Management of intramedullary spinal cord lesions: interdependence of the longitudinal extension of the lesion and the functional outcome

Spinal ependymal tumors

Spinal ependymomas are strictly to be subdivided into intramedullary lesions and extramedullary lesions as they are histologically and genetically distinct. Whereas the intramedullary lesions (SPE) are assigned to the WHO grade 2 and very rarely grade 3, the extramedullary lesions or myxopapilary tumors (MPE) are only as recently also assigned to WHO grade 2. The major difference is that in general, an intramedullary lesion of grade 2 remains confined to the local site of origin, even when rarely recurring after complete resection. In contrast, the MPEs have the capacity to spread throughout the cerebrospinal fluid compartment but can also be controlled by cautious complete resection. We here review the clinical features of spinal ependymomas, contrasting the entities, and describe the treatment found best from the literature to manage these lesions including interdisciplinary approaches.

Spinal Intradural Tumor Resection via Long-Segment Approaches and Clinical Long-Term Follow-Up

INTRODUCTION

Spinal intradural tumors account for 15% of all CNS tumors. Typical tumor entities include ependymomas, astrocytomas, meningiomas, and neurinomas. In cases of multiple affected segments, extensive approaches may be necessary to achieve the gold standard of complete tumor resection.

METHODS

We performed a bicentric, retrospective cohort study of all patients equal to or older than 14 years who underwent multi-segment surgical treatment for spinal intradural tumors between 2007 and 2023 with approaches longer than four segments without instrumentation. We assessed the surgical technique and the clinical outcome regarding signs of symptomatic spinal instability. Children were excluded from our cohort.

RESULTS

In total, we analyzed 33 patients with a median age of 44 years and interquartile range IQR of 30-56 years, including the following tumors: 21 ependymomas, one subependymoma-ependymoma mixed tumor, two meningiomas, two astrocytomas, and seven patients with other entities. The median length of the approach was five spinal segments with a range of 4-14 and with the foremost localization in the cervical or thoracic spine. Laminoplasty was the most chosen approach (72.2%). The median time to follow-up was 13 months IQR (4-56 months). Comparing pre- and post-surgery outcomes, 72.2% of the patients (n = 24) reported pain improvement after surgery. The median modified McCormick scores pre- and post surgery were equal to II IQR (I-II) and II IQR (I-III), respectively.

DISCUSSION

We achieved satisfying results with long-segment approaches. In general, patients reported pain improvement after surgery and received similar low modified McCormick scores pre- and post surgery and did not undergo secondary dorsal fixation. Thus, we conclude that intradural tumor resection via extensive approaches does not seem to impair long-term spinal stability in our cohort.

Malignant Spinal Tumors

Malignant spinal tumors constitute around 22% of all primary spinal tumors. The most common location of metastases to the spinal region is the extradural compartment. The molecular and genetic characterization of these tumors was the basis for the updated WHO classification of CNS tumors in 2016, where many CNS tumors are now diagnosed according to their genetic profile rather than relying solely on the histopathological appearance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the current gold standard for the initial evaluation and subsequent follow-up on intradural spinal cord tumors, and the imaging sequences must include T2-weighted images (WI), short time inversion recovery (STIR), and pre- and post-contrast T1-WI in the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. The clinical presentation is highly variable and depends on the tumor size, growth rate, type, infiltrative, necrotic and hemorrhagic potential as well as the exact location within the spinal compartment. Surgical intervention remains the mainstay of management of symptomatic and radiographically enlarging spinal tumors, where the goal is to achieve maximal safe resection. Tumor recurrences are managed with repeat surgical resection (preferred whenever possible and safe), radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or any combination of these therapies.

Therapeutic Approaches in Adult Primary Spinal Cord Astrocytoma: A Systematic Review

Simple Summary

Adult primary spinal cord astrocytoma (SCA) is a very rare disease, with no standardized consensus about its therapy. We focus on treatment efficacy based on systematic review: only 18 papers were eligible for the analysis, including 285 patients. No clinical trials results were available. Not enough data were extracted to determine a univocal treatment plan for SCA. Given the rarity of these diseases, a collaboration among institutions is mandatory to establish a standard for study conduction (homogenous inclusion criteria and method of analysis), to perform homogenous studies and define future evidence-based recommendation. Contextually, multicentric clinical trials with molecular investigations are strongly advised to better manage SCA and unveil their biology.

Abstract

The issue: Gliomas are primary tumors arising from supporting cells of the central nervous system (CNS), usually in the brain. The 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) classifies gliomas as adult-type diffuse gliomas or circumscribed astrocytic gliomas depending on their histology and molecular features. Spinal astrocytic gliomas are very rare, and nowadays no standard of therapy is available. Treatment options are limited: surgery is often not radical, and adjuvant therapies include mostly radiotherapy (RT) or systemic chemotherapy (CHT). There is lack of knowledge about the efficacy and safety of therapies and their multidisciplinary approaches. The aim of the review: A systematic review of the literature from January 2000 to June 2021 was performed, including both clinical trials and observational studies on histological adult primary spinal cord astrocytomas (SCA), with a minimum follow-up of 6 months and reporting the overall survival, progression-free survival or clinical neurological outcome after any therapeutic approach (surgery, RT or CHT). What are the main findings? A total of 1197 citations were identified by the Medline search and additional records; based on our inclusion criteria, 18 studies were included with a total of 285 adult patients. We documented the lack of any clinical trial. What are the conclusions? The available literature data are limited to series/retrospective studies, including heterogeneous patients, i.e., astrocytoma as well as ependymoma or pediatric/adult age, with scanty data on the outcomes of interest. No clinical trials have been run. Due to the rarity of this disease, multicentric clinical trials with molecular investigations are mandatory to better manage such a rare disease.

Magnetic resonance imaging indicators for neurological outcome after surgery in patients with intramedullary spinal ependymomas

This is a retrospective study. The aim of this study was to determine the indicators of neurological outcome after surgery in patients with intramedullary spinal ependymomas by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).A total of 106 consecutive patients (mean age: 42.4 ± 1.3 years; 52.8% male) diagnosed with intramedullary spinal ependymomas were retrospectively recruited. All patients underwent spine MRI and subsequent surgical resection for the spinal tumors. Data regarding clinical symptoms and pathological grades of tumors were collected from clinical records. The McCormick score was used for grading patients' neurological status before and after surgery at 12 months. Good outcome was defined as stable McCormick score (McC) score (no change of McC score between preoperation and post-operation at 12 months) or improvement in McC score (post-operative McC score at 12 months < preoperative McC score). Poor outcome was determined when there was an increase in McC score at 12 months after surgery. The MRI characteristics of spinal ependymomas between patients with good and poor neurological outcomes were compared. Logistic regression was performed to assess the association between MRI characteristics of tumors and post-operative neurological outcomes.Patients with poor neurological outcomes had larger longitudinal length (4.7 ± 0.5 vs 3.3 ± 0.2, P = .004) and higher enhancement signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) (102.4 ± 12.3 vs 72.8 ± 4.6, P = .022) than those with good neurological outcomes. After adjusting for confounding factors, longitudinal length (OR, 0.768; 95% CI, 0.604-0.976; P = .031) and enhancement SNR (OR, 0.988; 95% CI, 0.978-0.999; P = .026) of spinal ependymomas were significantly associated with poor neurological prognosis.The longitudinal length of tumor and enhancement SNR on T1-weighted images are independently associated with neurological outcome after surgery.

Spinal intradural extramedullary arachnoid cysts in adults-operative therapy and clinical outcome

BACKGROUND

Spinal arachnoid cysts (SAC) are rare mostly idiopathic intradural lesions with compression of the spinal cord and clinical signs of radiculo- and/or myelopathy. We retrospectively analyzed radiological and clinical characteristics of patients with surgical treatment of SAC including a subgroup evaluation of long-term outcome and QoL.

