Vertebral Metastases Research Articles

Thematic analysis of articles on artificial intelligence with spine trauma, vertebral metastasis, and osteoporosis using chord diagrams: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Spine trauma, vertebral metastases, and osteoporosis (SVO) can result in serious health problems. If the diagnosis of SVO is delayed, the prognosis may be deteriorated. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is an essential method for minimizing the diagnostic errors associated with SVO. research achievements (RAs) of SVO on AI are required as a result of the greatest number of studies on AI solutions reported. The study aimed to: classify article themes using visualizations, illustrate the characteristics of SVO on AI recently, compare RAs of SVO on AI between entities (e.g., countries, institutes, departments, and authors), and determine whether the mean citations of keywords can be used to predict article citations. A total of 31 articles from SVO on AI (denoted by T31SVOAI) have been found in Web of Science since 2018. The dominant entities were analyzed using the CJAL score and the Y-index. Five visualizations were applied to report: the themes of T31SVOAI and their RAs in comparison for article entities and verification of the hypothesis that the mean citations of keywords can predict article citations, including: network diagrams, chord diagrams, dot plots, a Kano diagram, and radar plots. There were five themes classified (osteoporosis, personalized medicine, fracture, deformity, and cervical spine) by a chord diagram. The dominant entities with the highest CJAL scores were the United States (22.05), the University of Pennsylvania (5.72), Radiology (6.12), and Nithin Kolanu (Australia) (9.88). The majority of articles were published in Bone, J. Bone Miner. Res., and Arch. Osteoporos., with an equal count (=3). There was a significant correlation between the number of article citations and the number of weighted keywords (F = 392.05; P < .0001). A breakthrough was achieved by displaying the characteristics of T31SVOAI using the CJAL score, the Y-index, and the chord diagram. Weighted keywords can be used to predict article citations. The five visualizations employed in this study may be used in future bibliographical studies.

Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture Misdiagnosed as Metastatic Vertebral Fracture.

The purpose of this study was to report a patient with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) which was misdiagnosed as metastatic vertebral compression fracture (MVCF). A 64-year male was admitted to our clinic for complaints of numbness, pain, and activity limitation in bilateral lower extremities. One year ago, he had a medical history of lung adenocarcinoma and bone metastasis. A month ago, he developed back pain and lower-limb paralysis. X-ray, computer tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed thoracic 11 (T11) vertebral compression fracture. Furthermore, emission computed tomography (ECT) indicated MVCF preoperatively. However, the histopathology findings suggested OVCF postoperatively. Consequently, the patient was discharged without chemoradiotherapy. During the 14-months follow-up period, no relapsed spinal neoplasm or recurrence of vertebral fracture was observed. In conclusion, OVCF in patients with a history of lung cancer is easily misdiagnosed as MVCF. It is important to differentiate OVCF from MVCF by clinical symptoms, laboratory examination, and imaging features before operation. Histological findings are the gold standard for accurate diagnosis. Key Words: Osteoporosis, Vertebral fracture, Metastasis.

Comparing the efficacy and safety of cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screws and conventional pedicle screw in surgery for spinal metastases: a retrospective comparative cohort study.

The incidence of cancer patients with bone metastasis is increasing annually. With the advancement of medical treatment for malignant tumors, the survival time of patients with spinal metastases is gradually being prolonged, and adjacent segment vertebral metastases often occur after conventional pedicle screw (CPS) surgery, leading to spinal instability, pain and nerve function injury again, with repeated symptoms. Combined pedicle screw fixation can maintain or reconstruct the spinal stability. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screws in the posterior approach for spinal metastases by comparing with CPS. From January 2017 to August 2019, 52 patients with spinal metastases who underwent separation surgery and internal fixation via posterior approach were retrospectively enrolled. Cases were divided into the cement-augmented pedicle screw (CAPS) group (28 cases) and the CPS group (24 cases). The baseline data [age, gender, surgical sites, surgical segment, Tomita classification, Tomita score, Tokuhashi score, spinal instability neoplastic score (SINS)], surgical information, and local progression-free survival (PFS) time were compared between the two groups. Every patient was followed-up every 3 months with imaging examination. The visual analog scale (VAS) score and Frankel grade of the two groups were recorded before and 3 months after the operation were used to evaluate the efficacy. The operation time, the amount of intraoperative blood loss, the amount of bone cement injected in the pedicle screw group, and the complications of the surgery were recorded to evaluate the safety of CAPS. The baseline characteristics were comparable between the two group. Compared with the CPS group, the CAPS group showed significantly longer operation time (163±20 vs. 138±18 min, P<0.001) and lower VAS scores (2.93±1.33 vs. 4.17±1.34, P=0.002). Adjacent segment vertebral metastasis occurred in 10 cases (2 in the CAPS group and 8 in the CPS group, P=0.017). Internal implant failure occurred in 8 cases (1 in the CAPS group and 7 in the CPS group, P=0.011). Compared with the CPS group, the CAPS group had a significantly longer local PFS time (P<0.05). CAPS could be a safe and effective choice in surgery for spinal metastases with the posterior approach.

