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Intramedullary spinal cord lipomas without spinal dysraphism are rare. Although they are benign tumors, they can cause significant neurological deficits. Their tight adherence to the spinal cord presents a challenge for resection. Therefore, we review our institutional experience treating adult patients with intramedullary lipomas in the absence of dysraphism and report long-term outcomes after resection. All adult patients undergoing resection of intramedullary spinal cord lipomas at a comprehensive cancer center between June 2011 and June 2023 were retrospectively identified. Patients with spinal dysraphism or extramedullary lipomas were excluded. Patients were included if they had microscopic surgical debulking with tissue sampling confirming the diagnosis. Six patients were identified with a mean age of 35.0 ± 11.5 years, and 67% were female. Four cases localized to the thoracic spine. Symptoms included pain, numbness, and lower extremity motor weakness; only one patient reported bowel and bladder dysfunction. All patients experienced transient neurological decline in the immediate postoperative period. Five recovered to independent ambulation at long-term follow-up, including one recovering to full strength. One patient required a repeat resection after four years due to tumor progression and functional decline. Tumor progression was not recorded in the other patients. Subtotal resection is a safe and effective treatment. Detethering of the spinal cord, resection of exophytic components, and tumor debulking can improve symptoms and prevent further deterioration in most cases. The resection can be assisted using a laser to vaporize the fatty tissue of the lipoma without physical manipulation of the spinal cord. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intramedullary meningiomas are an exceptionally rare subtype of spinal tumors, accounting for only 5% of primary spinal neoplasms. Given their scarcity and unique characteristics, understanding optimal management approaches is crucial for improved clinical decision-making. This systematic review aims to consolidate existing literature and present a detailed case illustration to enhance understanding of this uncommon spinal tumor entity. A systematic search adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted. Eligible studies included case reports, case series, cohort studies, reviews, and meta-analyses. Data extraction and synthesis focused on demographic characteristics, tumor location, clinical presentation, imaging findings, surgical interventions, histopathological features, and outcomes. A total of 15 high-quality scientific articles were included in the systematic review, providing insights into various aspects of intramedullary meningiomas. Demographic analysis revealed a broad age distribution with an equal gender distribution among affected patients. Common clinical presentations included difficulty walking, sensory disturbances, spastic paraparesis, and urinary incontinence. Neuroimaging findings demonstrated heterogeneous signal intensity variations on T1- and T2-weighted images, with variable enhancement patterns on gadolinium-enhanced images. Surgical interventions, predominantly total resection, resulted in favorable postoperative outcomes in most cases. Intramedullary meningiomas pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their rarity and unique characteristics. Tailored surgical approaches, incorporating techniques such as intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring and fluorescence-aided resection, are crucial for minimizing neurological deficits and optimizing patient outcomes. Despite their infrequency, recognizing intramedullary meningiomas in the differential diagnosis of spinal tumors is essential for prompt diagnosis and timely intervention, ultimately improving patient prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intramedullary spinal cord tumors are challenging to resect, and their postoperative neurological outcomes are often difficult to predict, with few studies assessing this outcome. We reviewed the medical records of all patients surgically treated for Intramedullary spinal cord tumors at our multisite tertiary care institution (Mayo Clinic Arizona, Mayo Clinic Florida, Mayo Clinic Rochester) between June 2002 and May 2020. Variables that were significant in the univariate analyses were included in a multivariate logistic regression. "MissForest" operating on the Random Forest algorithm, was used for data imputation, and K-prototype was used for data clustering. Heatmaps were added to show correlations between postoperative neurological deficit and all other included variables. Shapley Additive exPlanations were implemented to understand each feature's importance. Our query resulted in 315 patients, with 160 meeting the inclusion criteria. There were 53 patients with astrocytoma, 66 with ependymoma, and 41 with hemangioblastoma. The mean age (standard deviation) was 42.3 (17.5), and 48.1% of patients were women (n = 77/160). Multivariate analysis revealed that pathologic grade >3 (OR = 1.55; CI = [0.67, 3.58], P = 0.046 predicted a new neurological deficit. Random Forest algorithm (supervised machine learning) found age, use of neuromonitoring, histology of the tumor, performing a midline myelotomy, and tumor location to be the most important predictors of new postoperative neurological deficits. Tumor grade/histology, age, use of neuromonitoring, and myelotomy type appeared to be most predictive of postoperative neurological deficits. These results can be used to better inform patients of perioperative risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resection of intramedullary spinal ependymomas carries great risk of postoperative neurological deficits. The objective of this study was to describe our experience using co-neurosurgeon teams to address intramedullary ependymomas to determine if the use of 2 experienced attending neurosurgeons with expertise in both neurosurgical oncology and spine pathology can improve outcomes for intramedullary ependymoma resections. We retrospectively compared surgical and disease control outcomes in intramedullary ependymoma cases performed by co-neurosurgeon (one neurosurgical oncologist and one neurosurgeon trained in spinal surgery) and single-neurosurgeon teams over a 13-year period at a single institution. Co-neurosurgeons performed resections in 34 (47.9%) patients, and a single neurosurgeon performed resections in 37 (52.1%) patients. There were no significant differences in the frequency of gross total resection in the co-neurosurgeon versus single-neurosurgeon group (85.7% vs. 78.4%, P = 0.45). Posterior spinal fusion was more common in the co-neurosurgeon group (35.3%) compared with the single-neurosurgeon group (8.1%) (P = 0.01). Two (5.9%) patients in the co-neurosurgeon group and 5 (13.5%) patients in the single-neurosurgeon group had complications requiring surgical revision (P = 0.28). Recurrence rates were similar in both groups (5.9% vs. 10.8%, P = 0.50). At last follow-up, 76% of patients who presented with mild or no deficits remained functionally independent. Resection of intramedullary ependymomas by co-neurosurgeon teams resulted in similar rates of gross total resection, postoperative complications, and recurrence compared with surgeries performed by a single neurosurgeon. Functional neurological outcomes were not impacted by co-neurosurgeons performing ependymoma resections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in presentation and outcomes in children and adults with spinal dermoid tumors have not been documented. Surgical outcomes for dermoid tumors in different spinal cord planes have also not been studied. Retrospective review of 59 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for intraspinal dermoid tumors at a single institution. Tumors were categorized as purely extramedullary (n = 15), purely intramedullary (n = 28) or intramedullary-extramedullary (n = 16) based on intraoperative and imaging findings. The cohort was composed of 45 children and 14 adults. The presence of a dermal sinus and prior history of meningitis was significantly associated with childhood presentation (P = 0.001 and P = 0.013, respectively). Most adults had purely intramedullary tumors (n = 12, 85.7%) as compared to children (35.6%, P = 0.001). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 33.3% and 41.7% of children and adults, respectively (P = 1.000). Factors associated with GTR on logistic regression analysis included short segment (≤3 levels) dermoid cysts (P = 0.037) and absence of an intramedullary component (P = 0.027). Forty-seven patients were followed up over a mean period of 72.9 ± 8.3 months. Preoperative motor deficits were more likely to improve in children than in adults (P = 0.005). Recurrences were seen in 14.9% of cases (all with intramedullary tumors) at a median interval of 58 months (range: 40–166 months) after surgery, with no differences in recurrence-free survival between children and adults (P = 0.936). Presentation of dermoid cysts is distinctively different in children and adults. GTR is a challenge for intramedullary and large tumors. Recurrences may manifest several years after surgery, mandating life-long surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intramedullary spinal cord cysts are benign, rare, fluid-filled lesions that can present anywhere along the craniospinal axis. However, when present at the level of the ventriculus terminalis, conus medullaris syndrome may occur. Radical resection of the cyst wall and evacuation of the cyst content are the 2 surgical procedures of choice. We present the case of a 54-year-old woman with a long-lasting history of left lower-extremity weakness and recent onset of bladder dysfunction. On further assessment, magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic and lumbar spine showed a T10-L3 intramedullary cystic lesion. Surgical fenestration of the cyst was rendered, but no biopsy was taken due to the highly functional tissue along the full extension of lesion. Cystic lesions of the ventriculus terminalis are rare entities with a common presentation of severe, progressive neurologic impairment. Our case matches the classic presentation of conus medullaris syndrome. We describe and demonstrate through an operative video novel surgical techniques used to achieve successful fenestration of the cyst wall with remarkable neurologic symptom improvement. Moreover, the present case does not correlate with the classic radiographic characteristics available in current literature, such as involvement of 5 spinal segments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quite a few cases of intramedullary meningioma have been described in previously reported studies. We have presented a rare case of intramedullary thoracic meningioma, which was quite different from subdural extramedullary meningioma, and the preliminary diagnosis was mistakenly given as hemangioblastoma. A 46-year-old man with complaints of gait problems and pain in the right lower extremity was admitted to our hospital. The neurological examination revealed 3 of 5 motor strength, spastic paraparesis, hyperreflexia, increased tone, and sensory deficits in the right lower extremity. Contrast-enhanced images showed a T6-T7 intramedullary lesion and an evident and homogeneously enhanced lesion with clearly defined borders on the sagittal, coronal, and axial views. The preliminary diagnosis was hemangioblastoma. However, he underwent tumor resection, and the histopathological examination findings confirmed the diagnosis of intramedullary meningioma. Intramedullary thoracic meningiomas are extremely rare and differ from the common subdural extramedullary meningiomas. Clinicians should be aware of this when diagnosing intramedullary tumors. Gross total resection using a microsurgical technique will be the best treatment strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intramedullary capillary hemangiomas are rare lesions with only 14 cases reported so far and are found in middle-aged persons. Until now only a single case has been reported in the pediatric population. Ours was the second pediatric case and the youngest of all to be diagnosed with an intramedullary capillary hemangioma. We are reporting the case of a 2-month male child who presented with features of hydrocephalus and spastic paraparesis. On magnetic resonance imaging he had features suggestive of a D10-11 intradural extramedullary lesion and hydrocephalus. We did a ventriculoperitoneal shunt followed by excision of the lesion in the same sitting. Intraoperatively it was found to be an intramedullary lesion, and histopathologic examination showed features suggestive of capillary hemangioma. Postoperatively he recovered well and there is no recurrence 18 months after surgery. Intramedullary capillary hemangiomas are extremely rare lesions in infants but should be kept in mind while treating any patient with the spinal lesion. Further reporting of similar cases will help in understanding the natural history, pathogenesis, and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Spinal arachnoid cysts (SACs) are uncommon lesions in the spinal canal. They are usually asymptomatic, but can occasionally cause mass effect leading to neurologic symptoms. They can be congenital or secondary to a variety of causes. They can produce a variety of neurologic symptoms including pain, weakness, sensory changes, incontinence, and more. Surgical intervention may be necessary when SACs cause symptomatic mass effect. Methods Thirteen consecutive patients who underwent surgical intervention for an SAC were retrospectively reviewed. The data included presenting symptoms, imaging findings, neurologic status, and follow-up. Results Of the 13 patients, the majority of cases were located in the thoracic spine (54%) and all but one case were located dorsally or dorsolaterally. Furthermore, 38% were located extradurally and 54% were located intradurally. Pain (80%) was the most common presenting symptom. Most patients had improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms after intervention. Extradural SACs and their capsules were completely resected, whereas intradural SACs underwent fenestration. No complications occurred in this series. Conclusions SACs are usually asymptomatic, but rarely cause mass effect and neurologic deficits requiring surgical intervention. Surgical intervention is tailored to the position of the cysts' dorsal or ventral locations. Pain and weakness are the most likely symptoms to improve, whereas sensory symptoms are least likely to improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a case of a progressive symptomatic intramedullary cyst, diagnosed decades after Lipiodol injection. Lipiodol was originally administered intrathecally for the radiologic diagnosis of spinal masses. A link between the lesion and the history of Lipiodol injection was never suspected. Surgical exploration revealed a membrane above the lesion, separating the intradural space in a cranial and caudal compartment. On the level of the cyst, we identified glassy pearls containing a fatty liquid, compatible with Lipiodol deposits. We hypothesize that the syrinx is secondary to the impact of cerebrospinal fluid pulsations on the reactive membrane and that this membrane originated from an arachnoiditis caused by Lipiodol deposits. Lipiodol was indeed abandoned after it was found to cause arachnoiditis and neurologic sequelae. Despite the cessation of its usage, the causal role of Lipiodol in arachnoiditis and spinal cyst formation should still be considered, as symptoms may arise many years after Lipiodol administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a rare case of cervicothoracic intramedullary and extramedullary lipoma. Complete resection of the extramedullary lipoma and almost complete resection of the intramedullary lipoma were performed using a microscope, followed by posterior fusion and internal fixation from C4-T2 to maintain the stability of the cervicothoracic junction. Despite the high risk, it was still necessary to perform the decompression surgery and the surgical results were favorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intramedullary spinal cord abscess (ISCA) is an extremely rare disease, which has had fewer than 250 reported cases since its initial description in 1830. The condition is limited to level V evidence, limiting the ability for surgeons to characterize and treat it. To report the cases of 2 patients with ISCA and their surgical management: a 59-year-old woman who presented with progressive right hemiparesis and a 69-old man who presented with acute gait instability and significant bilateral shoulder pain. In addition, to report findings from a systematic literature review and associated logistic regression analysis. A MEDLINE and Embase search was conducted using the keywords "intramedullary," "spinal cord," "abscess," and "tuberculoma" and the results were screened for case reports. A logistic regression model was fit 100 times on data to retrieve predictor odds ratios. Two hundred case reports of ISCA were identified between 1965 and 2022. Logistic regression determined that the only variables of significance were age (P < 0.01) and antibiotics (P < 0.05). Treatment of ISCAs has significantly improved over the years. However, ISCAs are still poorly understood. Our recommendations can be used to guide diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To summarize the experience in microsurgical resection of cervical spinal cord arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Methods Six patients undergoing microsurgical resection of cervical intramedullary AVM in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, China, between March 2005 and March 2015 were reviewed retrospectively, and their clinical manifestations, imaging data, surgical treatment, and results of long-term follow-up were analyzed. Results Of the 6 patients who underwent AVM resection, 2 had compact AVMs and 4 had diffuse AVMs. All 6 patients were reexamined with spinal magnetic resonance imaging within 48 hours after surgery, and 1 patient was examined with digital subtraction angiography. The average patient age was 40.7 ± 10.4 years (range, 29–60 years). Three patients had chronic onset, of whom 2 developed sensory disturbances and 1 had muscle weakness. The other 3 patients had acute onset, including 1 with sudden quadriplegia, 1 with idiopathic severe headache and altered consciousness, and 1 with idiopathic neck pain. The average duration of follow-up was 48.5 ± 38.9 months (range, 15–119 months). One patient experienced complete recovery, and the other 5 patients showed improvement. No patient exhibited deterioration. Conclusion Microsurgical resection of cervical intramedullary AVMs has obtained satisfactory clinical results. Preoperative magnetic resonance angiography, computed tomography angiography, and digital subtraction angiography are useful for evaluating the angioarchitecture, which is key to the success of surgery. Intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence angiography is an important aid in the surgical treatment of spinal AVMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary spinal cord germinomas are an extremely rare group of tumors, most commonly reported as single cases in young Japanese adults. They usually present as intramedullary lesions located in the thoracic and thoracolumbar spine. The importance of preoperative diagnosis lies in the fact that by using radiotherapy and chemotherapy, even without surgery, a good cure rate can be achieved in patients with spinal cord germinoma. These tumors, however, demonstrate unspecific imaging characteristics, and only some secrete tumor markers. Therefore, a diagnosis of these lesions before biopsy or resection with pathohistologic examination can be difficult. We present a case of a 28-year-old white man with intramedullary spinal cord germinoma. The tumor was resected completely with electrophysiological monitoring, without a biopsy and frozen section analysis. Postoperative radiotherapy also was part of the treatment. The patient has had no relapse 4.5 years after diagnosis; however, significant neurologic deficits remain. Although not as frequent in white patients, germinoma should be considered as differential diagnosis in cases of young adult patients with intramedullary tumor in the thoracic or thoracolumbar spine. Therefore, spinal mass surgery should commence with a biopsy and intraoperative frozen section analysis. In this way, attempting a gross total resection becomes unnecessary. With an approach of intraoperative biopsy and frozen section analysis, a considerable amount of postoperative neurologic deficits can be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To review previous reports as well as our institutional experience to address the issues regarding patient management and also to assess the predisposing factors that might influence outcome and survival. Methods: We undertook a 20-year (1989-2009) retrospective study of a series of eight patients diagnosed with intramedullary spinal cord metastases (ISCMs) in our institute. We further reviewed 293 cases of ISCMs reported in the English literature since 1960. Characteristics regarding the site of the primary cancer, location of ISCM, the presence of other metastases, presenting neurological symptoms/signs, duration of symptoms, and the time interval from diagnosis of the primary tumor to ISCM were pooled. We analyzed the different treatment approaches, the functional outcome, and the factors influencing survival. Results: Lung and breast cancers appear to be the most frequent source of ISCM with cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine being equally affected. Motor weakness predominates as the commonest symptom at presentation, followed by pain and sensory disturbance. At diagnosis, most patients with ISCM have a known primary cancer often associated with cerebral and other systemic metastases. Overall survival of ISCM is poor (median: 4 months from the time of diagnosis). Survival in surgical patients is 6 months, compared with 5 months in those conservatively managed. Clinical improvement was observed in more than one-half of those treated surgically, whereas neurological status was maintained in most patients treated conservatively. Conclusion: ISCM is an unusual site for metastasis. Regardless of the treatment, its prognosis is generally poor as its presence often signifies end-stage cancer. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, selected patients may benefit from improved neurological outcome and quality of life. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To determine the incidence of and risk factors for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), wound, and hematoma-related complications following intradural spine surgery. Background: Complications of intradural spinal surgery requiring a return to the operating room lengthen hospital stay and increase cost as well as patient risk. Here we present our experience with complications in intradural spinal surgery. Methods: Between 1993 and 2010, a total of 528 pediatric and adult patients who underwent biopsy and/or resection of intramedullary or extramedullary spinal lesions at Mayo Clinic-Rochester were evaluated. Results: The overall complication rate in this series was 4.9%. Complications, such as neurologic worsening due to an etiology not able to be treated surgically, or medical complications, such as deep venous thrombosis, were not included in this study. The overall complication rates that were CSF-related, wound-related, hematoma-related, and miscellaneous were 3.0%, 1.1%, 0.6%, and 0.2% respectively. Complication rates decreased with age from 15.4% in 0- to 10-year-olds to 4.1% in 61- to 90-year-olds. Tumors represented the majority of pathology at 90.5%. The complication rate for patients who had prior treatment was higher at 6.9% compared with 4.7% in those who had no prior treatment (P = 0.5). Intramedullary tumors had a complication rate of 7.1% vs. 3.6% for extramedullary tumors (P = 0.14). Some patients (5.7%) had coexisting intracranial tumors at the time of their surgery but none had complications with intradural spine surgery. Conclusions: Complications of intradural spine surgery are most commonly CSF related, may decrease with increasing age of the patient, and are higher with intramedullary tumors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis (ISCM) is a rare manifestation of systemic cancer and data about the optimal management of these lesions are lacking. To clarify the role of surgery, we investigated survival and neurological outcomes after surgical resection of ISCMs. Methods: Between 2003 and 2010, we surgically treated 10 ISCMs in 9 patients. For each patient, we retrospectively collected the following data: demographic variables, history of prior cancer, site of primary cancer, extent of cancer on presentation, degree of resection, preoperative and postoperative spinal cord impairment (American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] grade), and postoperative survival. We investigated the relationship between these variables, overall survival, and preservation of function. Results: Eight ISCMs were treated with gross total resection and two were treated with subtotal resection. Overall postoperative survival was 6.4 ± 9.4 months (mean ± standard deviation), with one patient still alive at last follow-up. Patients with a diagnosis of melanoma had higher mean survival than those with nonmelanoma histology (20.5 ± 13.4 vs. 2.4 ± 1.7 months, P < 0.01). Degree of resection, number of organ systems affected, ambulatory status, and ASIA grade pre operatively or postoperatively, were not significantly associated with survival. Of the nine patients, seven (78%) demonstrated no change in ASIA grade postoperatively, one (11%) improved, and one patient (11%) deteriorated. All patients who were ambulatory preoperatively remained ambulatory postoperatively and at last follow-up. Conclusions: Although ISCM is associated with poor prognosis, survival appears to be greater in patients with melanoma. Surgical resection does not appear to significantly lengthen survival but may be indicated to preserve ambulatory status in symptomatic patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Intramedullary primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare central nervous system (CNS) malignancy affecting mostly the brain, but it may also involve the leptomeninges, eyes, and spinal cord. A 71-year-old woman presented with back pain and progressive unilateral lower extremity weakness owing to an intramedullary primary histiocytic sarcoma of the spine, a rare PCNSL subtype. To the authors'' knowledge, this is the first case of an intramedullary PCNSL caused by histiocytic sarcoma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Calcified intraspinal epidermoids are a rare entity. We discuss the various pathogenesis and the clinical implication of such a finding during surgery. A 32-year-old female presented with progressive spastic paraparesis with incontinence. Imaging showed an unusual intralesional calcification, which was removed. Postoperatively she had no fresh deficits. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of spinal intramedullary epidermoid with intralesional calcification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Intradural spinal tumors are rare and can be classified into extramedullary or intramedullary. They commonly present with symptoms such as intractable back pain or neurologic deficits. We retrospectively reviewed 91 cases of intradural spinal tumors that underwent surgery in our institution from 2011 to 2016 and assessed their clinical outcomes. The majority of intradural tumors were extramedullary (89%), and the most common pathology was schwannoma (38.5%) followed by meningioma (29.7%). Comparing extramedullary versus intramedullary tumors, both groups experienced similar improvement in neurologic status post surgery (92.6% vs. 90%, P = 0.77). We achieved gross total resection in the majority of patients with both extramedullary and intramedullary tumors (65.4% vs. 70%, P = 0.91). Patients younger than 65 years (odds ratio [OR] 4.40, confidence interval [CI] 0.72–26.9, P = 0.11) and those who had complete resection of tumor (OR 2.92, CI 0.61–14.0, P = 0.18) were associated with higher odds of improved clinical outcomes, but the results were not statistically significant. The use of intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring was not associated with improved neurologic outcomes compared with cases where it was not used (OR 0.56, CI 0.10–3.05, P = 0.50). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a series of 3 cases of the rare intramedullary form of primary spinal neurocysticercosis. The cases were seen in varied age groups and showed different profiles at presentation. All the cases were thoroughly evaluated clinically and radiologically. Serologic tests were not conducted. In all cases, magnetic resonance imaging showed a large intramedullary lesion in the thoracic spinal cord consisting of a cystic lesion with a well-defined intramural nodule. One case was managed with steroids and cysticidal therapy, a second case was managed with steroids and surgery (2 emergency procedures), while the third case was managed without any medical or surgical intervention, as the patient was unwilling for either. All cases showed good neurologic recovery. In the second case where surgery was done, histologic examination of the resected specimen demonstrated the cysticercal parasite surrounded by mixed inflammatory infiltrate. As there were no intracranial lesions in all 3 cases, the final diagnosis was primary isolated intramedullary neurocysticercosis. Primary isolated intramedullary–neurocysticercosis remains a rare condition afflicting the spinal cord. It forms a small subset of cysticercal infestation of the neuraxis. Such evidence is rare, and only anecdotal reports are available. Our case series captures the wide spectrum of presentations, as well as the management options, and highlights the varied ways in which these cases were managed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare, malignant soft-tissue neoplasm typically seen in young adults that possesses an unusual tendency to metastasize. Metastases to the intramedullary compartment of the spinal cord, however, are exceptionally rare and have not been described in the literature. Case Description We report the case of a 23-year-old woman with disseminated ASPS to the lung and brain who presented with progressive lower-extremity weakness and loss of sensation after radiation and chemotherapy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 1.3-cm avidly enhancing lesion within the central thoracic spinal cord at T3. A T2–T4 laminectomy was undertaken and resulted in a gross total resection. Histopathologically, the mass was composed of organoid nests containing epithelioid cells with eosinophilic, granular cytoplasm separated by sinusoidal spaces. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated convincing positive TFE3 staining. Postoperative imaging confirmed the complete resection of the mass, and her examination was notable for intact sensation and impaired motor function that gradually improved. Conclusions A review of the literature found that the reported case represents the first instance of primary or metastatic ASPS in the spinal cord. Metastatic ASPS should thus be included in the differential diagnosis in patients with known disease and neurologic impairment or back pain. Imaging of the spine should then be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Spinal syphilitic gumma is an unusual presentation of neurosyphilis, with a limited number of cases reported in the literature. Owing to its extreme rarity, the diagnosis and treatment of spinal syphilitic gumma and the relevant prognosis have not been outlined. Case Description A 65-year-old woman with a history of neck, shoulder, and back pain presented with progressive sensorimotor disturbance of the extremities. Serologic tests revealed the presence of syphilis. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an intramedullary nodule at the C5 level. A suspected diagnosis of spinal intramedullary tumor was made, and surgical resection of the nodule was performed. Histologic and immunohistochemical findings revealed a syphilitic gumma. We also conducted a comprehensive review of the published literature in all languages regarding spinal syphilitic gumma. The clinical and radiologic features, laboratory findings, therapeutic strategies, and follow-up data were analyzed. Conclusions Spinal syphilitic gumma can occur in the intramedullary region, and clinicians should be aware of this extremely rare entity, as it can be easily mistaken for more common neoplasms occurring at this site. The magnetic resonance imaging appearance of this entity has some suggestive characteristics, and a confident diagnosis depends on the pathology. Surgical resection can help to relieve acute spinal cord compression, and systemic antibiotic treatment for syphilis should be emphasized for long-term control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Spinal meningiomas are typically extra-axial, slow-growing, benign tumors that arise from the arachnoid cap cells. Intramedullary spinal meningiomas are exceedingly rare with few cases reported in the literature. Case Description A 64-year-old man with a history of grade I thoracic meningioma at the T4 level resected initially in 1989 and who required reoperation in 2013 for intradural, extramedullary recurrence of tumor presented again in 2015 with gait difficulty. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a soft tissue mass at the T3 to T4 levels on the left side of the canal that was mildly enhancing on T1 contrasted sequences. The patient was taken to the operating room, where a purely intramedullary recurrence was discovered without extramedullary extension or a dural-based attachment. The intramedullary tumor was completely resected, and postoperatively the patient recovered well and was at his neurologic baseline. The patient ultimately underwent proton beam radiotherapy because this tumor, although benign, had recurred twice. Conclusions Intramedullary spinal meningiomas, particularly intramedullary low-grade recurrence of a previously extramedullary tumor, are rare phenomena. Although the pathogenic mechanisms are not well understood, intramedullary recurrence as described in this patient may reflect extrinsic factors related to prior surgical resections in addition to histologic progression. When operating on recurrent extramedullary lesions, aggressive arachnoid dissection may predispose patients to unusual patterns of recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare histioproliferative disorder that only occasionally involves the central nervous system. Case Description We present the diagnosis and treatment of an exceedingly rare case of isolated intramedullary spinal RDD that has been reported only 3 times previously. Moreover, it is the first time that intramedullary spinal RDD has been described in a child. The patient was treated by total surgical resection and experienced no recurrence during the 12-month follow-up. Histopathologic examination showed a characteristic emperipolesis; the lymphocytes were engulfed in the S-100-protein-positive histiocytes with negative expression of CD1a. Conclusions Preoperative diagnosis of spinal RDD is still challenging because the lesion usually is a dura-based lesion that mimics a meningioma. Surgical resection is an effective treatment and radiotherapy; and steroid and chemotherapy have not demonstrated reliable therapeutic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Teratomas of the spinal cord constitute 0.1% of all spinal tumors, and these lesions are extremely rare in adults. The authors describe a rare case of intradural intramedullary teratoma of the conus medullaris and perform review of literature of intramedullary teratomas seen in the thoracolumbar region. Case Description A 48-year-old man presented with fasciculations in the bilateral upper and lower extremities. