1
|
Muacevic A, Adler JR, Medeiros F, Farid G, Santa Maria PE, Perret CM, Koester SW, Bertani R. Spinal Adhesive Arachnoiditis: A Literature Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e33697. [PMID: 36788823 PMCID: PMC9922032 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Adhesive arachnoiditis (AA) is a rare inflammatory and scar-forming disease with several etiologies that may lead to incapacitating sequelae if not managed early. Nevertheless, as the onset of symptoms varies from days to years, the etiology is not often discovered. The disease is characterized by adhesions disrupting the cerebrospinal fluid flow and causing encapsulation and atrophy of the nerve root. Therefore, a range of clinical features may be present, including urinary, gastroenterology, dermatologic, and neurologic. In terms of diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard showing pseudocysts with adherent and narrow nerve roots toward the center of the dural sac or peripherally cluster and narrow nerve roots with empty thecal sac. Despite its sensitivity and specificity, the imaging findings are not often associated with clinical manifestations, requiring treatment being based on anamneses and clinical findings. Nowadays, AA can be managed with pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment, although none provides a completely satisfying result.
Collapse
|
2
|
Palackdkharry CS, Wottrich S, Dienes E, Bydon M, Steinmetz MP, Traynelis VC. The leptomeninges as a critical organ for normal CNS development and function: First patient and public involved systematic review of arachnoiditis (chronic meningitis). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274634. [PMID: 36178925 PMCID: PMC9524710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & IMPORTANCE This patient and public-involved systematic review originally focused on arachnoiditis, a supposedly rare "iatrogenic chronic meningitis" causing permanent neurologic damage and intractable pain. We sought to prove disease existence, causation, symptoms, and inform future directions. After 63 terms for the same pathology were found, the study was renamed Diseases of the Leptomeninges (DLMs). We present results that nullify traditional clinical thinking about DLMs, answer study questions, and create a unified path forward. METHODS The prospective PRISMA protocol is published at Arcsology.org. We used four platforms, 10 sources, extraction software, and critical review with ≥2 researchers at each phase. All human sources to 12/6/2020 were eligible for qualitative synthesis utilizing R. Weekly updates since cutoff strengthen conclusions. RESULTS Included were 887/14286 sources containing 12721 DLMs patients. Pathology involves the subarachnoid space (SAS) and pia. DLMs occurred in all countries as a contributor to the top 10 causes of disability-adjusted life years lost, with communicable diseases (CDs) predominating. In the USA, the ratio of CDs to iatrogenic causes is 2.4:1, contradicting arachnoiditis literature. Spinal fusion surgery comprised 54.7% of the iatrogenic category, with rhBMP-2 resulting in 2.4x more DLMs than no use (p<0.0001). Spinal injections and neuraxial anesthesia procedures cause 1.1%, and 0.2% permanent DLMs, respectively. Syringomyelia, hydrocephalus, and arachnoid cysts are complications caused by blocked CSF flow. CNS neuron death occurs due to insufficient arterial supply from compromised vasculature and nerves traversing the SAS. Contrast MRI is currently the diagnostic test of choice. Lack of radiologist recognition is problematic. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION DLMs are common. The LM clinically functions as an organ with critical CNS-sustaining roles involving the SAS-pia structure, enclosed cells, lymphatics, and biologic pathways. Cases involve all specialties. Causes are numerous, symptoms predictable, and outcomes dependent on time to treatment and extent of residual SAS damage. An international disease classification and possible treatment trials are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie Wottrich
- Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Erin Dienes
- Arcsology®, Mead, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Mohamad Bydon
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, and Health Services Research, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Michael P. Steinmetz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine Neurologic Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Vincent C. Traynelis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rush University School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Karschnia P, Kaulen L, Thon N, Baehring JM. Clinical Reasoning: A 64-Year-Old Man With History of Meningitis Presenting With Proximal Weakness of the Arms. Neurology 2021; 98:208-213. [PMID: 34799459 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000013085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A 64-year-old man presented for evaluation of proximally pronounced weakness of the arms with preserved facial and lower extremity strength. Symptoms slowly developed over the last two years, and the patient's history was notable for