Spinal Manifestations Research Articles

Pictorial review: imaging of the spinal manifestations of achondroplasia.

Achondroplasia is the commonest hereditary skeletal dysplasia exhibiting dwarfism with characteristic rhizomelic (proximal) shortening of the limbs. It is predominantly linked with an autosomal dominant inheritance, but sporadic mutations can occur which are associated with advanced maternal age. Approximately 1 in every 25 000-30 000 live births are affected, and the overall life expectancy is marginally reduced by ~10 years. Mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor causes a decrease in endochondral ossification, which results in stunted growth of cartilaginous bones. A resultant narrowed foramen magnum and a short clivus are seen which predisposes to craniocervical spinal canal stenosis. Apnoeic events arising from the compression of the vertebral arteries at the level of the craniocervical junction lead to fatality in the young, with a death rate as high as 7.5%. Decrease in the caudal inter-pedicular distance is characteristic and a contributory factor for cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal canal stenosis, most pronounced in the lumbar spine with patients often requiring surgical intervention to ease symptoms. Thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis and sacral manifestations such as small sacro-sciatic notches and a horizontal pelvis are seen. The aim of this pictorial review is to demonstrate the imaging findings of the spinal and pelvic manifestations of achondroplasia.

A Review Article: Categorization, Advancement and Obstacles of Genetic factors and types of Spinal Muscular Degeneration

SMA (Spinal muscular atrophies) are category of hereditary inflammation in the funiculars and lower brain stem, tissue fatigue, and degeneration characterized by motor neuron failure. The analytic and genetic phenotypes incorporate a diverse continuum distinguished depending on age of onset, tissue participation arrangement, and inheritance arrangement. Rapid advancements in genetic science have expedite the discovery of causative genes over the past few years, and provide significant access in awareness the biochemical and neurological basis of Spinal muscular atrophies and insights into the motor neurons' selective deficiency. Popular path physiological topics include Ribonucleic Acid metabolism and splicing abnormalities, axonal transmission, and motor neurons' advancement and communication. These also collectively revealed possible innovative prevention methods and comprehensive attempts are what benefits does the company offer? Although a range of promising therapeutic therapies for Spinal muscular atrophies is emerging, it is essential to identify therapeutic windows and establish responsive and appropriate biomarkers to promote future analytic trial success. This research offers a description of Spinal muscular atrophies' logical manifestations and genetics. It discusses recent advancements in learning—mechanisms for the pathogenesis of inflammation and new treatment methods.

Spinal Neurovascular Malformations in Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome: A Single Center Study.

A number of studies have demonstrated spinal anomalies associated with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS). To date, there are no large consecutive series examining the prevalence and subtype distribution of spinal neurovascular malformations in patients with KTS. To report the spectrum and incidence of spinal neurovascular manifestations in the KTS population. This was a cross-sectional study. Consecutive patients with definite KTS as defined by International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies criteria who underwent spinal neuroimaging at our institution were included. All studies were evaluated by a staff neuroradiologist and a senior radiology resident for the presence of developmental venous anomalies, cavernous malformations (CMs), and arteriovenous shunts (AVS). A total of 116 patients with definite KTS who underwent spinal neuroimaging were included. A total of 23 neurovascular anomalies were found in 19 patients (16.4%), including 4 patients with multiple anomalies. These included 5 patients with spinal cord CMs (4.3%), 14 patients with a paraspinal or epidural venous malformation (12.1%), and 4 patients with an AVS (3.4%). Of the AVS, 3 were epidural arteriovenous fistulas, 1 of which likely formed de novo in an epidural venous malformation. One was a conus medullaris arteriovenous malformation. Our study cohort of 116 KTS patients demonstrated a wide spectrum of spinal neurovascular anomalies with a relatively high prevalence. Potential phenotypic descriptions of KTS should include the possibility for spinal neurovascular anomalies.

Primary extradural tumors of the spinal column: A comprehensive treatment guide for the spine surgeon based on the 5th Edition of the World Health Organization bone and soft-tissue tumor classification.

