Cystic dilatation of ventriculus terminalis in adults: MRI

Cystic dilatation of the ventriculus terminalis: A narrative review

Introduction

The terminal ventricle, also known as the fifth ventricle, is a tiny relic cavity in the conus medullaris of the human spinal cord. Our purpose in bringing attention to this condition is to get the word out about the signs and symptoms, diagnostic hurdles, and therapeutic options available for it.

Methods

All relevant studies involving patients diagnosed with ventriculus terminalis (VT) were retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Studies published in complete English language reports were included. The terms VT, terminal ventricle, and 5th ventricle. Age, gender, presenting symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging findings, treatment, and outcome of patients with ventriculus terminalis were all included and recorded.

Results

The average age of the patients was 39 years, and there were 13 men among them (14.4%). Motor deficits and sciatica were the most commonly reported symptoms in 38 and 34 patients (42.2%, 37.7%), respectively. In 48 patients (53.3%), cyst fenestration was performed, and in 25 patients (27.7%), myelotomy was performed. Fifty-eight patients (64.4%) saw a reduction in cyst size after surgery. The majority of patients reported an improvement in their symptoms in 64 cases (51.1%), with only three cases (3.3%) reporting a worsening.

Conclusions

In cases where the VT is the source of symptoms such as motor, sensory, or bladder dysfunction, surgical intervention is recommended. This review compiles information from the available literature to shed light on the anatomy, clinical presentation, imaging, and treatment options for this variant. It also aims to pinpoint any potential drawbacks or restrictions connected to the surgical techniques.

Surgical treatment for symptomatic ventriculus terminalis: case series and a literature review

BACKGROUND

Ventriculus terminalis is a cystic embryological remnant within the conus medullaris that normally regresses after birth. In rare cases, it may persist into adulthood and give rise to neurological symptoms, for which the optimal treatment remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to present our experience from a population-based cohort of patients with ventriculus terminalis and discuss our management strategy as compared to the existing literature.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of all adult (≥ 15 years) patients with ventriculus terminalis who were referred to the Karolinska University Hospital between 2010 and 2018.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were included. All patients were symptomatic at the time of referral, and the most common symptom was lower limb weakness (n = 9). Microsurgical cyst fenestration was offered to all patients and performed in thirteen. Postoperative imaging confirmed cyst size reduction in all surgically treated patients. No surgical complications were reported. Eleven of the surgically treated patients showed clinical improvement at long-term follow-up. One patient declined surgery, with progression of the cyst size and clinical deterioration observed at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for ventriculus terminalis seems to be a safe and effective option for relief of symptoms. We propose that surgery should be offered to all patients with symptomatic ventriculus terminalis.

Surgery or not? A case of ventriculus terminalis in an adult patient

The ventriculus terminalis (VT) is an intramedullary cavity containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), usually located at the conus, and represents an unsuccessful regression of a normal embryological phase of the development of the neural tube. Symptoms are not univocal and may vary from aspecific signs to sphincter dysfunctions and focal neurological deficits. The correct management of this condition is still an object of debate due to its rarity and its unpredictable behaviour in adult patients. Two different studies have proposed a distinction for patients with cystic dilatation of VT based on their symptoms, suggesting that only those patients with neurological deficits clearly related to the terminal ventricle could benefit from surgery. We describe a case of an adult patient with a progressive dilatation of a diagnosed VT that we treated surgically. A management flowchart for this condition is also proposed based on our experience and a review of the literature.

Cystic dilation of a ventriculus terminalis. Case report and review of the literature

The ventriculus terminalis (VT) is a small ependyma-lined cavity within the conus medullaris that is in direct continuity with the central canal of the spinal cord. Cystic dilatation of the ventriculus terminalis on its own is an extremely rare pathological event in adults whose pathogenesis is uncertain. VT has been described in children as a normal developmental phenomenon. These lesions are often diagnosed incidentally during imaging and are in most cases asymptomatic, especially in children. Symptomatic dilatation of VT in adults is a rare condition with 61cases being reported to date. Symptomatic dilatation of VT in children has not been reported till now. We present a 5 year-old-boy with a sphincteric and walking disorder. The patient was assessed by clinical, electrophysiological and urodynamic investigations as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar-sacral segment with and without gadolinium enhancement. Lumbar-sacral MRI demonstrated the presence of a cystic lesion containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which did not enhance after gadolinium, compatible with the diagnosis of the ventriculus terminalis dilation.The patient underwent laminectomy and the cyst wall was fenestrated with a midline myelotomy. In 6-month of follow-up, urinary problems and gait disturbance improved.