Hormone Positive HER2 Negative Breast Cancer Metastatic to the Rectum: A Case Report

Background: The rectum is an uncommon site for metastases from Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) of the breast, and it poses risks such as perforation and obstruction.&#x0D; Case Report: A 50-year-old non-diabetic, non-alcoholic, and nonsmoker premenopausal female patient diagnosed with rectal metastasis primarily originating from breast cancer.&#x0D; In 2009, the patient was diagnosed with stage IV hormone positive, Her-2 (+2) negative, FISH positive right breast cancer with cervical (C6) vertebrae metastasis seen on PET scan. As she had oligo metastasis with a single bony focus, she was treated with intent to cure. For this purpose, she received radiation therapy to the cervical vertebrae, resulting in a complete response. This was followed by pseudo-neoadjuvant chemotherapy with six cycles of Docetaxel and trastuzumab. The patient then underwent a right-modified radical mastectomy. The pathology showed no complete response with residual 2.5 cm invasive carcinoma (PT2), and 4 out of 25 Axillary lymph nodes were positive for metastases (PN2). She was given (pseudo) adjuvant radiotherapy to the chest wall and lymphatics and was started on (pseudo) adjuvant tamoxifen. Trastuzumab was completed for one year as a (pseudo) adjuvant setting.&#x0D; Her disease seemed to be cleared up as no new cancer signs were reported by follow-up full body scans (CT/PET). After seven years, in May 2016, her PET-CT scan showed multiple new hypermetabolic osseous lesions, in keeping with metastasis involving the right shoulder, mid-thoracic spine, left aspect of L5, right sacrum, and the greater trochanteric region of the left femur and left ischium. She also presented a new hypermetabolic retroperitoneal paracaval lymph node, in keeping with metastasis. The new ill-defined hypodensity in the left hepatic lobe was associated with increased FDG uptake, which is suspicious for early metastasis. She also presented a tiny right lung peri-fissural nodularity that was too small to be characterized by PET.&#x0D; She was treated with Zoladex 3.6 mg injection monthly, Femara 2.5 mg daily, Palbociclib 125 mg PO daily for 21 days over a 28-day cycle, and Denosumab 120 mg monthly. The treatment was initiated in Singapore. As previously stated, Her-2 testing was reported as negative. The patient went into complete remission for more than six years, as documented by the PET scan conducted on January 19, 2022. Later, in June 2022, the patient developed signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction (abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting) and was diagnosed with rectal cancer metastases of breast origin.&#x0D; Conclusion: As the patient first developed breast cancer with oligo-bony metastasis, which was successfully treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but later relapsed in the lung, liver, lymph nodes, and multiple bony sites. She was treated successfully via hormonal and targeted therapy. Finally, she relapsed in the form of rectal metastasis.

Clinical and Pathological Profiles of Vertebral Bone Metastases from Endometrial Cancers: Evidence from a Twenty-Year Case Series.