METHOD

Patients with SAC treated between 1993 and 2017 were evaluated. Craniocaudal (c.c.) and anteroposterior (a.p) cyst diameters were measured pre- and post-OP. McCormick and Odom score for myelopathy, general outcome and QoL (SF-36, EORTC-QLQ30) were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 72 patients (female:male = 1.9:1) were analyzed with mean FU of 44.8 ± 60 months (long-term data from 25 patients with FU 78.2 ± 63.9 months). All had surgery due to solitary cysts: 10 cervical (13.9%), 45 thoracic (62.5%), and 17 lumbosacral (23.6%), the majority (79.2%) located dorsally. Main symptoms were gait disturbance (80%), dysesthesia (64%) and paresis (80%). Patients had (hemi-)laminectomy with cyst fenestration in 48 (66.7%) and complete resection in 18 cases (25.0%). Four cases (5.5%) were treated by cystoperitoneal shunt, 2 by marsupialization (2.8%). In total, 11 revisions were necessary in 9/72 (12.5%) patients (one patient underwent 3 revisions). Two patients were reoperated for wound revision/epidural hematoma (each n = 1). Seven patients needed additional cyst wall resection after 1.5-31.0 months due to insufficient cyst shrinking and persistent clinical symptoms after first surgery; most of the cysts were multiple septated and of post-hemorrhagic origin. The mean c.c. size decreased from 5.2 ± 3.7 cm pre-OP to 2.7 ± 3.9 cm (p < 0.05); the a.p. diameter decreased from 1.0 ± 0.5 cm to 0.3 ± 0.3 cm (p < 0.0001) without significant differences between fenestration and resection. McCormick and Odom scores revealed improved symptoms, particularly of gait disturbance, sensory deficits, and general performance. Long-term FU displayed satisfying QoL performance without differences of fenestration or resection.

CONCLUSION

SAC mostly affect women and are predominantly located in the thoracic spine, becoming apparent with clinical myelopathy. For cysts without intracystic septae and compartments, both fenestration and resection of the cyst wall provided significant reduction of cyst size and clinical improvement.

Comparative clinical study on seldom segment with multiple segment intramedullary primary spinal cord tumors

OBJECTIVE

Several clinical studies were performed on multi-segment intramedullary primary spinal cord tumors. However, no clinical study focused on the relationship between different vertebral segments intramedullary tumors involvement and neurological functions, as well as prognosis of the patients. This prospective study was performed to compare clinical analysis on neurological functions and prognosis of the patients with intramedullary spinal cord primary tumors.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was performed in a single medical center, Neurosurgical Department, Peking University Third Hospital. Between Jan. 1, 2010 and Dec. 30, 2015, 135 patients underwent microsurgery for intramedullary primary spinal cord tumors. The intramedullary tumor length occupying 3 or more vertebral body levels was considered as multiple segments intramedullary primary spinal cord tumor, and occupying one or two vertebral body levels considered as seldom segments. Preoperative and postoperative functions were assessed using IJOA (improved Japanese orthopaedic association) scoring system, and analyzed using the appropriate statistical tests.

RESULTS

Among the 135 patients, 52 cases had seldom segments intramedullary primary spinal cord tumors, and 83 cases had multiple segments. In the seldom group, 32 (62%) patients presented with normal urine and stool function, 8 (15%) patients with severe dysfunction, 7 (14%) with slight dysfunction, and 5 (9%) with incontinence, and 30 (58%) patients demonstrated various degrees of limbs weakness. The preoperative IJOA scores of the patients were 16.9±2.4. The postoperative IJOA scores at the end of 3 months were 16.6±2.3. The current IJOA scores until the end of the follow-up were 17.5±4.4. In the multiple group, 37 (45%) patients presented with normal urine and stool functions, 26 (31%) patients with slight dysfunction, 11 (13%) with severe dysfunction, and 9 (11%) with incontinence, and 62 (75%) patients demonstrated various degrees of limbs weakness. The preoperative IJOA scores of the patients were 15.6±3.4. The postoperative IJOA scores at the end of 3 months were 15.5±3.8. The current IJOA scores until the end of the follow-up were 16.9±5.8. The difference of presenting urine and stool dysfunction (Z=-1.35, P=0.18) was not statistically significant between the different patient groups. However, the difference of presenting limbs weakness (Z=-2.06, P=0.04) was statistically significant between the two groups. Most patients with multiple segment intramedullary tumors suffered from various limbs weakness. The difference of the preoperative IJOA score (P=0.02) and the postoperative early IJOA score (P=0.004) of the patients was statistically significant between the seldom and multiple segments groups. Preoperative and early postoperative neurological function of the patients was better with seldom segments tumor than with multiple segments tumor. Most patients with multi-segment intramedullary tumors experienced various limbs weakness. However, the difference of long-term neurological function (P=0.12) between the seldom and multiple segments groups was not statistically significant. The neurological function of the patients with multiple segments intramedullary tumor was remarkably improved after physical therapy.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative neurological function of the patients with seldom segments primary tumor was superior to that of the patients with multiple segments primary tumor, especially for limb strength. The neurological function of the patients with multiple segments intramedullary primary tumor was remarkably improved after physical therapy during long-term follow-up.