severe Listeria monocytogenes meningitis four years prior to presentation, which was adequately treated with antibiotics. On examination, symptoms clinically reassembled 'man-in-the-barrel' syndrome and localized to the cervicothoracic central cord. Blood analysis was unremarkable, and CSF analysis showed no recurrent or persistent infection. Spinal MRI revealed pockets of sequestered CSF from C3 to C4 and areas of CSF space effacement from C3 to T12. MRI findings were interpreted as cord tethering suggestive of adhesive arachnoiditis. CT myelogram showed insufficient contrast agent migration above T10 and contour irregularities of the conus medullaris, confirming the postulated pathomechanism of cord tethering. Final diagnosis was therefore cervicothoracic central cord damage due to cord tethering in the setting of postinfectious adhesive arachnoiditis following bacterial meningitis. The patient failed a course of pulsed methylprednisolone therapy, and symptoms progressed. Best supportive care was provided. The clinical presentation of adhesive arachnoiditis is variable, and advanced imaging techniques and invasive studies such as CT myelogram may be required to establish the diagnosis. Timely diagnosis is warranted as early surgical or medical therapy can improve symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Karschnia
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Department of Neurosurgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Leon Kaulen
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Niklas Thon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim M Baehring
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT .,Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rohdin C, Ljungvall I, Häggström J, Leijon A, Lindblad-Toh K, Matiasek K, Rosati M, Wohlsein P, Jäderlund KH. Thoracolumbar meningeal fibrosis in pugs. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:797-807. [PMID: 32003496 PMCID: PMC7096664 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thoracolumbar myelopathies associated with spinal cord and vertebral column lesions, with a similar clinical phenotype, but different underlying etiologies, occur in pugs. Objectives To further characterize the clinical and neuropathological characteristics of pugs with longstanding thoracolumbar myelopathy. Animals Thirty client‐owned pure‐bred pugs with a history of more than a month of ataxia and paresis of the pelvic limbs, suggesting a myelopathy localized to the thoracolumbar spinal cord, were included in the study. Methods Prospective clinicopathological study. Included pugs underwent a complete neurological examination and gross and histopathologic postmortem studies with focus on the spinal cord. Computed tomography (n = 18), magnetic resonance imaging (n = 17), and cerebrospinal fluid analysis (n = 27) were performed before or immediately after death. Results Twenty male and 10 female pugs had a median age at clinical onset of 84 months (interquartile range, 66‐96). Affected pugs presented with a progressive clinical course and 80% were incontinent. There was circumferential meningeal fibrosis with concomitant focal, malacic, destruction of the neuroparenchyma in the thoracolumbar spinal cord in 24/30 pugs. Vertebral lesions accompanied the focal spinal cord lesion, and there was lympho‐histiocytic inflammation associated or not to the parenchymal lesion in 43% of the pugs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Meningeal fibrosis with associated focal spinal cord destruction and neighboring vertebral column lesions were common findings in pugs with long‐standing thoracolumbar myelopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Rohdin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.,Anicura Albano Small Animal Hospital, Danderyd, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Ljungvall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jens Häggström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Leijon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health (BVF), Section of Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Lindblad-Toh
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Marco Rosati
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Karin Hultin Jäderlund
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Driver CJ, Rose J, Tauro A, Fernandes R, Rusbridge C. Magnetic resonance image findings in pug dogs with thoracolumbar myelopathy and concurrent caudal articular process dysplasia. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:182. [PMID: 31151444 PMCID: PMC6544997 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-1866-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A retrospective case series study was undertaken to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in Pug dogs with thoracolumbar myelopathy and concurrent caudal articular process (CAP) dysplasia. Electronic clinical records were searched for Pug dogs who underwent MRI for the investigation of a T3-L3 spinal cord segment disease with subsequent confirmation of CAP dysplasia with computed tomography between January 2013 and June 2017. Clinical parameters age, gender, neuter status, body weight, urinary or faecal incontinence, severity and duration of clinical signs were recorded. MRI abnormalities were described. Univariable non-parametric tests investigated the association between the clinical parameters and evidence of extra- or intra-dural spinal cord compression on MRI. RESULTS 18 Pug dogs were included. The median age was 106 months with median duration of clinical signs 5 months. All presented with variable severity of spastic paraparesis and ataxia; 50% suffered urinary/faecal incontinence. In all cases, MRI revealed a focal increase in T2-weighted signal intensity within the spinal cord at an intervertebral level where bilateral CAP dysplasia was present; this was bilateral aplasia in all but one case, which had one aplastic and one severely hypoplastic CAP. MRI lesions were associated with spinal cord compression in all but one case; intervertebral disc protrusion resulted in extra-dural compression in 10 (56%) cases; intra-dural compression was associated with a suspected arachnoid diverticulum in 4 (22%) cases and suspected pia-arachnoid fibrosis in 3 cases (17%). There was no association between clinical parameters and a diagnosis of intra-dural vs extra-dural compression. CAP dysplasia occurred at multiple levels in the T10-13 region with bilateral aplasia at T11-12 most often associated with corresponding spinal cord lesions on MRI. CONCLUSIONS All Pugs dogs in this study were presented for chronic progressive ambulatory paraparesis; incontinence was commonly reported. Although intervertebral disc disease was the most common radiologic diagnosis, intra-dural compression associated with arachnoid diverticulae/fibrosis was also common. Bilateral CAP aplasia was present in all but one Pug dog at the level of MRI detectable spinal cord lesions. A causal relationship between CAP dysplasia and causes of thoracolumbar myelopathy is speculated but is not confirmed by this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Driver
- Fitzpatrick Referrals Ltd, Eashing, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2QQ, UK. .,Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists, Selborne Road, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 3HL, UK.
| | - Jeremy Rose
- Fitzpatrick Referrals Ltd, Eashing, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2QQ, UK.,Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists, Selborne Road, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 3HL, UK
| | - Anna Tauro
- Fitzpatrick Referrals Ltd, Eashing, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2QQ, UK
| | | | - Clare Rusbridge
- Fitzpatrick Referrals Ltd, Eashing, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 2QQ, UK.,Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7AL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yabe I, Matsushima M, Seki T, Sasaki H. A nationwide survey of familial syringomyelia in Japan. J Neurol Sci 2017; 381:128-129. [PMID: 28991663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2017.08.3237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ichiro Yabe
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masaaki Matsushima
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Seki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hidenao Sasaki
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zuev AA, Lebedev VB, Pedyash NV, Epifanov DS, Levin RS. [Treatment of syringomyelia associated with adhesive arachnoiditis]. ZHURNAL VOPROSY NEIROKHIRURGII IMENI N. N. BURDENKO 2017; 81:39-47. [PMID: 28665387 DOI: 10.17116/neiro201781339-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The prevalence of syringomyelia (SM) caused by adhesive arachnoiditis (AA) is 2 to 4 cases per 100000 population. Surgical treatment of this pathology usually includes implantation of shunts into the cyst cavity or opening and drainage of the cavity. In this case, SM continues to progress in 72-100% of patients. Unsatisfactory outcomes of this surgical approach necessitate searching for other treatment options. PURPOSE To define the optimal amount of surgery for SM associated with AA and the criteria for assessment of surgery outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS The authors treated 47 SM patients in the period from 2010 to 2015. Of these, 34 (72.3%) patients underwent surgery; a total of 40 operations were performed. The patients' age ranged from 18 to 64 years (mean, 43.5 years). Tethering of the spinal cord was eliminated in 25 patients; 9 patients underwent cyst shunting. RESULTS Among operated patients, 5 patients had grade 1 arachnopathy, 13 patients had grade 2 arachnopathy, 12 patients had grade 3 arachnopathy, and 4 patients had grade 4 arachnopathy. The minimal postoperative follow-up period was 11 months. After shunting, the condition improved in 8 of 9 patients; in 7 patients, the condition returned to the baseline level within the first postoperative year; in 6 (66.7%) of these patients, the disease continued to progress. After surgical release of spinal cord tethering, satisfactory long-term results were achieved in 13 (86.6%) patients with grade 1-2 arachnopathy. In 3 (50%) patients with grade 3 arachnopathy, the condition was stabilized. Among patients with grade 4 arachnopathy, progression of the disease was stopped in 1 patient; the condition worsened in 2 (50%) patients. Among all the operated patients, complications developed in 7 patients. There were no lethal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In grade 1-2 arachnopathy, progression of SM after release of spinal cord tethering occurs only in 13.4% of patients. Therefore, release of spinal cord tethering is recommended for these patients. In grade 3-4 arachnopathy, the rate of relapse after this surgery is more than 80%. Therefore, given the simplicity and a lower risk of complications of cyst shunting, this procedure is advisable for these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A A Zuev
- Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - V B Lebedev
- Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - N V Pedyash
- Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - D S Epifanov
- Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - R S Levin
- Petrovsky Russian Scientific Center of Surgery, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Stenogyria — Not only in Chiari II malformation. J Neurol Sci 2014; 347:337-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 09/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
9
|
Pasoglou V, Janin N, Tebache M, Tegos TJ, Born JD, Collignon L. Familial adhesive arachnoiditis associated with syringomyelia. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2014; 35:1232-6. [PMID: 24481329 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a3858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Adhesive arachnoiditis is a rare condition, often complicated by syringomyelia. This pathologic entity is usually associated with prior spinal surgery, spinal inflammation or infection, and hemorrhage. The usual symptoms of arachnoiditis are pain, paresthesia, and weakness of the low extremities due to the nerve entrapment. A few cases have had no obvious etiology. Previous studies have reported one family with multiple cases of adhesive arachnoiditis. We report a second family of Belgian origin with multiple cases of arachnoiditis and secondary syringomyelia in the affected individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Pasoglou
- From the Departments of Radiology (V.P.)
| | - N Janin
- Genetics (N.J.), Cliniques Universitaires St. Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Tebache
- Departments of Radiology (M.T., L.C.)
| | - T J Tegos
- Department of Neurology (T.J.T.), AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - J D Born
- Neurosurgery (J.D.B.), Centre Hospitalier Régional de la Citadelle, Liège, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Griessenauer CJ, Bauer DF, Moore TA, Pritchard PR, Hadley MN. Surgical manifestations of thoracic arachnoid pathology: series of 28 cases. J Neurosurg Spine 2014; 20:30-40. [DOI: 10.3171/2013.9.spine1323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Object
Various pathologies involving the thoracic arachnoid mater uniformly manifest as thoracic myelopathy and may present a significant management dilemma. The authors undertook this study to assess outcome in cases of thoracic myelopathy due to thoracic arachnoid pathology.
Methods
The authors have cared for and followed 28 patients with thoracic myelopathy from thoracic arachnoid pathology over the last 17 years. A chart review and contemporary follow-up of these patients was performed and outcomes were reported.
Results
Patients with thoracic myelopathy from thoracic arachnoid pathology often have improvement in their condition after surgical decompression/detethering procedures. While not universal, patients in this series had improvement in mJOA scores at 1 year after surgery (p = 0.0001) and at last follow-up (p = 0.04). Results indicated that across a wide variety of pathologies the extent of thoracic spinal cord involvement is a predictor of the disease course and outcome. Comparison of the group of patients with cord involvement limited to 2 vertebral segments (short-segment pathology) versus the group with cord tethering of more than 2 segments (long-segment pathology) showed that patients in the short-segment group more frequently had ventral or dorsal arachnoid bands (p = 0.003), more frequently had signal change in the cord on MRI (p = 0.02), and less frequently presented with a syrinx (p = 0.02), and a smaller percentage of patients in this group underwent reoperation (p = 0.02). While patients with short-segment pathology typically improved after a single operative intervention, patients with long-segment pathology typically improved after multiple operations, frequently for CSF diversion.
Conclusions
Thoracic arachnoid pathology causing thoracic cord dysfunction and myelopathy is varied, has multiple etiologies, and can be difficult to treat over the long term. Surgical management, when indicated, is case specific. Serial long-term follow-up is essential to document enduring clinical and radiographic success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas A. Moore
- 1Division of Neurosurgery and
- 2Department of Anesthesiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | | |
Collapse
|