Background:In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the 5th version of the soft tissue and bone tumor classification. Based on this novel classification system, we reviewed the current knowledge on all tumor entities with spinal manifestations, their biologic behavior, and most importantly the appropriate treatment options as well as surgical approaches.Methods:All tumor entities were extracted from the WHO Soft-Tissue and Bone Tumor Classification (5th Edition). PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for the published cases of spinal tumor manifestations for each entity, and the following characteristics were extracted: Growth pattern, ability to metastasize, peak age, incidence, treatment, type of surgical resection indicated, recurrence rate, risk factors, 5-year survival rate, key molecular or genetic alterations, and possible associated tumor syndromes. Surgical treatment strategies as well as nonsurgical treatment recommendations are presented based on the biologic behavior of each lesion.Results:Out of 163 primary tumor entities of bone and soft tissue, 92 lesions have been reported along the spinal axis. Of these 92 entities, 54 have the potential to metastasize. The peak age ranges from conatal lesions to 72 years. For each tumor entity, we present recommended surgical treatment strategies based on the ability to locally destruct tissue, to grow, recur after resection, undergo malignant transformation as well as survival rates. In addition, potential systemic treatment recommendations for each tumor entity are outlined.Conclusion:Based on the 5th Edition of the WHO bone and soft tumor classification, we identified 92 out of 163 tumor entities, which potentially can have spinal manifestations. Exact preoperative tissue diagnosis and interdisciplinary case discussions are crucial. Surgical resection is indicated in a significant subset of patients and has to be tailored to the specific biologic behavior of the targeted tumor entity based on the considerations outlined in detail in this article.

Ankylosing Spondylitis in a 44-Year-Old Nigerian Man: A Case Report

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rare inflammatory disorder that affects the axial skeleton. It is characterized by inflammation of the joints of the spine with subsequent bridging of the spinal segments resulting in a reduced mobility of the spine and subsequent stiffness of the spine. It can be a severely limiting condition adversely affecting the quality of life of affected individuals. It has been found to be commoner in Caucasians and Asians but rare in blacks in the Americas with few cases reported amongst the African Black population. It is associated with the occurrence of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class 1 allele HLA-B27. We present the case of a 44-year-old Nigerian man presenting with a 21-year history of progressively worsening back pain and stiffness associated with hip pain and difficulty in extending his neck. He had no extraspinal manifestations. He was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis using the modified New York criteria. He was commenced on selective COX2 inhibitors and a physical therapy program aimed at improving the flexibility of the spine and reducing pain. He had a significant improvement in his pain and improved flexibility of his spine in all planes. Ankylosing spondylitis affects the axial skeleton primarily but there may be some extra spinal manifestations such as anterior uveitis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. Various modalities are employed in its treatment ranging from physical therapy, drugs e.g. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tumour necrosis factor inbibitors and surgery where complications arise. These have proven effective in improving the symptoms of the disease and quality of life.

Adult Chinese twins with Kenny-Caffey syndrome type 2: A potential age-dependent phenotype and review of literature.

Kenny-Caffey syndrome (KCS) type 2 (OMIM 127000) is a rare syndromic cause of hypoparathyroidism which is characterized by proportionate short stature, long bone abnormalities, delayed closure of anterior fontanelle, eye abnormalities, and normal intelligence. It is caused by variants in FAM111A (NM_001942519.1). In this review, we reported the first Chinese patients, a pair of monozygotic twins, with genetically confirmed KCS type 2 with over 20 years follow-up. We summarized the clinical features of 14 previously reported and genetically confirmed KCS type 2 patients; our twin patients exhibited a unique spinal manifestation which could be an important age-dependent feature of KCS type 2. In this review, over 60% KCS type 2 patients had dental problem and over 80% suffered from refractive errors or structural eye abnormalities. Therefore, early dental, ophthalmological, and orthopedic assessments are warranted for KCS type 2 patients. Micro-orchidism, previously reported in KCS type 2 patients, was also detected in our patients. The possibility of subfertility should be considered in male KCS type 2 patients. A multidisciplinary management approach for this rare syndrome is recommended.

Spinal manifestations of CLN1 disease start during the early postnatal period.