A systematic review of outcome in intramedullary ependymoma and astrocytoma

The objective was to determine the impact of surgical resection and adjuvant therapies on survival in intramedullary ependymoma and astrocytoma. Secondary goals were to determine predictors of survival in surgical patients including histological grading, age and gender. Searching of Medline, Embase and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were performed. Multivariate analyses were performed for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) through Monte Carlo methods and Maximum Likelihood Estimation. 57 articles detail results for 3022 patients. Meta-analysis revealed the following factors to have a statistically significant effect on OS. Patients undergoing gross-total resection (GTR) are 5.37 times more likely to survive than patients with lesser volumes of tumor resected (HR for OS 1.68, p < 0.01). High-grade tumors were associated with a 14 times risk of death over low-grade tumors (HR for OS 2.64, p < 0.01). Radiation increased the risk of mortality in low-grade tumors (HR for OS 5.20, p < 0.01), but decreased mortality in high-grade lesions (HR for OS 2.46, p < 0.01). Adult patients were more likely to die from disease compared with pediatric patients by a factor of 1.6 (HR for OS 0.47, p < 0.01). In PFS, radiotherapy was associated with a reduced time to recurrence (HR for PFS 1.90, p < 0.01). There was a male predominance of 58%. Gender did not influence survival. 79% of patients demonstrated stable or improved functional neurological outcomes six months post-operatively. Our data indicates GTR improves OS in all tumor grades. Radiation improves OS only in the presence of high-grade histology. Advancing age and high-grade histology are negative prognostic indicators.

Adult intradural intramedullary astrocytomas: a multicenter analysis

Background

Intramedullary tumors constitute approximately 20-30% of all spinal cord tumors and approximately 30-40% of these are astrocytomas. Furthermore, they comprise only about 2-4% of all primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Due to their rarity and poor prognosis, large population-based studies are needed to assess the epidemiology and survival risk factors associated with these tumors in the hope of improving outcomes. The authors undertook this retrospective study to explore factors that may influence survival in adult patients with intramedullary astrocytomas.

Methods

Utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, a prospective cancer registry, the authors retrospectively assessed survival in histologically confirmed, intramedullary spinal cord astrocytomas in patients 18 years of age and older. Survival was described with Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the association of several variables with survival while controlling for confounding variables.

Results

Analysis by multivariate regression of 131 cases showed that increasing age of diagnosis [hazard ratio (HR) 1.52, 95% CI: 1.17-1.99, P=0.001], WHO grade IV classification (HR 8.85, 95% CI: 2.83-27.69, P<0.001), tumor invasiveness (HR 2.94, 95% CI: 1.00-8.64, P=0.047), and sub-total resection (HR 5.80, 95% CI: 1.20-28.03, P=0.029) were associated with statistically significant decreases in survival.

Conclusions

This study suggest that older age, higher WHO grade, tumor invasiveness as well as sub-total resection were all associated with a worse prognosis.

Fluorescence Guided Surgery with 5-Aminolevulinic Acid for Resection of Spinal Cord Ependymomas

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study.

PURPOSE

We report our experience with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-assisted resection of spinal cord ependymomas in adults.

OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE

Ependymoma is the most frequent primary spinal cord tumor in adults. Surgery is the treatment of choice in most cases. However, while complete resection is achieved in approximately 80% of cases, clinical improvement is achieved in 15% only. Five-ALA fluorescence-guided surgery seems to be useful for this tumor type.

METHODS

We studied 14 patients undergoing 5-ALA fluorescence-guided surgery for spinal cord ependymomas in our service. The modified McCormick classification was used to determine clinical status and the degree of resection was assessed with magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

Of the 14 patients, the tumor showed an intense emission of fluorescence in 12 and the fluorescence was weak and nonuniform in two. Complete resection was achieved in 11 cases. According to the McCormick classification, 10 patients improved, two remained the same, and two deteriorated.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm that 5-ALA fluorescence-guided resection is useful in spinal cord ependymoma resection. Although the rate of complete resections is similar to that in published series without 5-ALA, clinical results are better when using 5-ALA with a lower percentage of clinical deterioration.