Patients with endometrial cancer (EC) frequently have metastases to lungs, extra-pelvic nodes, and liver. Although an uncommon occurrence, cases of EC metastasis to bone, prevalently in vertebral bone, have also been reported. The objective of this study was to analyze clinical and pathological profiles of patients with EC metastatic to vertebral bone. We carried out a retrospective case series on surgically treated patients for this pathology. From 2001 to 2021, out of 775 patients with bone metastasis, 1.6% had bone metastasis from EC. The median time between the diagnosis of primary tumor and that of bone metastases was 31.5 months. Solitary bone lesion was present in 7 patients and lumbar vertebrae were the segments most affected. Pathological fractures in 46.2% of patients and spinal pain in all were present. In terms of location, 46.2% of bone metastases resided within the anterior section of the vertebra, while the remaining presented an extension within the anterior and posterior sections, with 46.1% of cases showing an extradural extra-osseous extension and paraspinous envelope. Median survival after diagnosis of bone metastasis was 11.5 months. Vertebral bone metastasis in EC is a rare phenomenon, with severe prognosis. An in-depth understanding of this topic may guide future management and treatment decisions, thus improving life expectancy and quality.

RENAL CELL CARCINOMA PRESENTING AS LUNG COLLAPSE

RENAL CELL CARCINOMA PRESENTING AS LUNG COLLAPSE

Independent predictors of vertebral compression fracture following radiation for metastatic spine disease.

The goal of this study was to determine independent risk factors for vertebral compression fracture (VCF) following radiation for metastatic spine disease, including low bone mineral density as estimated by Hounsfield units (HU). A retrospective chart review identified patients with a single vertebral column metastasis treated with radiation therapy, a pretreatment CT scan, and a follow-up CT scan at least 6 weeks after treatment. Patients with primary spine tumors, preradiation vertebroplasty, preradiation spine surgery, prior radiation to the treatment field, and proton beam treatment modality were excluded. The HU were measured in the vertebral bodies at the level superior to the metastasis, within the tumor and medullary bone of the metastatic level, and at the level inferior to the metastasis. Variables collected included basic demographics, Spine Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS), presenting symptoms, bone density treatment, primary tumor pathology, Weinstein-Boriani-Biagini (WBB) classification, Enneking stage, radiation treatment details, chemotherapy regimen, and prophylactic vertebroplasty. One hundred patients with an average age of 63 years and average follow-up of 18 months with radiation treatment dates ranging from 2017 to 2020 were included. Fifty-nine patients were treated with external-beam radiation therapy, with a median total dose of 20 Gy (range 8-40 Gy). Forty-one patients were treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy, with a median total dose of 24 Gy (range 18-39 Gy). The most common primary pathologies included lung (n = 22), prostate (n = 21), and breast (n = 14). Multivariable logistic regression analysis (area under the curve 0.89) demonstrated pretreatment HU (p < 0.01), SINS (p = 0.02), involvement of ≥ 3 WBB sectors (p < 0.01), primary pathology other than prostate (p = 0.04), and ongoing chemotherapy treatment (p = 0.04) to be independent predictors of postradiation VCF. Patients with pretreatment HU < 145 (n = 32), 145-220 (n = 31), and > 220 (n = 37) had a fracture rate of 59%, 39%, and 11%, respectively. An HU cutoff of 157 was found to maximize sensitivity (71%) and specificity (75%) in predicting postradiation VCF. Low preradiation HU, higher SINS, involvement of ≥ 3 WBB sectors, ongoing chemotherapy, and nonprostate primary pathology were independent predictors of postradiation VCF in patients with metastatic spine disease. Low bone mineral density, as estimated by HU, is a novel and potentially modifiable risk factor for VCF.

Reirradiation on spine metastases: an Italian survey on behalf of palliative care and reirradiation study groups of Italian association of radiotherapy and clinical oncology (AIRO).