To understand the progression of CLN1 disease and develop effective therapies we need to characterize early sites of pathology. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive evaluation of the nature and timing of early CLN1 disease pathology in the spinal cord, which appears especially vulnerable, and how this may affect behaviour. We measured the spinal volume and neuronal number, and quantified glial activation, lymphocyte infiltration and oligodendrocyte maturation, as well as cytokine profile analysis during the early stages of pathology in Ppt1-deficient (Ppt1-/- ) mouse spinal cords. We then performed quantitative gait analysis and open-field behaviour tests to investigate the behavioural correlates during this period. We detected significant microglial activation in Ppt1-/- spinal cords at 1month. This was followed by astrocytosis, selective interneuron loss, altered spinal volumes and oligodendrocyte maturation at 2months, before significant storage material accumulation and lymphocyte infiltration at 3months. The same time course was apparent for inflammatory cytokine expression that was altered as early as one month. There was a transient early period at 2months when Ppt1-/- mice had a significantly altered gait that resembles the presentation in children with CLN1 disease. This occurred before an anticipated decline in overall locomotor performance across all ages. These data reveal disease onset 2months (25% of life-span) earlier than expected, while spinal maturation is still ongoing. Our multi-disciplinary data provide new insights into the spatio-temporal staging of CLN1 pathogenesis during ongoing postnatal maturation, and highlight the need to deliver therapies during the presymptomatic period.

Spinal manifestations of Neurofibromatosis type 1.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients may present a wide spectrum of spinal pathologies. Osseous changes may lead to severe deformities with significant implications on growth and quality of life. Neurogenic tumors and soft tissue abnormalities may cause neuropathic pain and dysfunction ranging from minor paresthesias to profound motor and sensory deficits. Advanced imaging such as whole-body MRI, and volumetric tumor burden assessment have an evolving role in the evaluation and follow-up of patients with high spinal tumor load. Novel biological agents that target the hyperactivated ras pathway are currently under investigation and are reshaping current and future treatment paradigms. Surgical interventions for benign and malignant tumors, as well as deformity correction remain pivotal in treatment frameworks and require careful assessment by a dedicated multidisciplinary team. In this manuscript we review the various spinal manifestations of NF1 patients, indication for surgical intervention and oncological treatments.

Surgical Management of Spinal Disorders in People with Mucopolysaccharidoses.

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of inherited, multisystem, lysosomal storage disorders involving specific lysosomal enzyme deficiencies that result in the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) secondary to insufficient degradation within cell lysosomes. GAG accumulation affects both primary bone formation and secondary bone growth, resulting in growth impairment. Typical spinal manifestations in MPS are atlantoaxial instability, thoracolumbar kyphosis/scoliosis, and cervical/lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Spinal disorders and their severity depend on the MPS type and may be related to disease activity. Enzyme replacement therapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has advantages regarding soft tissues; however, these therapeutic modalities are not effective for bone or cartilage and MPS-related bone deformity including the spine. Because spinal disorders show the most serious deterioration among patients with MPS, spinal surgeries are required although they are challenging and associated with high anesthesia-related risks. The aim of this review article is to provide the current comprehensive knowledge of representative spinal disease in MPS and its surgical management, including the related pathology, symptoms, and examinations.

Back to the beginning: Identifying lesions of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis prior to vertebral ankylosis

ObjectiveTo better understand the pathogenesis of DISH, identifying early or pre-DISH lesions in the spine and investigating the relationship between spinal and extra-spinal manifestations of DISH. Material44 skeletonized individuals with DISH from the WM Bass Donated Skeletal Collection. MethodsFor each vertebra, location, extension, point of origin and appearance of vertebral outgrowths were recorded. The size of the enthesophytes at the olecranon process, patella and calcaneal tuberosity was measured with digital callipers. ResultsAt either end of the DISH-ankylosed segment, isolated vertical outgrowths arising from the central third of the anterior aspect of the vertebral body can usually be observed. These bone outgrowths show a well-organized external cortical layer, an internal structure of trabecular bone and usually are unaccompanied by or show minimal associated endplate degeneration. Analysis of the relationship between spinal and extra-spinal manifestations (ESM) suggests great inter-individual variability. No correlation between any ESM and the stage of spinal DISH was found. ConclusionsSmall isolated outgrowths represent the earliest stages of the spinal manifestations of DISH. The use of ESM as an indicator of DISH should be undertaken with great caution until the relationship between these two features is understood. SignificanceImproved accuracy of paleopathological diagnostic criteria of DISH. LimitationsSmall sample comprised of only individuals with DISH. Future researchmicro-CT analysis to investigate the internal structure of the spinal lesions. Analysis of extra-spinal enthesophytes in individuals with and without DISH to understand their pathogenesis and association with the spinal lesions in individuals with DISH.

