studies had been reported on the subject, we decided to include all studies regarding adhesive arachnoiditis after SAH leading to a descriptive literature review. Furthermore, a case illustration of a 57 year old man harbouring this type of rare pathology is described.Twenty-four case reports were found regarding spinal adhesive arachnoiditis (SAA) following SSAH. Posterior cerebral circulation bleeding (66.7%) most often occurred followed by spinal (9.1%) and anterior cerebral circulation (9.1%) respectively. The mean time between the haemorrhage and the SAA onset was 10 months. A higher predominance of symptomatic thoracic SAA was found. Including the present case, 80% of patients had a laminectomy, 72% had a micro adhesiolysis, and 56% a shunt placement. Cervical and upper thoracic involvement appeared to have a better outcome.Although most authors suggested surgical treatment, the long-term outcome remains unclear. Early stage diagnosis and management of this rare and disabling pathology may lead to a better outcome. Larger co-operative studies remain essential to obtain a better understanding of such a rare and complex disease.

Postoperative spinal adhesive arachnoiditis presenting with hydrocephalus and cauda equina syndrome

To our knowledge, the association between hydrocephalus and postoperative spinal adhesive arachnoiditis (SAA) has never been reported. Herein we describe an unusual case of a 45-year-old man with spinal adhesive arachnoiditis (SAA) who developed delayed-onset hypertensive hydrocephalus and cauda equina syndrome (CES) after multiple low-back surgeries. The patient's clinical presentation, imaging findings, surgical management, and the possible mechanisms are discussed in the light of the present literature.

High-resolution Constructive Interference in a Steady State Imaging of Cervicothoracic Adhesive Arachnoiditis

To assess the usefulness of constructive interference in a steady state (CISS) sequence for an evaluation of cervicothoracic adhesive arachnoiditis. Seven patients with arachnoiditis underwent magnetic resonance imaging with T1- and T2-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE) and 3-dimensional CISS sequences. Three observers compared T2-weighted FSE and 3-dimensional CISS images with regard to image quality for spinal adhesive arachnoiditis. Magnetic resonance appearances accompanied with cervicothoracic adhesive arachnoiditis on CISS coupled with T2-weighted FSE sequences were also evaluated. The CISS images were superior to T2-weighted FSE images in the demarcation of spinal cord, dura matter, nerve root, and adhesive point. In our 7 cases with cervicothoracic adhesive arachnoiditis, dural thickening in 2 cases, syringomyelia in 6, arachnoidal cysts in 3, findings of presyrinx in 2, intramedullary microcyst in 2, and deformity of the spinal cord were present. A CISS sequence was more desirable for an evaluation of the cervicothoracic adhesive arachnoiditis than T2-weighted FSE images and could provide useful additional information.

Syringomyelia associated with adhesive spinal arachnoiditis: MRI.

We reviewed the MRI of seven patients with syringomyelia associated with surgically proven adhesive spinal arachnoiditis to describe clinical and MRI findings in this condition. Using 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 tesla units, we obtained sagittal T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo and axial T1-weighted images. Additional sagittal T2-weighted images were obtained without using motion-artefact suppression. Contrast medium was given intravenously to five patients. The syrinx cavities were thoracic in five cases, cervicothoracic in one, and extended from C4 to L1 in one. No Chiari malformation or craniovertebral junction anomaly was demonstrated. Meningeal thickening was seen on T2-weighted sagittal images only in one case. Cord deformity due to adhesion or displacement due to an associated arachnoid cyst was seen in all cases best demonstrated on axial images. Focal blurring of the syrinx wall on axial images was seen in six patients. Flow voids were seen in the syrinx fluid in all cases on T2-weighted images obtained without motion-artefact suppression. No abnormal contrast enhancement was demonstrated.

Surgical management of syringomyelia associated with spinal adhesive arachnoiditis

Summary The authors describe a new surgical technique to minimise the postoperative recurrence of adhesion after microlysis of adhesion to treat syringomyelia associated with spinal adhesive arachnoiditis. A 47 year old male presented with numbness of the lower extremities and urinary disturbance and was demonstrated to have a case of syringomyelia from C1 to T2 which was thought to be secondary to adhesive spinal arachnoiditis related to a history of tuberculous meningitis. Following meticulous microlysis of the adhesions, maximal expansion of a blocked subarachnoid space was performed by expansive duraplasty with a Gore-Tex surgical membrane, expansive laminoplasty and multiple tenting sutures of the Gore-Tex graft. Postoperatively, the syringomyelia had be en completely obliterated and improvement of the symptoms had been also achieved. The technique described may contribute to improvement of the surgical outcome following arachnoid dissection by maintaining continuity of the reconstructed subarachnoid space.

Spinal adhesive arachnoiditis

Forty-one cases of spinal adhesive arachnoiditis are presented. The key points are, first, that lumbar disc lesions, their investigations and surgical treatment and the use of nonabsorbable contrast materials are the most common etiological factors and, secondly, that operation is the best treatment. It is our contention that the majority of patients so treated do experience some improvement in what otherwise can be an unbearable amount of pain and disability. The use of adsorbable, nonirritative contrast materials such as Iohexol Parenteral will result in a marked reduction in the frequency of occurrence of arachnoiditis.