Intradural spinal tumors in adults-update on management and outcome

Among spinal tumors that occur intradurally, meningiomas, nerve sheath tumors, ependymomas, and astrocytomas are the most common. While a spinal MRI is the state of the art to diagnose intradural spinal tumors, in some cases CT scans, angiography, CSF analyses, and neurophysiological examination can be valuable. The management of these lesions depends not only on the histopathological diagnosis but also on the clinical presentation and the anatomical location, allowing either radical resection as with most extramedullary lesions or less invasive strategies as with intramedullary lesions. Although intramedullary lesions are rare and sometimes difficult to manage, well-planned treatment can achieve excellent outcome without treatment-related deficits. Technical advances in imaging, neuromonitoring, minimally invasive approaches, and radiotherapy have improved the outcome of intradural spinal tumors. However, the outcome in malignant intramedullary tumors remains poor. While surgery is the mainstay treatment for many of these lesions, radiation and chemotherapy are of growing importance in recurrent and multilocular disease. We reviewed the literature on this topic to provide an overview of spinal cord tumors, treatment strategies, and outcomes. Typical cases of extra- and intramedullary tumors are presented to illustrate management options and outcomes.

Spinal tumors: Trends from Northern India

Introduction and Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed 111 patients with spinal tumors operated over a period of 9 years to observe the relative frequency of different lesions, their clinical profile, functional outcome and prognostic factors. 30/111 (27%) were extradural, 40/111 (36.1%) were intradural extramedullary (IDEM) and 41/111 (36.9%) were intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs). Mean age at surgery was 30.81 years (range 1–73 years). The average preoperative duration of symptoms was 16.17 months (15 days to 15 years). Major diagnoses were ependymomas and astrocytomas in IMSCT group, schwanommas and neurofibromas in IDEM group, and metastasis, lymphoma in extradural group. The common clinical features were motor weakness in 78/111 (70.27%), sensory loss in 55/111 (49.54%), pain 46/111 (41.44%), and sphincter involvement in 47/111 (42.43%) cases.

Results:

Totally, 88/111 (79.27%) patients had improvement in their functional status, 17/111 (15.31%) remained same, and 6/111 (5.4%) were worse at time of their last follow-up. The mean follow-up was 15.64 months (1.5 m⁻¹⁰ years). Totally, 59 out of 79 patients, who were dependent initially, were ambulatory with or without the aid. Most common complication was persistent pain in 10/111 (9%) patients and nonimprovement of bladder/bowel symptoms in 7/111 (6.3%). One patient died 3 months after surgery.

Conclusions:

(1) Congenital malformative tumors like epidermoids/dermoids (unrelated to spina bifida) occur more frequently, whereas the incidence of spinal meningioma is less in developing countries than western populations. (2) The incidence of intramedullary tumors approaches to that of IDEM tumors. Intramedullary tumors present at a younger age in developing countries. (3) Rare histological variants like primitive neuroectodermal tumors should also be considered for histological differential diagnosis of spinal tumors. (4) Preoperative neurologic status is the most important factor related to outcome in spinal tumors.

Spinal ependymomas. Part 1: Intramedullary ependymomas

OBJECT

Ependymomas represent the most common intramedullary tumor in adults. Despite their usually well-defined dissection plane, surgical morbidity has been documented to be considerably higher compared with other intramedullary entities. This study presents an analysis of risk factors for surgical morbidity and data on long-term results for intramedullary ependymomas.

METHODS

Among 1447 patients with tumors of the spinal canal treated between 1980 and 2014, 309 patients presented with intramedullary tumors. One hundred patients with intramedullary ependymomas underwent 102 operations. Mean age was 44 ± 15 years (range 8–74 years). Patients were followed by outpatient visits and questionnaires, with a mean follow-up of 77 ± 91 months. Short-term results were determined for individual symptoms and the McCormick Scale, whereas tumor recurrence rates were calculated with Kaplan-Meier statistics.

RESULTS

Compared with cervical ependymomas, those of the thoracic spine were associated with more severe motor deficits and gait problems at presentation. A total of 86.3% of patients with intramedullary ependymomas underwent gross-total resection (GTR). A low preoperative McCormick grade and first surgery were the strongest predictors for a GTR. Postoperatively, 67.6% of patients demonstrated a worse neurological state at discharge from the hospital. This deterioration was transient for 40.1% of the patients and permanent for 27.5%. In the long term, the McCormick grade remained unchanged from the preoperative grade in 74.5% of patients, while it was improved in 5.9% of patients and increased after surgery in 19.6% of patients. According to a multivariate analysis, the risk of permanent morbidity increased with a thoracic level of the ependymoma, advanced age, a long clinical history, presence of a tumor hemorrhage, and surgery on a recurrent tumor. In the long term, tumor recurrence rates correlated significantly with the amount of resection (4.2% and 18.5% in 20 years after GTR and partial resections, respectively). Postoperative neuropathic pain syndromes affected 37.0% of patients, whereas 4% demonstrated a postoperative myelopathy related to cord tethering at the level of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Intramedullary ependymomas are tumors best treated surgically. A complete resection indicates cure for the overwhelming majority of these patients. Surgery should be performed early by neurosurgeons who deal with these lesions on a regular basis to achieve high GTR rates. Permanent surgical morbidity varies most according to tumor location and patient age.

Association of risk factors with unfavorable outcomes after resection of adult benign intradural spine tumors and the effect of hospital volume on outcomes: an analysis of 18, 297 patients across 774 US hospitals using the National Inpatient Sample (2002−2011)

OBJECT

Because of the limited data available regarding the associations between risk factors and the effect of hospital case volume on outcomes after resection of intradural spine tumors, the authors attempted to identify these associations by using a large population-based database.

METHODS

Using the National Inpatient Sample database, the authors performed a retrospective cohort study that involved patients who underwent surgery for an intradural spinal tumor between 2002 and 2011. Using national estimates, they identified associations of patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and hospital characteristics with inpatient postoperative outcomes. In addition, the effect of hospital volume on unfavorable outcomes was investigated. Hospitals that performed fewer than 14 resections in adult patients with an intradural spine tumor between 2002 and 2011 were labeled as low-volume centers, whereas those that performed 14 or more operations in that period were classified as high-volume centers (HVCs). These cutoffs were based on the median number of resections performed by hospitals registered in the National Inpatient Sample during the study period.

RESULTS

Overall, 18,297 patients across 774 hospitals in the United States underwent surgery for an intradural spine tumor. The mean age of the cohort was 56.53 ± 16.28 years, and 63% were female. The inpatient postoperative risks included mortality (0.3%), discharge to rehabilitation (28.8%), prolonged length of stay (> 75th percentile) (20.0%), high-end hospital charges (> 75th percentile) (24.9%), wound complications (1.2%), cardiac complications (0.6%), deep vein thrombosis (1.4%), pulmonary embolism (2.1%), and neurological complications, including durai tears (2.4%). Undergoing surgery at an HVC was significantly associated with a decreased chance of inpatient mortality (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.16−0.98), unfavorable discharge (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.76−0.98), prolonged length of stay (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.62−0.77), high-end hospital charges (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.60−0.74), neurological complications (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.26−0.44), deep vein thrombosis (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.45−0.94), wound complications (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.41−0.86), and gastrointestinal complications (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.46−0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study provide individualized estimates of the risks of postoperative complications based on patient demographics and comorbidities and hospital characteristics and shows a decreased risk for most unfavorable outcomes for those who underwent surgery at an HVC. These findings could be used as a tool for risk stratification, directing presurgical evaluation, assisting with surgical decision making, and strengthening referral systems for complex cases.

Long-term disease and neurological outcomes in patients with pediatric intramedullary spinal cord tumors

OBJECT

Radical resection is recommended as the first-line treatment for pediatric intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs), but it is associated with morbidity, including risk of neurological decline and development of postoperative spinal deformity. The authors report long-term data on clinical and treatment determinants affecting disease survival and neurological outcomes.

METHODS

Case records for pediatric patients (< 21 years of age at presentation) who underwent surgery for IMSCTs at the authors' institution between January 1975 and January 2010 were analyzed. The patients' demographic and clinical characteristics (including baseline neurological condition), the treatment they received, and their disease course were reviewed. Long-term disease survival and functional outcome measures were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 55 patients (30 male and 25 female) were identified. The mean duration of follow-up (± SEM) was 11.4 ± 1.3 years (median 9.3 years, range 0.2-37.2 years). Astrocytomas were the most common tumor subtype (29 tumors [53%]). Gross-total resection (GTR) was achieved in 21 (38%) of the 55 patients. At the most recent follow-up, 30 patients (55%) showed neurological improvement, 17 (31%) showed neurological decline, and 8 (15%) remained neurologically stable. Patients presenting with McCormick Grade I were more likely to show functional improvement by final follow-up (p = 0.01) than patients who presented with Grades II-V. Kaplan-Meier actuarial tumor progression-free survival rates at 5, 10, and 20 years were 61%, 54%, and 44%, respectively; the overall survival rates were 85% at 5 years, 74% at 10 years, and 64% at 20 years. On multivariate analysis, GTR (p = 0.04) and tumor histological grade (p = 0.02) were predictive of long-term survival; GTR was also associated with improved 5-year progression-free survival (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis for pediatric IMSCTs is favorable with sustained functional improvement expected in a significant proportion of patients on long-term follow-up. Long-term survival at 10 years (75%) and 20 years (64%) is associated with aggressive resection. Gross-total resection was also associated with improved 5-year progression-free survival (86%). Hence, the treatment benefits of GTR are sustained on extended follow-up.