Clinical and plain x-ray findings of spinal metastases: a retrospective study of pathologically-confirmed cases

Background: Malignancy of breast, prostate, and lung contribute to metastatic bone disease, and the metastases are mostly located in the spine. Spinal metastases may involve the spinal cord, leptomeninges, epidural space and also the bone itself. Therefore, proper imaging is needed in early detection and diagnosis of spinal metastasis. This study aimed to perform the clinical and plain x-ray findings in patients with spinal metastasis.  Method: A retrospective study was conducted on 28 spine pathological fracture patients with neurologic deficits who underwent surgical intervention in Sanglah General Hospital during a year. We evaluated the present symptoms, neurological status (Frankel score), pathological reports by plain x-ray findings, metastases cell type by histological assessment, and extension of mass expansion on MRI. A total of 20 cases that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated.Result: Most patients suffer from pathologic fracture on thoracic spine level, followed by lumbosacral level and none on cervical spine level. The compressive fracture was a major finding on plain x-ray. The extradural lesions account for most of the MRI findings, followed by intradural/extramedullary and intramedullary lesion. Primary tumours that lead to bone metastases in this serial-cases are prostate, breast, cervix, kidney and lung cancer, respectively.Conclusion: Thoracic spine is the most common spinal metastases manifestation. Conventional plain x-ray is the most initial modality to evaluate systemic neoplasia patients with spinal pain, although it is not a sensitive indicator to identify the presence and extent of metastatic involvement.

Management of Spinal Emergencies in Patients on Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Spine surgeons increasingly encounter acute spinal pathologies in patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), but only limited data on the management of these patients are currently available. We retrospectively analyzed patients who presented to our department with acute spinal pathology during treatment with DOAC and who required urgent surgical therapy. Patient characteristics and treatment modalities were studied, with specific focus on the management of hemostasis and surgical therapy. Furthermore, we analyzed 19 cases of spinal emergencies during DOAC treatment reported in the literature. A total of 12 patients were identified and included in the present analysis. Patients suffered from acute spinal cord compression caused by spinal tumor manifestation (n= 5), empyema (n= 4), degenerative spinal stenosis (n= 1), hematoma (n= 1), and vertebral body fracture/dislocation (n= 2). All patients underwent emergency surgical treatment. Prohemostatic substances were administered perioperatively in 10 patients (83%) and included administration of prothrombin complex concentrates (83%), tranexamic acid (17%), and transfusion of platelets (8%). A total of 9 patients (75%) showed postoperative improvement of neurologic symptoms, and the in-hospital mortality in this patient cohort was 17%. Emergency spine surgery is feasible and should be considered in patients on treatment with DOAC. The (low) risk of intraoperative bleeding complications has to be weighed against the risk of permanent disability if surgical decompression is delayed. Administration of prothrombin complex concentrates and tranexamic acid may improve the coagulation before surgery, especially in cases of unavailable specific antidotes.

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated central nervous system vasculitis with brain and spinal cord subarachnoid hemorrhage: A rare case report and review of the literature

This case report describes a 48-year old female who presented with altered mental status, lower extremity weakness, low back pain and a recent history of subjective fevers and night sweats found to have posterior parieto-occipital and spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage on imaging. Further work-up revealed vasculitic changes in the intracranial vasculature and the external carotid artery on angiography. She also demonstrated positivity for perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic (p-ANCA) antibodies overall consistent with ANCA associated central nervous system vasculitis (AAV). The present case describes a rare and new presentation of AAV that caused both a cerebral and spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage. There has been no documentation of spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with primary or secondary vasculitis in the literature. Ultimately, this case demonstrates the important finding that AAV can have spinal cord manifestations and cervical vasculature involvement along with the more classic intra-cranial vasculitis findings.

DIFFUSE IDIOPATHIC SKELETAL HYPEROSTOSIS: AN INCIDENTAL FINDING ON CBCT RADIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT

Background Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a form of degenerative arthritis that affects individuals age greater than 60 years, with males affected more compared with females. Because it is usually painless and latent, with some incidences of intermittent pain and stiffness in the spine area, this condition is often diagnosed incidentally during radiographic examination for a nonrelated reason.1 Spinal DISH is characterized by calcification and bony growth along the anterior longitudinal ligament. The most frequently used criteria of Resnick and Niwayama for diagnosing DISH are 3 radiographic characteristics: flowing ossification along the anterolateral aspect of at least 4 contiguous vertebral bodies, preservation of intervertebral disk height in the involved segment, and absence of apophyseal joint bony ankyloses and sacroiliac joint erosion.2 These criteria, however, are considered limited in that they do not allow early stage classifications, lack standardized descriptions/measurements, and describe spinal manifestations only, and because of the mutual exclusivity of DISH and ankylosing spondylitis.3 DISH is characterized by the calcification and ossification of soft tissues, mainly ligaments, tendons, and joint capsule (enthesial) insertions. Many patients with DISH are asymptomatic and do not show any alterations in the condition of their spine, as indicated by history or physical examination findings. Objective The aim of this study was to discuss the incidental discovery of DISH upon cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiographic assessment that may help prevent fractures of the spine and narrowing of the airway. Materials and Methods Two cases—a 72-year-old male and an 80-year-old female—from our university-based oral and maxillofacial radiology practice are presented, both with incidental findings. The 72-year-old patient showed ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament at the C2-C3 level, causing severe narrowing of the oropharyngeal airway. The 80-year-old patient exhibited large osseous outgrowths from the anterior aspect of the vertebral bodies/anterior arch of C1, appearing to connect the vertebrae with each other superiorly and inferiorly. At C4-C5, there was ossification posterior to the vertebral bodies; and at C2-C5, the apophyseal joints were sclerotic with loss of joint space and osteophyte formation. The anterior displacement of the posterior wall of the oropharynx caused by the osseous structures in cervical spine had significantly decreased the anteroposterior dimension of the airway in case #2. The main differential diagnoses in DISH consist of spondylosis deformans, ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.4 Conclusions Spinal diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis is a common bone-forming disorder in the middle-aged and older population. Its recognition is important because this condition can render the spine susceptible to fractures even with minor trauma, such as ground-level fall, resulting in delayed diagnosis and neurologic deterioration.

Spinal Coccidioidomycosis: MR Imaging Findings in 41 Patients.

Coccidioides immitis is a dimorphic fungus endemic to the Southwest United States and Mexico, and at our institution, it is a relatively common pathogen presenting with a broad spectrum of associated spine diseases. We describe the various spinal manifestations resulting from coccidioidal infection and provide MR imaging examples from 41 pathologically proved cases. Retrospective electronic medical record and PACS searches were performed. Patients found to have both MR imaging findings positive for infection and confirmative biopsy and/or CSF studies were included. Abnormal MR imaging findings were identified, categorized, and quantified. Patient demographics and associated intracranial involvement if present were also recorded. Forty-one patients were included. Positive findings were categorized as leptomeningeal enhancement (26 patients, 63%), arachnoiditis (22 patients, 54%), osteomyelitis-discitis (14 patients, 34%), cord edema (11 patients, 27%), and true syrinx (3 patients, 7%). Thirty patients had documented brain involvement (73%), most commonly in the form of basilar meningitis. Four patients were positive for HIV (10%). Fifteen patients had pulmonary manifestations at presentation (37%). C immitis results in various spinal manifestations, most commonly leptomeningeal enhancement and arachnoiditis/adhesive disease followed by osteomyelitis, which may resemble tuberculous or pyogenic infection on MR imaging.