This survey derived from the collaboration between the Palliative Care and Reirradiation Study Groups of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO). Its aim was to obtain a real "snapshot" on the treatments of spinal metastases, focusing on reirradiation, among radiation oncologists in Italy. The survey was elaborated on SurveyMonkey's online interface and was sent via e-mail to all Radiation Oncologists of AIRO that were invited to anonymously fill in the electronic form within 60days. The questionnaire was prepared by the AIRO "Palliative care" and "Reirradiation" Study Groups and it consisted of 36 questions, 19 single-choice questions, 10 multiple-choice questions and 6 open questions. The data were analyzed and represented with tables and graphs. The survey shows that palliative radiotherapy remains a field of interest for most ROs in the Italian centers. 3D Conventional Radiation Therapy (3DCRT) alone or in combination with other techniques is the primary choice for patients with a life expectancy of less than 6months. For patients with a life expectancy of more than six months, there is an increased use of new technologies, such as Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT). Factors considered for retreatment are time between first and second treatment, dose delivered to spine metastasis and spinal cord in the first treatment, vertebral stability, symptoms, and/or performance status. The most feared complication are myelopathy followed by vertebral fracture and local recurrence. This explain an increasing focus on patient selection and the use of high technology in the treatment of metastatic patients. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and image-guided radiotherapy allow the administration of ablative RT doses while sparing the constraints of healthy tissue in spinal metastases. However, there is still an unclear and heterogeneous reality in the reirradiation of spinal metastases. A national registry with the aim of clarifying the most controversial aspects of vertebral metastasis retreatments will enable better management of these patients and design more targeted study designs.

Abstract B030: Induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy led to clinical complete response in locally advanced sinonasal rhabdosarcomas

Abstract Background: Sinonasal rhabdosarcoma is a rare but aggressive malignancy. In cases where locally advanced diseases involve critical structures such as the orbital and cranial cavities, surgery may not guarantee safety margin. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced sinonasal rhabdosarcoma. Methods: During January 2013 to January 2019, 4 patients (2 males and 2 females, 22 to 33 years old) with locally advanced sinonasal rhabdosarcoma (3 alveolar and 1 poorly differentiated rhabdosarcoma) were treated with induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent radiochemotherapy. The patients were staged as cT4N0M0, cT4N0M0, cT4N1M0, and cT3N1M0 respectively. The patients were treated with induction chemotherapy composed of 2 to 4 cycles of EI regimen (epirubicin 60mg/m2, day 1-day 2; Ifosfamide 1.8g/m2, day 1-day 5; every 21 days) based on their tolerance. Thereafter, all patients received concurrent radiochemotherapy with 70Gy in 30 fractions given to the primary tumors and 63Gy in 30 fractions to the lymph nodes in N1 patients. Concurrent chemotherapy with cisplatin (100mg/m2, day 1 and day 22) was delivered during the course of radiotherapy. The follow-up time was 29, 28, 7 and 4 months, respectively. Results: Induction chemotherapy yielded partial response and concurrent radiochemotherapy led to clinical complete response. No sign of local recurrence was detected until the last follow-up. Only one patient had vertebral metastasis 6 months post-treatment in T10 and received vertebral irradiation. Others were free of distant metastasis. During the induction chemotherapy, all patients were presented with grade IV leucopenia, 3 of whom developed febrile neutropenia that required dose reduction in the consecutive chemotherapies. Concurrent radiochemotherapy was well tolerated, 3 patients developed grade II leucopenia and 1 grade IV leucopenia. All patients experienced grade II gastrointestinal side effects, dermatitis, and stomatitis. Conclusions: Induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy could lead to clinical complete response in locally advanced sinonasal rhabdosarcoma. Hematological toxicities were the most common toxicities and should be monitored and treated carefully. Longer follow-up and larger scale of study are needed to confirm these results. Citation Format: Qiuji Wu, Shaojie Li, Juan Wang, Jia Liu, Yahua Zhong. Induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy led to clinical complete response in locally advanced sinonasal rhabdosarcomas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Sarcomas; 2022 May 9-12; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2022;28(18_Suppl):Abstract nr B030.

Dixon chemical shift MR sequences for demonstrating of bone marrow vertebral metastasis

