Cardiovascular and sudomotor dysfunction in Hirayama disease

Anesthetic challenges in a patient with Hirayama disease with quadriparesis and autonomic dysfunction undergoing cervical spine surgery

Hirayama disease is a rare neurological disorder, characterized by muscular atrophy of the distal upper extremities. The occurrence of spastic quadriparesis and autonomic dysfunction is rarely reported and has important perioperative considerations during cervical spine surgery for the treatment of this disorder. The role of the anesthesiologist is vital in the thorough assessment of the patient for the involvement of the pyramidal tract, autonomic dysfunction, gastroparesis, hyperreactive airway disease, and documentation of neurological deficits. Intraoperative concerns include safe manipulation of the airway during mask ventilation and the use of a flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope during endotracheal intubation to prevent neck flexion. It is also essential to avoid drugs, leading to histamine release. The use of multimodal monitoring including bispectral index and neuromuscular monitoring is crucial to prevent delayed recovery. Anticipation and management of exaggerated hypotension in response to anesthetic induction agents and prone position is the key to a successful outcome in patients with autonomic dysfunction.

Surgical treatment of spinal cord compression due to Hirayama disease: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Hirayama disease (HD), also known as juvenile spinal muscular atrophy, is a rare condition in which flexion of the cervical neck causes compression and ischemic changes to the anterior horns of the spinal cord. Here the authors presented the first reported case of HD in North America that was successfully treated via surgical intervention.

OBSERVATIONS

The patient was a 15-year boy with insidious onset upper limb weakness and atrophy. His findings were a classic presentation of HD although his complex history and relative rarity of the disease caused him to remain undiagnosed for months. After conservative management via cervical collar failed, the patient was successfully treated via C5-C7 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. The patient’s symptoms stabilized by the 3-month follow-up.

LESSONS

The diagnosis of HD is easy to miss because of the lack of reporting and widespread knowledge of this condition in North America. Thus, when presented with a case of insidious onset limb weakness in a juvenile patient, HD should be placed on the differential list and verified with cervical flexion magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, surgical intervention should be considered a safe and effective option for HD when conservative methods have failed.