Spinal manifestations in 12 patients with musculocontractural Ehlers-Danlos syndrome caused by CHST14/D4ST1 deficiency (mcEDS-CHST14).

Musculocontractural Ehlers-Danlos syndrome caused by mutations in CHST14 (mcEDS-CHST14) is a recently delineated disorder, characterized by craniofacial, skeletal, visceral, and ocular malformations; and progressive cutaneous, skeletal, vascular, and visceral fragility-related manifestations. Spinal lesions, though one of the most serious complications, have not been investigated systematically. In this study, we report detailed and comprehensive information about spinal lesions of 12 patients with a mean age at the first visit of 13.4 years. Eight patients (66.7%) had scoliosis with a Cobb angle ≥10°, including one with severe scoliosis with a Cobb angle ≥45°. Five patients (41.7%) had kyphosis at the thoracolumbar junction with a kyphotic angle ≥20°. Three patients (25%) developed severe thoracolumbar kyphosis with a kyphotic angle ≥50° accompanied by thoracic lordosis with a wedge-like vertebral deformity and anterior vertebral osteophyte at the thoracolumbar junction, and two of them underwent surgical correction: complicated by fistula formation in one and performed safely and effectively through two-staged operation in the other. Six patients (50.0%) had cervical kyphosis, all of whom except one had kyphosis ≥20° at the thoracolumbar level. Two patients (16.7%) had atlantoaxial subluxation, and 10 patients (83.3%) had cervical vertebral malformations. Patients with mcEDS-CHST14 are susceptible to develop scoliosis, thoracolumbar kyphosis, and cervical kyphosis; and are recommended to have regular surveillance including total spine radiology. The present findings also suggest the critical role of dermatan sulfate in the development and maintenance of the spine.

MRI Features of Aquaporin-4 Antibody-Positive Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis: Insights into the Diagnosis of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders.

Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis is a well-documented spinal manifestation of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, however, other forms of nontumorous myelopathy can also manifest as longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Our aim was to evaluate the MR imaging features of aquaporin-4 antibody-positive longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, which is strongly associated with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. We evaluated cervicomedullary junction involvement, cord expansion ratios, bright spotty lesions, the number of involved segments, skipped lesions, enhancement patterns, and axial distribution patterns using spinal MR imaging of 41 patients with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis who underwent aquaporin-4 antibody testing. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with aquaporin-4 antibody seropositivity, which were then used to develop a scoring system for diagnosing aquaporin-4 antibody-positive longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Interrater reliability for cord expansion ratio measurement and bright spotty lesions was determined using intraclass correlation coefficients and κ values, respectively. Fifteen patients with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis were aquaporin-4 antibody-positive. Sex (female), cervicomedullary junction involvement, a cord expansion ratio of >1.4, and bright spotty lesions were significantly associated with aquaporin-4 antibody seropositivity. The sensitivity and specificity of the scoring system were 73.3% and 96.2%, respectively. The interclass correlation value for the cord expansion ratio was 0.78, and the κ value for bright spotty lesions was 0.61. Our scoring system, based on cervicomedullary junction involvement, higher cord expansion ratio, bright spotty lesions, and female sex, can facilitate the timely diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

Spinal Tuberculosis: Clinicoradiological Findings in 274 Patients.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a major cause of myelopathy and radiculopathy in settings with a high prevalence of tuberculosis/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection. However, a paucity of publications exists on the spectrum of neurological and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of spinal tuberculosis in these populations. We conducted a retrospective study of adults with spinal tuberculosis at a referral center in South Africa for patients with spinal disease without bony involvement seen at plain film radiography. We report the clinical, laboratory and spinal MR imaging findings, compare HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients, and correlate clinical and cerebrospinal fluid findings with those of MR imaging. Of 274 patients, 209 (76%) were HIV infected and 49 (18%) were HIV uninfected. Radiculomyelitis occurred in 77% (n = 210), and spondylitis in 39% (n = 106). Subdural abscess (n = 42) and intramedullary tuberculoma (n = 33) were common. In 24% of HIV-infected and 14% of HIV-uninfected patients, spinal disease manifested as a paradoxical tuberculosis reaction, frequently following tuberculous meningitis. The triad of neurological deficit, fever, and back pain was similar in patients with spondylitis (24%), epi/subdural abscess without bony disease (14%), meningoradiculitis (17%), and isolated myelitis (17%) . Radiculomyelitis is a common manifestation of spinal tuberculosis in settings with high tuberculosis/HIV prevalence, often presenting as a paradoxical reaction. We describe a high frequency of rarely reported spinal tuberculosis manifestations, suggesting that these are more common than implied by the literature.