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance and clinical utility of different MR Dixon sequences in the characterization of vertebral metastasis in a patient with a history of malignant neoplasm and compare the results with 18-F FDG PET CT. Patients were subjected to MR imaging of the dorsal and lumbosacral spine (1.5 T MR machine) using conventional MR, T2 Dixon and T1 post-contrast Dixon.ResultsThis study involved 40 patients (45% female and 55% male) with 161 metastatic lesions and median age 61.5 years. The sensitivities of T1 post-contrast water-only (WO), fat-only (FO) and opposed-phase (OP) Dixon for diagnosis of vertebral metastasis were 92.6%, 89.4% and 83.1%, respectively, while the sensitivity of T2 (WO, OP) Dixon was 78.3% with 100% specificity for both T1 and T2 Dixon. There were excellent positive clinical utilities of T1 post-contrast WO (0.925), FO (0.894) and OP (0.826) Dixon with the good positive clinical utility of T2 Dixon (0.783) for lesion finding. There were fair negative clinical utilities of T1 WO (0.636) and FO (0.553) Dixon with poor negative clinical utilities of T1 OP (0.429), T2 WO and OP (0.375) Dixon for lesion screening. 15% was the best in-phase/opposed-phase ratio for differentiation between metastatic and benign vertebral lesions.ConclusionsMR Dixon techniques are sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of vertebral metastasis. T1 post-contrast and T2 Dixons have excellent and good positive clinical utilities for lesion finding with fair and poor negative clinical utilities for lesion screening, respectively.

Primary Osseous Leiomyosarcoma with Vertebral and Nodal Metastasis in a Young Woman: A Rare Case Report.

Introduction. Primary leiomyosarcoma of bone is rarely described in the literature. In young patients, the clinical and radiological features may mimic relatively common tumours like osteosarcoma. Vertebral and nodal metastasis from osseous leiomyosarcoma is extremely uncommon. Case presentation. A 25-year-old female presented with progressively increasing pain and swelling of the right knee. Clinical and radiological features were suggestive of osteosarcoma. Pre-operative biopsy showed a malignant spindle cell tumour. The surgical resection specimen showed features of leiomyosarcoma of the right proximal tibia. On further evaluation, the patient was found to have an L3-L4 vertebral lesion and histopathological evaluation showed a similar tumour. After 11 months of initial presentation, the patient had axillary lymph node metastasis. Conclusion. Primary osseous leiomyosarcoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis even in young patients presenting with meta-diaphyseal expansile malignant bony lesions. Histology and ancillary studies can confirm the diagnosis.

Effectiveness of temporal subtraction computed tomography images using deep learning in detecting vertebral bone metastases

PurposeTo assess the clinical effectiveness of temporal subtraction computed tomography (TS CT) using deep learning to improve vertebral bone metastasis detection. MethodThis retrospective study used TS CT comprising bony landmark detection, bone segmentation with a multi-atlas-based method, and spatial registration of two images by a log-domain diffeomorphic Demons algorithm. Paired current and past CT images of 50 patients without vertebral metastasis, recorded during June 2011–September 2016, were included as training data. A deep learning-based method estimated registration errors and suppressed false positives. Thereafter, paired CT images of 40 cancer patients with newly developed vertebral metastases and 40 control patients without vertebral metastases were evaluated. Six board-certified radiologists and five radiology residents independently interpreted 80 paired CT images with and without TS CT. ResultsRecords of 40 patients in the metastasis group (median age: 64.5 years; 20 males) and 40 patients in the control group (median age: 64.0 years; 20 males) were evaluated. With TS CT, the overall figure of merit (FOM) of the board-certified radiologist and resident groups improved from 0.848 to 0.876 (p = 0.01) and from 0.752 to 0.799 (p = 0.02), respectively. The sub-analysis focusing on attenuation changes in lesions revealed that the FOM of osteoblastic lesions significantly improved in both the board-certified radiologist and resident groups using TS CT. The sub-analysis focusing on lesion location showed that the FOM of the resident group significantly improved in the vertebral arch (p = 0.04). ConclusionsTS CT was effective in detecting bone metastasis by both board-certified radiologists and radiology residents.

State-of-the-Art Imaging Techniques in Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression.

