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The Indian Journal of Radiology &... Jan 2024Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SICH) is the emerging cause of orthostatic headache as it has been better recognized in recent years. SICH happens due to spinal... (Review)
Review
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SICH) is the emerging cause of orthostatic headache as it has been better recognized in recent years. SICH happens due to spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak; however, the manifestations are predominantly cranial and hence imaging in SICH includes brain and spine. There are few characteristic brain imaging features to be concerned about to diagnose SICH in patients with vague symptoms or low clinical suspicion. Spine screening is recommended in these patients to assess spinal CSF leaks. While neuroradiologists play a significant role from the time of diagnosis to treatment of SICH, there is a need for all the general radiologists to be aware of the condition. Computed tomography myelogram and digital subtraction myelogram are performed for diagnostic and therapeutic management of SICH. There is a known risk for SICH recurrence in patients with sagittal longitudinal epidural collection and hence, targeted blood patch should be used instead of blind patch. Most importantly, slow mobilization is recommended following the patch to avoid recurrence.
PubMed: 38106851
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1774301 -
Radiographics : a Review Publication of... Jan 2024
Topics: Humans; Myelography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Intervertebral Disc Displacement
PubMed: 38096111
DOI: 10.1148/rg.230088 -
Medicine Dec 2023Lumbar epidural analgesia is the gold standard for labor pain control. However, misplacement of epidural catheters into the subdural space may inadvertently happen....
RATIONALE
Lumbar epidural analgesia is the gold standard for labor pain control. However, misplacement of epidural catheters into the subdural space may inadvertently happen. Unrecognized subdural administration of local anesthetics could result in serious consequences, including high spinal and brainstem blocks. This case report describes a case where subdural epidural catheter placement was recognized early but labor pain was adequately managed by dosage titration of subdural analgesia.
PATIENT CONCERNS
This case report describes a 29-year-old primiparous pregnant woman who was admitted to our obstetric unit for labor induction at the gestational age of 38 weeks. An epidural catheter was inserted via the L2-3 intervertebral space using the standard loss of resistance to air technique.
DIAGNOSES
The parturient experienced weakness in the lower extremities and numbness in the upper extremities within 15 minutes after administration of 5 mL of 2% v/v lidocaine as a loading dose and systolic blood pressure also dropped by 25%.
INTERVENTIONS
The dose regimen (a mixture of 0.1% ropivacaine and 4 μg/mL fentanyl) for patient-controlled analgesia was given with bolus doses of 0.1 mL per demand and lockout intervals of 20 minutes. The analgesic effects were adequately maintained below the T8 dermatome for more than 12 hours without hypotensive episodes or obvious signs of neurological deficits. Computed tomographic myelography was performed by instillation of a nonionic iodinated contrast medium via the epidural catheter on postpartum day 2 for imaging confirmation of catheter placement in the extradural space.
LESSONS
Early recognition that epidural catheters for neuraxial analgesia have been inserted into the subdural space is important for the prevention of high spinal blocks. Subdural analgesia could still be achieved by careful clinical assessment and titration of low analgesic doses. This report also presents important and clear serial computed tomographic images of catheter placement in the thoracic-lumbar subdural spaces and the extent of volume spread in the subdural space following administration of contrast medium.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Infant; Adult; Subdural Space; Labor Pain; Anesthetics, Local; Analgesia, Epidural; Analgesics; Catheters; Analgesia, Obstetrical; Labor, Obstetric
PubMed: 38050308
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036000 -
Spine Mar 2024Cohort study.
STUDY DESIGN
Cohort study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to explore the association between blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) markers and other factors associated with an unfavorable outcome among patients with post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS) who achieved successful intradural adhesion lysis (IAL).
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA
Only approximately half of PTS patients receiving IAL have a favorable outcome.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Forty-six consecutive patients with PTS and 19 controls (CTRL) were enrolled. All PTS patients underwent physical and neurological examinations and spinal magnetic resonance imaging before and 3 to 12 months after IAL. All patients underwent myelography before surgery. BSCB disruption was detected by increased intrathecal and serum concentrations of albumin, immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgA, and IgM. A multivariable analysis was performed with a logistic regression model to identify factors associated with unfavorable outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated to investigate the diagnostic value of biomarkers.
RESULTS
The ages and general health of the PTS and CTRL groups did not differ significantly. QAlb, IGAQ, IGGQ, and IGMQ was significantly higher in PTS patients than in controls ( P =<0.001). The degree of intradural adhesion was significantly higher in the unfavorable outcome group than in the favorable outcome group ( P <0.0001). QAlb, immunoglobulin (Ig)AQ, IGGQ, and IGMQ was significantly correlated with clinical status ( R =-0.38, P <0.01; R =-0.47, P =0.03; R =-0.56, P =0.01; R =-0.43, P =0.05, respectively). Higher QAlb before surgery (odds ratio=2.66; 95% CI: 1.134-6.248) was significantly associated with an unfavorable outcome. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated a cutoff for QAlb higher than 10.62 with a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 96.3%.