Cystic Dilation of the Ventriculus Terminalis: Report of 6 Surgical Cases Treated with Cyst-Subarachnoid Shunting Using a T-Catheter

BACKGROUND

Cystic dilation of the ventriculus terminalis (CDVT) is a rare anatomic variation that and may become symptomatic. Literature regarding CDVT is limited, and thus the clinical characteristics and management strategy of CDVT are unclear. Here we report 6 cases of CDVT seen in our institution, and provide a review of the current literature.

METHODS

The study cohort comprised 6 patients with CDVT seen at Beijing Tiantan Hospital between September 2010 and June 2015. All 6 patients were managed surgically. Data on age, sex, clinical presentation, radiologic features, operative methods, and surgical outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. We evaluated the clinical outcomes and postoperative radiologic changes of these patients and compared them with findings of similar previous reports.

RESULTS

All 6 patients were female, with a median age of 50.0 years (interquartile range [IQR], 25.8-54.0 years). Surgical management of cyst-subarachnoid shunting using T-catheter after myelotomy was successfully performed in all patients. During an average follow-up of 41 months, relief of clinical symptoms, especially low-back pain and sciatica, were observed in all 6 patients. No patients experienced symptom recurrence during follow-up, and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed no regrowth of the lesion. Patients with focal neurologic deficits and sphincter disorders also achieved symptom relief from the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

CDVT is an extremely rare cause of conus medullaris syndrome with an unclear treatment strategy. Our successful surgical management of 6 cases through cystic-subarachnoid shunting using a T-catheter for CDVT drainage provides a potential option for treating CDVT.

The Slowly Enlarging Ventriculus Terminalis

Background

A cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) cavity within the conus medullaris has been described by the term ventriculus terminalis (VT) or the fifth ventricle. The finding of a VT on MRI imaging of the lumbar spine is often incidental but may be found in patients with low back pain or neuromuscular deficits. These lesions, when identified, are thought to regress or remain stable in terms of size, although some have been described to enlarge in the presence of post-traumatic meningeal hemorrhages or deformities of the vertebral canal.

Case Report

We describe a case of a slowly growing VT in a patient with progressing lower limb weakness without any history or imaging findings of trauma or spinal canal abnormalities.

Conclusions

We present an intriguing case of a slowly growing VT in a woman with progressive neurological symptoms. Surgical fenestration provided complete symptomatic relief and follow-up imaging two years after surgery demonstrated no evidence of recurrence. This, to our knowledge, is the first described case of a slowly enlarging VT independent of any other imaging findings.

Microsurgical fenestration of idiopathic intramedullary cysts in adult patients

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to describe the findings in one of the largest series of microsurgically treated intramedullary cysts investigated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), focusing on the peri- and intraoperative setup including detailed neurological and radiological outcome analyses.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients with intramedullary cyst who had undergone microsurgical fenestration at our department between 2006 and 2011. Preoperative three-dimensional constructive interference of steady-state MRI was conducted to optimize surgical planning. Intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring included motor-evoked potentials, somatosensory-evoked potentials, and electromyogram. Clinical outcome as well as pre-, postoperative and long-term MRI scans were evaluated.

RESULTS

Eight female patients (median age 58.0 years, range 32-72 years) with a median clinical follow-up of 48.0 months (range 2-69 months) were included. Seven cysts were located in the conus medullaris, one in the cervical spine. Overall, 25.0% (2/8) showed complete remission of preoperative symptoms, 62.5% (5/8) improved, and 12.5% (1/8) asymptomatic patients remained unchanged. Pain syndromes (4/4) as well as motor deficits (2/2) improved in all affected patients and bladder dysfunction (3/4) displayed a high tendency for improvement. Postoperative MRI scans showed permanently decreased cyst volumes by ~80%.

CONCLUSION

Microsurgical fenestration of intramedullary cysts using preoperative high-resolution imaging and intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring is a safe and effective treatment option for symptomatic patients.

Massive cystic dilatation within a tethered filum terminale causing cauda equina compression and mimicking syringomyelia in a young adult patient

BACKGROUND

The ventriculus terminalis (VT) is formed during early embryonic development of the spinal cord and can only be identified histologically in both children and adults. Cystic dilatation of the VT can be seen in young children, but it rarely persists through adulthood.

CLINICAL CASE

We describe a 27-year-old female with paraparesis secondary to a massive and tethered cystic dilatation of the VT mimicking syringomyelia. Symptoms appearing in early childhood were ignored, probably leading to the much prominent presentation in early adulthood. The preoperative presentation and surgical treatment are discussed in relation to childhood history.