Simple SummaryMetastatic Spinal Cord Compression (MSCC) is a feared complication in oncology patients due to its potential for severe pain, permanent neurological disability and mechanical instability of the spine. This narrative review, conducted by keyword searches in PubMed and Google Scholar databases, aims to describe the important role of imaging in MSCC diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis is typically achieved via Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), although Computed Tomography (CT) Myelogram and conventional CT imaging can be performed in certain clinical situations. Metal artifact reduction techniques for MRI and CT are continually being researched to facilitate imaging in MSCC patients with spinal implants. Imaging also has an important role in pre-treatment planning, in-room image-guidance, and post-treatment follow-up for MSCC patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy. Recent advances in deep learning tools for image analysis can reduce the time to MSCC diagnosis, enabling earlier treatment for superior functional outcomes.Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression (MSCC) is a debilitating complication in oncology patients. This narrative review discusses the strengths and limitations of various imaging modalities in diagnosing MSCC, the role of imaging in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for MSCC treatment, and recent advances in deep learning (DL) tools for MSCC diagnosis. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using targeted keywords. Studies were reviewed in consensus among the co-authors for their suitability before inclusion. MRI is the gold standard of imaging to diagnose MSCC with reported sensitivity and specificity of 93% and 97% respectively. CT Myelogram appears to have comparable sensitivity and specificity to contrast-enhanced MRI. Conventional CT has a lower diagnostic accuracy than MRI in MSCC diagnosis, but is helpful in emergent situations with limited access to MRI. Metal artifact reduction techniques for MRI and CT are continually being researched for patients with spinal implants. Imaging is crucial for SBRT treatment planning and three-dimensional positional verification of the treatment isocentre prior to SBRT delivery. Structural and functional MRI may be helpful in post-treatment surveillance. DL tools may improve detection of vertebral metastasis and reduce time to MSCC diagnosis. This enables earlier institution of definitive therapy for better outcomes.

Consolidation Intensity-Modulated Whole Abdominal Radiotherapy as Part of the Complex Treatment for Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma in Adolescence

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an extremely rare solid malignant tumor. We present rare local advanced ACC with lung metastases in adolescence. After visible radical surgery for a 100mm/130mm/50mm tumor, the initial histological diagnosis was anaplastic pleomorphic neuroblastoma originating from the left adrenal gland. Despite the eight courses chemotherapy, the disease progression was reported, which requires a pathohistological revision with a broad immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. After surgical excision of peritoneal metastases, a system Ch alteration of Vincristine/ Cyclophospamide/Farmarubicin and Vepesid/ Cisplatin - on 4 blocks each, in combination with the constant intake of Mitotane (Lesydren) was performed. Due to the disease progression, a consolidation intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) of the right lung metastasis measuring 23 mm/ 16 mm with PET/ CT hypermetabolic activity/ SUV max 9,67 and of a vertebral L2 metastasis was performed. In December 2021, a right-sided thoracotomy with resection of three pulmonary metastases, followed by pulmonary segmentectomy of the irradiated right-sided lung metastasis was performed. The peritoneal metastatic dessimination necessitated a consolidation whole abdominal IMRT with boost in the tumor bed/ upper pole of the left kidney. With this rare clinical case, we emphasize the role of complex treatment, especially with respect to local oncological therapy (surgery and IMRT) in metastatic adolescence ACC. Despite metastatic disease, complex treatment achieves a 3 -year survival rate

Adrenal neuroendocrine carcinoma not responsive to EP regimen (cisplatin and etoposide)

Introduction: Neuroendocrine carcinoma is a malignant tumor that mostly occurs in the digestive tract and lungs but rarely occurs in the adrenal gland. It has a high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis. At present, there is lack of standard treatment protocols. Patient concerns: A 41-year-old woman presented with symptoms of repeated cough of one-month duration. Diagnosis: Laboratory tests, enhanced computed tomography imaging, and pathology confirmed the diagnosis of adrenal neuroendocrine carcinoma. Interventions: A chemotherapy regimen of cisplatin, etoposide (30 mg cisplatin d1–4+ 0.1 g etoposide d1–4) was formulated after multidisciplinary discussion. Outcomes: On the second day after the end of chemotherapy, the patient presented with bilateral lower extremity edema, decreased albumin, increased liver enzymes, new thrombus formation in the inferior vena cava and right external iliac vein, right pleural effusion and peritoneal effusion. Three episodes of convulsions of unknown cause occurred 22 days after the end of chemotherapy. L3 vertebral bone metastasis appeared 4 months after admission. Renal function deteriorated and multiple tumor metastases occurred throughout the body. The patient died 4 months and 10 days after admission. Conclusion: The prognosis of adrenal neuroendocrine carcinoma is extremely poor, and most patients have distant metastases. Chemotherapy regimens may be ineffective for some patients, and more clinical studies are needed to evaluate the effective treatment options.