CONCLUSION
This study is the first to detect increased permeability and BSCB disruption in PTS patients. QAlb>10.62 was significantly associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes following intradural decompression.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III-prognostic.
Topics: Humans; Syringomyelia; Cohort Studies; Spinal Cord Injuries; Prognosis; Immunoglobulins
PubMed: 38014747
DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000004884 -
Interventional Neuroradiology : Journal... Nov 2023Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a serious medical condition caused by loss of cerebrospinal fluid at the level of the spine, which, when not treated, may...
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a serious medical condition caused by loss of cerebrospinal fluid at the level of the spine, which, when not treated, may cause substantial long-term disability and increase morbidity. The following video summarizes the necessary steps for successful diagnosis and treatment of SIH, starting with a brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging, followed by dynamic myelography. Because an epidural bloodpatch did not provide a lasting relief, the patient underwent surgery which demonstrated a ventral dural slit caused by an osteodiscogenic microspur. In the 1-month follow up, the patient was symptom free. This video is meant to raise awareness of SIH among clinicians in order to increase general sensitivity for this diagnosis.
PubMed: 37993413
DOI: 10.1177/15910199231215115 -
Journal of Neurosurgery. Case Lessons Nov 2023Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts (SEACs) are rare and can cause spinal dysfunction. Total cyst removal and duraplasty via multiple laminectomies are commonly performed....
BACKGROUND
Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts (SEACs) are rare and can cause spinal dysfunction. Total cyst removal and duraplasty via multiple laminectomies are commonly performed. However, to avoid postoperative spinal deformity and axial pain, a minimally invasive surgery via selective laminectomy may be optimal. Therefore, preoperative detection of the dural fistula site is required.
OBSERVATIONS
A 25-year-old male presented with a 2-month history of progressive gait disturbance and back pain. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed SEACs at the T9 to L2 level but did not reveal the dural fistula. Further examinations were performed using sagittal time-spatial labeling inversion pulse MRI and cone-beam computed tomography myelography with a spinal intrathecal catheter, which indicated a dural fistula on the left side at the T12 level. On the basis of these results, dural repair was performed via selective laminectomy. Furthermore, an intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage test by intrathecally injecting saline via a spinal catheter confirmed complete closure of the dural fistula, with no other fistulas.
LESSONS
These comprehensive pre and intraoperative examinations may be useful for minimally invasive and selective surgeries in patients with SEACs.
PubMed: 37992305
DOI: 10.3171/CASE23319 -
Neurological Sciences : Official... May 2024Intraspinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection has been reported as a rare cause of lower motor neuron (LMN) disorder. We report a case of bibrachial diplegia...
INTRODUCTION
Intraspinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection has been reported as a rare cause of lower motor neuron (LMN) disorder. We report a case of bibrachial diplegia associated with intraspinal CSF collection and perform a systematic literature review.
PATIENT AND METHODS
A 52-year-old man developed a bibrachial amyotrophy over 6 years, confirmed by the presence of cervical subacute neurogenic changes at electromyography (EMG). Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed cerebral siderosis, while spine MRI showed a ventral longitudinal intraspinal fluid collection (VLISFC) from C2 to L2. No CSF leakage was localized at myelography; a conservative treatment was chosen. We searched for all published cases until 30th April 2023 and extrapolated data of 44 patients reported in 27 publications.
RESULTS
We observed a male predominance, a younger disease onset compared to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and a quite long disease duration, highlighting a slow disease progression. LMN signs were more frequently bilateral, mostly involving C5-C6 myotomes. Around 61% of patients presented additional symptoms, but only three referred to a history of headache. Accordingly, CSF opening pressure was mostly normal. Spinal MRI revealed the presence of VLISFC and in some cases myelomalacia. EMG patterns displayed both chronic and subacute neurogenic change in the cervical region. The disease course mainly depended on the treatment choice, which was mostly represented by a surgical approach when a specific dural defect was detected by imaging.