CONCLUSIONS

Although extremely rare, symptomatic dilatation of the VT can be seen in young adults, usually with previous manifestations in early childhood. This entity should be considered while treating tethered cord spectrum.

Ventriculus terminalis in adults: unusual magnetic resonance imaging features and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

The ventriculus terminalis (VT) in adults is a rare pathology. We report various MR imaging features of the adult VT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten patients were included in this retrospective review.. All patients had undergone magnetic resonance (MR imaging with a surface coil that used two different 1.5T MR systems. All patients had undergone initial and follow-up MR imaging with contrast enhancement using gadopentate dimeglumine. Three patients underwent additional MR imaging using the echocardiogram-gated spatial modulation of magnetization (SPAMM) technique. If a shift in tagging band during the systolic phase was less than half of the band space, it was defined as a "non-pulsatile fluid". Two neuroradiologists independently reviewed these images, while clinical symptoms and outcomes were statistically analyzed between the treated and non-treated group.

RESULTS

All cases presented an intramedullary cystic lesion in the conus medullaris and showed the same signal intensity as CSF. Three VTs had intracystic septation and cord edema, which were pathologically confirmed after surgery; two of these were associated with kyphotic deformity and spinal arteriovenous malformation. SPAMM-MRI of 3 patients demonstrated non-pulsatile fluid motion within the VT. In the treated group, clinical symptoms improved better than the non-treated group.

CONCLUSION

The adult VT shows some unusual imaging features, including septation, cord edema, and coexistence of a spinal AVM, as well as the typical findings. Surgical maneuvers may be considered as a treatment option in adult VT with progressive neurological symptoms.

Cystic dilation of the ventriculus terminalis

Object

The ventriculus terminalis, an embryological remnant consisting of the ependymal-lined space of the conus medullaris, can occasionally become symptomatic after cystic dilation. In the existing literature, consisting of 32 cases, the preferred type of management (conservative vs surgical) is still debated. The object of this study was to report the surgical results in a consecutive series of 10 adult patients with cystic dilation of the ventriculus terminalis (CDVT), to match them with data retrieved from the relevant literature, and specifically to validate a new recent clinical classification.

Methods

The authors reported 13 new cases of CDVT treated in the Department of Neurosurgery at University Hospital in Verona, Italy. Treatment modalities and clinical and radiological outcomes, both early and at follow-up, were analyzed and compared with a preoperative classification of clinical presentation, as established by de Moura Batista and colleagues (2008).

Results

Surgical treatment seemed to guarantee the resolution of CDVT. Dorsolumbar laminotomy, myelotomy, and cystic drainage were performed in 10 patients. Patients with Type I symptoms (nonspecific complaints) often presented with comorbidities (herniated disc or facet hypertrophy) confusing their clinical status. The surgical treatment of patients with Type I symptoms promoted good results only if the diagnosis of CDVT was definitive and symptoms had rapidly evolved. In patients with Type II (focal neurological deficits) and III (sphincter disturbances) symptoms, surgical treatment sustained improvement even at the late follow-up.

Conclusions

While confirming the usefulness of de Moura Batista and colleagues' classification in its impact on prognosis, the authors propose a revision of the classification with subgroups Type Ia (nonspecific symptoms without clear relation to CDVT), which is best treated conservatively, and Type Ib (rapid onset and invalidating unspecific complaints without comorbidities), which may benefit from surgical evacuation.

Defining the line between hydromyelia and syringomyelia. A differentiation is possible based on electrophysiological and magnetic resonance imaging studies

PURPOSE

With the frequent use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), patients with subtle and diffuse symptoms due to small syrinx cavities increasingly present to neurosurgical care. In this respect, a dilated central canal, hydromyelia, must be separated from patients with true syringomyelia with an underlying disorder, as they do not share clinical and radiological features. We hypothesize that a differentiation of these two entities with distinct diagnostic tools is possible.

METHODS

To describe the entity of hydromyelia, we excluded all patients from the syringomyelia database (n = 142) with any obvious cause of a syringomyelia, any objective neurological deficits on clinical examination, pathological results on electrophysiological monitoring (SSEP, MEP, silent periods) or a widening of the spinal cord cavity of more than 6 mm on MRI [routine acquisitions with FLAIR, T1/T2-weighted images, Cine and CISS (constructive interference in steady-state) studies]. Life quality was assessed through SF-36 questionnaires and an individualized questionnaire for the clinical history, pain and alternative therapies.