Pineal region teratoma with metastases in uncommon locations: a case report

BackgroundWe report a rare case in medical literature of a patient with pineal gland teratoma and uncommon metastases. Usually, metastases of this kind of tumor are located in several organs such as lung and breast, but here we found metastases to the spinal cord and vertebrae.Case presentationA 35-year-old Asian white man presented with diplopia and acute neural symptoms in the lower limbs such as numbness, tingling, and paralysis. His medical history was notable for pineal teratoma, treated 1 year previously with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Physical examination of the lower limbs showed absent reflexes and sensation with muscle power scale score of 1 in both limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging of brain and spine revealed many lesions in various locations, most compatible with neural, spinal, and vertebral metastases. Unfortunately, the patient died suddenly before any intervention was carried out.ConclusionIt is extremely rare for pineal region teratoma to metastasize to the spinal cord and vertebrae, thus more vigilant observation and examination should be provided to patients with pineal teratoma to detect any new lesions and prevent them from becoming dangerous.

A randomized controlled trial for evaluating pain response in patients with spinal metastases following local versus whole vertebral radiotherapy: study protocol for phase II clinical trial

BackgroundPatients with bone metastasis often experience severe pain that is difficult to control and seriously affects quality of life. Radiotherapy is an effective way to relieve pain in these patients. Currently, there is no standard recommended range of radiotherapy targets for vertebral metastasis. The effect of radiotherapy on pain relief varies among patients, and some patients with metastases have serious side effects.MethodsThis study aims to verify whether reducing the radiotherapy range for vertebral metastases can achieve the same effect as whole vertebral radiotherapy while minimizing side effects. Sixty-six patients with pain caused by vertebral metastasis were randomly divided into two groups. The study group is receiving partial vertebrae body radiotherapy at the regions of abnormal signal, suspected invasion, and adjacent subclinical focus of vertebral metastasis, and the control group is receiving the same dose of radiotherapy on whole vertebrae body where metastasis occurred. After radiotherapy, along-term follow-up of patients will determine pain relief and side effects.DiscussionThe expected results of this study are that local irradiation of vertebral metastases can achieve a palliative effect of pain control not less than total vertebral irradiation with fewer side effects.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No: ChiCTR1900023401).

Multidisciplinary Approach to Patients With Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression: A Diagnostic Therapeutic Algorithm to Improve the Neurological Outcome.

IntroductionThe morbidity associated with metastatic spinal disease is significant because of spinal cord and/or nerve root compression. The purpose of this paper is to define a diagnostic-therapeutic path for patients with vertebral metastases and from this path to build an algorithm to reduce the devastating consequences of spinal cord compression.Materials and MethodsThe algorithm is born from the experience of a primary care center. A spine surgeon, an emergency room (ER) physician, a neuroradiologist, a radiation oncologist, and an oncologist form the multidisciplinary team. The ER physician or the oncologist intercept the patient with symptoms and signs of a metastatic spinal cord compression. Once the suspicion is confirmed, the following steps of the flow-chart must be triggered. The spine surgeon takes charge of the patient and, on the base of the anamnestic data and neurological examination, defines the appropriate timing for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in collaboration with the neuroradiologist. From the MRI outcome, the spine surgeon and the radiation oncologist consult each other to define further therapeutic alternatives. If indicated, surgical treatment should precede radiation therapy. The oncologist gets involved after surgery for systemic therapy.ResultsIn 2021, the Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery department evaluated 257 patients with vertebral metastasis. Fifty-three patients presented with actual or incipient spinal cord compression. Among these, 27 were admitted due to rapid progression of symptoms, neurological deficits and/or spine instability signs. The level was thoracic in 21 cases, lumbar in 4 cases, cervical in 1 case, sacral in 1 case. Fifteen were operated on, 10 of these programmed and 5 in emergency.DiscussionPatients with a history of malignancy can present to the ER or to the oncology department with symptoms that must be correctly framed in the context of a metastatic involvement. Even when there is no previous cancer history, the patient’s pain characteristics and clinical signs must be interpreted to yield the correct diagnosis of vertebral metastasis with incipient or current spinal cord compression. The awareness of the alert symptoms and the application of an integrated paradigm consent to frame the patients with spinal cord compression, obtaining the benefits of a homogeneous step-by-step diagnostic and therapeutic path. Early surgical or radiation therapy treatment gives the best hope for preventing the worsening, or even improving, the deficits.ConclusionsMetastatic spinal cord compression can cause neurological deficits compromising quality of life. Treatment strategies should be planned comprehensively. A multidisciplinary approach and the application of the proposed algorithm is of paramount importance to optimize the outcomes of these patients.

Vertebral Hemangiomas: Prevalence, new classification and natural history. magnetic resonance imaging-based retrospective longitudinal study.

To determine the prevalence of vertebral hemangiomas (VHs), establish a new classification of VHs based on their MRI-signal pattern, and study their natural history. MRI of 1000 consecutive patients who underwent at least two MRI with an interval of at least 3years. Growth rate and change of MRI-signal pattern during the follow-up period were the parameters included in studying the natural history of VHs. The prevalence of VHs was 41%. VHs were classified as type I-IV with fat-rich VHs (type I), constituted 79% of all VHs. VHs were more common among females 43% versus males 39%, p = .22. The most affected vertebra was L1. Occurrence rates for cervical (1%), thoracic (7%), and lumbar spine (10%) differed significantly (p < .001). The prevalence of VHs increased with age regardless of gender or spinal part involved (p < .001). Only 26% of VHs changed their size and 4% changed their signal during the average follow-up of 7years. All VHs were slowly growing lesions (average expected growth of <3mm/10years). No significant difference between growth rate of VHs type I (0.25mm/year) and other types of VHs. None of the VHs that were initially reported as "metastases cannot be rule out" showed alarming change in signal or size. VH can be classified into four types based on their MRI-signal pattern. Regardless of their type, VHs are slowly growing lesions. The presence of typical morphological pattern should enable radiologists to confidently differentiate them from vertebral metastases.

Differential abscopal effect in extracranial and intracranial lesions after radiotherapy alone for vertebral bone metastasis of unknown primary: a case report

BackgroundThe abscopal effect is a phenomenon in which a tumor located far from irradiated lesions regresses. We have experienced a case in which both intracranial and extracranial lesions showed an abscopal effect after radiotherapy for spinal metastases of unknown primary. We report the differential abscopal effect in extracranial and intracranial lesions.Case presentationA 57-year-old Japanese man was diagnosed with multiple lung nodules, bone metastases, and brain metastases. The results of pathological examination at the previous hospital he visited suggested adenocarcinoma of the lung. However, there was a possibility that the biopsy specimen was inadequate. Radiation therapy was performed on the ninth thoracic vertebra for a total dose of 39 Gy in 13 fractions because the lesion in the ninth thoracic vertebra was destructively extending. After thorough examination, the primary lesion could not be identified, and we made diagnosis of cancer of unknown primary. The patient did not want to receive systemic chemotherapy; however, all of the lesions except for the brain metastases had spontaneously shrunk 2 months after radiation therapy. Although the brain metastases had partially shrunk, whole-brain radiotherapy for a total dose of 36 Gy in 12 fractions was performed. Fifteen months after initial radiation therapy, the brain metastasis recurred, and Gamma Knife radiosurgery was additionally performed. The brain metastases disappeared after the radiosurgery. During a period of 30 months after radiation therapy for the ninth vertebra, the lesions of the trunk all maintained their shrinkage without systemic chemotherapy. Right cervical lymph node metastasis and brain metastases occurred 30 months after the initial radiation therapy. A biopsy of the right cervical lymph node led to the diagnosis of clear cell carcinoma. Although we considered additional radiation therapy or chemotherapy, the patient died 3 months after the progression of recurrence lesions.Discussion and conclusionsWe report a rare case in which radiotherapy alone for an extracranial metastatic lesion of a vertebra resulted in an abscopal effect on both extracranial and intracranial lesions. Notably, the abscopal effect in the intracranial lesions was weaker than that in the extracranial lesions.