Treatment of intramedullary tumors: analysis of surgical morbidity and long-term results

Object

Surgery of intramedullary tumors is established as the treatment of choice for these challenging lesions. This study presents a detailed analysis of risk factors for surgical morbidity and data on long-term results for intramedullary tumors.

Methods

Among 1317 patients with tumors of the spinal canal treated between 1980 and 2012, 278 patients with intramedullary tumors are presented. A total of 225 of these patients underwent 246 operations for treatment of 250 tumors. The mean patient age was 41 ± 17 years (range 3 weeks to 83 years). Patients underwent follow-up through outpatient visits and questionnaires with a mean follow-up of 41 ± 53 months. Tumors were subdivided into 3 groups: displacing tumors (Type A, n = 162), infiltrating tumors (Type B, n = 80), and nonproliferating tumors (Type C, n = 8). A gross-total resection (GTR) was attempted for every tumor except for Type C lipomas. Participating surgeons were divided into 3 groups according to the number of operations they performed. Short-term results were determined for individual symptoms and the modified McCormick Scale, whereas tumor recurrence rates were calculated with Kaplan-Meier statistics.

Results

Overall, 83.3% of Type A tumors underwent GTR compared with 22.5% of Type B and none in Type C. Gross-total resection rates increased throughout the study period and correlated significantly with surgical experience. A worsened neurological state after surgery was seen in 61% of patients. This deterioration was transient in 41.5% and was a common observation after GTR. Permanent morbidity (19.5%) was lowest after GTR and correlated significantly with surgical experience and the preoperative neurological state. Further analysis showed that patients with tumors of thoracic levels, tumor hemorrhages, and malignant and recurrent tumors were at a higher risk for permanent morbidity. In the long term, tumor recurrence rates for ependymomas and benign astrocytomas correlated significantly with the amount of resection. Long-term morbidity affected 3.7% with a postoperative myelopathy related to cord tethering at the level of surgery and 21.9% in form of neuropathic pain syndromes. The rate of postsurgical cord tethering could be lowered significantly by using pia sutures after tumor resection. Neuropathic pain syndromes were more common after surgery for tumors with associated syringomyelia or those located in the cervical cord.

Conclusions

Intramedullary tumors should be surgically treated as soon as neurological symptoms appear. Gross-total resection is possible for the majority of benign pathologies. Cervical tumors are associated with higher GTR and lower permanent morbidity rates compared with thoracic tumors. Surgery on intramedullary tumors should be performed by neurosurgeons who deal with these lesions on a regular basis as considerable experience is required to achieve high GTR rates and to limit rates of permanent morbidity.

Management of holocord pilocytic astrocytomas in children and adolescents: an update

Holocord intramedullary low-grade astrocytomas in children and adolescents - involving most or all of the cervical and thoracic spinal cord - are a rare finding. Most of the tumors seem to be pilocytic astrocytomas. Surgical management strategies might not be as clear as in small and circumscribed intramedullary tumors. On the basis of 20 previously published cases and 3 own patients, we summarize and discuss possible treatment options and their risks and benefits. Surgery should be performed soon after establishment of the diagnosis, which per se is often delayed despite a long-standing presence of attributable symptoms or signs in most cases. Following multilevel laminotomy, excellent results can be achieved by electrophysiologically guided microsurgical tumor removal in a single-staged or multistaged approach. The surgical goal is resection as gross total as possible provided intraoperative monitoring indicates preservation of function. Small tumor remnants often remain stable in the due course. In case of unresectable regrowth or recurrence, chemotherapy or radiotherapy are the adjuvant treatment options.