RESULTS

Forty patients (15 males/25 females) matched the criteria of a hydromyelia. With a mean age of 36.7 years (range 11-62), they almost all presented with pain (79%) or dysaesthesia of the limbs, with some having been an incidental finding (10%). Over a follow-up time of 36.9 months (range 6-93) there was no neurological or radiological deterioration.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a hydromyelia do not share clinical or radiological characteristics with patients harbouring a true syringomyelia. As hydromyelia does not represent a disease with an underlying pathology, no clinical or radiological progression has been seen. With sophisticated diagnostic tools to rule out any pathology this subset of patients can be identified.

Percutaneous aspiration of spinal terminal ventricle cysts using real-time magnetic resonance imaging and navigation

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical case series.

OBJECTIVE

To present a new innovative treatment option for cysts of the terminal ventricle.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Invasive surgery including laminectomy and cyst fenestration has been the sole reported method of treatment for this rare pathology.

METHODS

Four cases of symptomatic cyst of the terminal ventricle of the spinal cord were treated by percutaneous aspiration using real-time guidance with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optically-tracking navigation.

RESULTS

Three patients were treated successfully by this percutaneous method, and for 1 patient the treatment was converted to conventional surgery after a single unsuccessful trial of percutaneous puncture. All patients were relieved of their symptoms without any complication. Follow-up MRI revealed continued shrinkage of the cysts after both surgery and MRI-guided percutaneous fenestration.

CONCLUSION

MRI-navigated percutaneous aspiration can be a minimally-invasive treatment option for symptomatic cysts of the terminal ventricle, and therefore, can be indicated before more invasive surgery might be scheduled.

Cystic lesion of the ventriculus terminalis: proposal for a new clinical classification

The ventriculus terminalis is a small cavity inside the conus medullaris that is formed during the embryonic development. Previous reports regarding cystic lesion of the ventriculus terminalis (CLVT) in adults have detailed a broad and diversified distribution in terms of clinical symptoms, clinical evolution, neurological findings, and treatment. Therefore, nonstandardized management has led to unsatisfactory outcomes. Thus, the authors propose a new classification system in which the clinical presentation is taken into account to standardize the cases and facilitate the proper management of these lesions. Two more cases are described. The literature was reviewed, dividing the patients into 3 groups by clinical presentation as follows: CLVT Type I, patients with nonspecific neurological symptoms or nonspecific complaints; CLVT Type II, presence of focal neurological deficit; and CLVT Type III, presence of sphincter disturbances (bowel or bladder dysfunction). Two patients were classified as CLVT Type I, 3 as CLVT Type II, and 12 as CLVT Type III. In Type I, no improvement was observed in clinical evaluation after surgery, and stable symptoms were achieved with clinical management. In Type II, 2 patients had total improvement and 1 had subtotal improvement after surgery. Finally, in Type III, 92% of the patients improved postoperatively; among these 33% presented with total improvement. Only 1 case in this group was handled conservatively and no improvement was documented. This new classification is useful to group the patients into 3 clinical types to provide guidance as to the best management options. Treatment for the Type I lesion seems to be best conducted conservatively, whereas Types II and III seem to be best handled surgically.

Cystic dilation of the ventriculus terminalis in adults

✓The ventriculus terminalis (VT) is a small ependyma-lined cavity within the conus medullaris that is in direct continuity with the central canal of the anterior portion of the spinal cord. Normally, such a cavity is identifiable only histologically in children and adults and can be visualized using common neuroradiological techniques only after dilation. Currently, the mechanisms of isolated dilation are not documented. The present work describes 2 cases of VT in elderly patients. Data from a histological and ultrastructural study of a case of VT dilation are reported, and the results are compared with those obtained from the VT of 5 fetuses to explain the nosological aspects of nontumoral VT lesions. Our data suggest that the site, age, and histological characteristics of the lesion allow us to define VT dilation as a nosological entity distinct from other cystic dilations of the conus medullaris.

Cystic dilation of the conus ventriculus terminalis presenting as an acute cauda equina syndrome relieved by decompression and cyst drainage: case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE

The ventriculus terminalis of the conus, or "fifth ventricle" refers to the ependymal-lined space in the middle of the conus that is present in childhood and whose persistence into adulthood is rare. A number of cases of cystic dilatation of the ventriculus terminalis have been described in adulthood. Patients tend to present with either pain alone or gradually progressive conus or cauda equina syndromes with varying degrees of recovery after cyst drainage. Presentation with an acute cauda equina syndrome and its successful surgical management has not been previously reported.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 57-year-old woman experienced back pain and bilateral sciatica ascribed to diabetic neuropathy for 2 years. Over a 24-hour period she developed bilateral lower extremity weakness, saddle anesthesia, and bowel and bladder incontinence. Lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large cystic dilatation of the ventriculus terminalis.