Skull and Spinal Ewing's Sarcoma in Children: An Institutional Study.

Background:Ewing’s sarcoma is a disease of children and young adults and occurs most often in bone and soft tissues. The intracranial and spinal manifestation of the disease is rare and reported incidence is 1%–6%.Aims and Objectives:We conducted this study to determine the surgical outcome of children with skull and spine Ewing’s sarcoma (SSES).Methods:This is a prospective analysis of 13 patients of SSES who reported to the Department of Neurosurgery, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, between 2014 and 2016. All cases after detailed examination, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography scan were subjected to surgery followed by adjuvant therapy comprising chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Outcome was analyzed at 6 months as well at latest follow-up. Neurological function, local recurrence, primary or secondary nature of the disease, distant relapse, and treatment-related complications were analyzed in this study.Results:There were eight female and five male patients with a mean age of 12 years (ranging from 4 to 8 years). Pain was the common presenting feature in all cases. Focal neurological deficits corresponding to the anatomical location was seen in six patients. These 13 cases were distributed anatomically as four cases involving the cloves, two cases with occipital bone and lobe involvement, one case of parietal bone and lobe involvement, and six cases of spinal involvement. Surgery was performed in all cases where gross total excision (Ozge C, Calikoglu M, Cinel L, Apaydin FD, Ozgür ES. Massive pleural effusion in an 18-year-old girl with Ewing sarcoma. Can Respir J 2004;11:363-5), near-total excision, and subtotal excision was achieved in these 13 cases (Steinbok P, Flodmark O, Norman MG, Chan KW, Fryer CJ. Primary Ewing’s sarcoma of the base of the skull. Neurosurgery 1986;19:104-7). Subsequently all cases underwent multiagent chemoradiotherapy. Postsurgery pain subsided in 12 (92%) of patients. Ten patients maintained or improved motor function. In seven cranial cases and in six spinal cases, four cases showed improvement whereas three (23%) had deterioration of motor function.Conclusions:Surgical outcome of SSES in short-term follow-up is good with current recommended management regimen of maximum excision followed by chemo and radiotherapy. However, metastasis is not uncommon.

Incidence, clinical manifestations and outcome of TUR (transurethral resection) syndrome in patients undergoing TURP under spinal anaesthesia: results from clinical observations in a cohort of 50 patients at a tertiary care centre in North India

Background: ‘TUR syndrome’ is clinically detectable in 2% of patients undergoing an otherwise safe operation. Currently, spinal anaesthesia is the most widely anaesthetic technique for TURP as it is easier to detect signs of TUR syndrome in an awake patient. This study aimed at looking at the clinical spectrum and outcomes of TUR syndrome in patients undergoing TURP under spinal anaesthesia.Methods: This clinical study was conducted over a period of 6 months in the departments of anesthesiology and urology at the Christian medical college and hospital Ludhiana in a cohort of 50 male patients electively admitted for TURP under spinal block belonging to ASA I or II groups. Patients received intermittent irrigation with 1.5% glycine, and monitored for TUR symptoms and electrolyte estimations perioperatively.Results: In our study the incidence of TURP syndrome was 10 %. Under spinal block clinical manifestations along with serum sodium values monitored perioperatively helped diagnose and manage the patients. All patients successfully completed resection, with no mortality related to TURP syndrome.Conclusions: In patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostate under spinal anaesthesia, monitoring clinical symptoms for the rare TURP syndrome and additional serum sodium levels act as an adjunct in diagnosis. In both situations diagnosis and early intervention prevents extreme neurological symptoms and reduces mortality.