CONCLUSION
Bibrachial diplegia due to VLISFC can be a treatable cause of focal amyotrophy and presents some clinical and radiological "red flags" which cannot be missed by a clinical neurologist.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak; Spinal Cord Diseases; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Motor Neuron Disease; Myelography; Intracranial Hypotension
PubMed: 37968433
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07170-4 -
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology Dec 2023CSF-venous fistulas are a common cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Lateral decubitus digital subtraction myelography and CT myelography are the diagnostic...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
CSF-venous fistulas are a common cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Lateral decubitus digital subtraction myelography and CT myelography are the diagnostic imaging standards to identify these fistulas. Photon-counting CT myelography has technological advantages that might improve CSF-venous fistula detection, though no large studies have yet assessed its diagnostic performance. We sought to determine the diagnostic yield of photon-counting detector CT myelography for detection of CSF-venous fistulas in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively searched our database for all decubitus photon-counting detector CT myelograms performed at our institution since the introduction of the technique in our practice. Per our institutional workflow, all patients had prior contrast-enhanced brain MR imaging and spine MR imaging showing no extradural CSF. Two neuroradiologists reviewed preprocedural brain MRIs, assessing previously described findings of intracranial hypotension (Bern score). Additionally, 2 different neuroradiologists assessed each myelogram for a definitive or equivocal CSF-venous fistula. The yield of photon-counting detector CT myelography was calculated and stratified by the Bern score using low-, intermediate-, and high-probability tiers.
RESULTS
Fifty-seven consecutive photon-counting detector CT myelograms in 57 patients were included. A single CSF-venous fistula was definitively present in 38/57 patients. After we stratified by the Bern score, a definitive fistula was seen in 56.0%, 73.3%, and 76.5% of patients with low-, intermediate-, and high-probability brain MR imaging, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Decubitus photon-counting detector CT myelography has an excellent diagnostic performance for the detection of CSF-venous fistulas. The yield for patients with intermediate- and high-probability Bern scores is at least as high as previously reported yields of decubitus digital subtraction myelography and CT myelography using energy-integrating detector scanners. The yield for patients with low-probability Bern scores appears to be greater compared with other modalities. Due to the retrospective nature of this study, future prospective work will be needed to compare the sensitivity of photon-counting detector CT myelography with other modalities.
Topics: Humans; Intracranial Hypotension; Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak; Retrospective Studies; Myelography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Fistula
PubMed: 37945523
DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.A8040 -
Journal of Radiological Protection :... Nov 2023To determine the eye lens dose (3 mm dose equivalent [Hp(3)]) received by spine surgeons during myelography and evaluate the effectiveness of radiation-protective...
To determine the eye lens dose (3 mm dose equivalent [Hp(3)]) received by spine surgeons during myelography and evaluate the effectiveness of radiation-protective glasses and x-ray tube system positioning in reducing radiation exposure. This study included spine surgeons who performed myelography using over- or under-table x-ray tube systems. Hp(3) was measured for each examination using a radio-photoluminescence glass dosimeter (GD-352M) mounted on radiation-protective glass. This study identified significantly high Hp(3) levels, especially in the right eye lens in spinal surgeons. The median Hp(3) values in the right eye were 524 (391-719) and 58 (42-83)Sv/examination for over- and under-table x-ray tube systems, respectively. Further, Hp(3), which was obtained by dividing the cumulative air kerma from Hp(3), was 8.09 (6.69-10.21) and 5.11 (4.06-6.31)Sv mGyfor the over- and under-table x-ray tube systems, respectively. Implementing radiation-protective glasses resulted in dose reduction rates of 54% (50%-57%) and 54% (51%-60%) for the over- and under-table x-ray tube systems, respectively. The use of radiation protection glasses significantly reduced the radiation dose in the eye lens during myelography, with the most effective measures being the combination of using radiation protection glasses and an under-table x-ray tube system.
Topics: Humans; Radiation Dosage; Myelography; Occupational Exposure; Lens, Crystalline; Surgeons
PubMed: 37944177
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ad0b3a -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023A 15-year-old spayed female domestic shorthaired cat was evaluated for chronic progressive paraparesis and proprioceptive ataxia. Neurological examination was consistent...
A 15-year-old spayed female domestic shorthaired cat was evaluated for chronic progressive paraparesis and proprioceptive ataxia. Neurological examination was consistent with a T3-L3 myelopathy. Plain thoracolumbar vertebral column radiographs and CT without intravenous contrast or myelography performed at another facility did not highlight any abnormalities. MRI of the thoracolumbar spinal cord identified an intraparenchymal space-occupying lesion extending from T10-T12. Surgery was performed to remove as much of the mass as possible, and to submit samples for histopathology. A dorsal laminectomy was performed over T9-T13. A midline myelotomy provided access to the mass, which was debrided with an intraoperative estimate of 80% removal. Histopathologic examination was consistent with a diagnosis of an astrocytoma. Post-operative treatment consisted of amoxicillin clavulanic acid, prednisolone, gabapentin, and additional analgesic medications in the direct post-operative period. Over the following 4 months, slow recovery of motor function was seen with continued physiotherapy. During the following 2 months, renal and cardiopulmonary disease were diagnosed and treated by other veterinarians. The cat was also reported to have lost voluntary movement in the pelvic limbs during this period, suggesting regression to paraplegia. Finally, 6 months post-surgery, the owner elected humane euthanasia. This is the second documentation of surgical treatment and outcome of an astrocytoma in the spinal cord of a cat.
PubMed: 37941813
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1264916