INTERVENTION

She was taken for emergency surgical decompression and cyst drainage. Immediately after surgery, she experienced significant increase in lower extremity strength and has since regained continence.

CONCLUSION

Cystic dilation of the ventriculus terminalis should be part of the differential diagnosis for a cauda equina syndrome; surgical decompression with simple cyst drainage can result in excellent clinical results.

Fifth ventricle: an unusual cystic lesion of the conus medullaris

STUDY DESIGN

Cystic dilatation of the fifth ventricle on its own is an extremely rare pathological event in adults whose pathogenesis is uncertain. The authors describe a personal case of 'fifth ventricle' and review the pertinent literature.

OBJECTIVE

To emphasize the importance of including the fifth ventricle in differential diagnosis of lesions of the conus medullaris to ensure proper treatment.

SETTING

Italy.

METHODS

A 30-year-old woman was referred to us for recurrent low back pain. The patient was assessed by clinical, electrophysiological (motor evoked potential, somatosensorial evoked potential and electromyography of the perineal and lower limb muscles) and urodynamic investigations as well as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar-sacral segment with and without gadolinium enhancement, subsequently extended to the entire vertebral column and brain. Follow-up consisted of periodic clinical evaluation and lumbar-sacral MRI after 1 and 2 years.

RESULTS

General physical examination, electrophysiological and urodynamic investigations were all negative, confirming the subjective nature of the patient's symptoms. Lumbar-sacral MRI demonstrated the presence of a cyst lesion containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which did not enhance after gadolinium, compatible with the diagnosis of the terminal ventricle. By extending the MRI investigation to the entire vertebral column and brain, it was possible to exclude an association with other malformations of the central nervous system. Clinical and radiological follow-up confirmed the nonevolutive nature of the lesion 1 and 2 years later.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of clinical symptoms and the stability of the radiological situation at 1 and 2 years follow-up motivated our choice of conservative treatment.

MR imaging of ventriculus terminalis of the conus medullaris. A report of two operated patients and a review of the literature

We report on 2 patients in whom a cystic dilation of the conus medullaris was incidentally found at MR imaging carried out in the work-up for sciatica. The cysts were well circumscribed and had signal intensity identical to the CSF on both T1- and T2-weighted images. There was no evidence of contrast enhancement. None of the patients had specific symptoms related to the spinal cord. At surgery, no evidence of malignancy was seen in any of the patients. A benign cystic dilation, also called dilated ventriculus terminalis, occasionally can be seen in the conus medullaris as an incidental finding at thoracolumbar MR imaging. Unless the expansion per se indicates cyst drainage, these patients may be monitored by clinical and MR follow-up, avoiding surgery in a substantial number of cases.

Damage to the conus medullaris following spinal anaesthesia

Seven cases are described in which neurological damage followed spinal or combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia using an atraumatic spinal needle. All patients were women, six obstetric and one surgical. All experienced pain during insertion of the needle, which was usually believed to be introduced at the L2-3 interspace. In all cases, there was free flow of cerebrospinal fluid before spinal injection. There was one patchy block but, in the rest, anaesthesia was successful. Unilateral sensory loss at the levels of L4-S1 (and sometimes pain) persisted in all patients; there was foot drop in six and urinary symptoms in three. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a spinal cord of normal length with a syrinx in the conus (n = 6) on the same side as both the persisting clinical deficit and the symptoms that had occurred at insertion of the needle. The tip of the conus usually lies at L1-2, although it may extend further. Tuffier's line is an unreliable method of identifying the lumbar interspaces, and anaesthetists commonly select a space that is one or more segments higher than they assume. Because of these sources of error, anaesthetists need to relearn the rule that a spinal needle should not be inserted above L3.

Idiopathic localized hydromyelia: dilatation of the central canal of the spinal cord of probable congenital origin

Three adult patients are reported with asymptomatic localized widening of the central canal of the spinal cord. These patients were followed for a period of 24 years by imaging and/or clinical history and physical examination without evidence of signs or symptoms related to the spinal cord. This condition probably represents persistence into adult life of a fetal configuration of the central canal of the spinal cord. This process may be termed "idiopathic localized hydromyelia" to distinguish it from syringomyelia secondary to such causes as Chiari malformation, trauma, infection, or neoplasm.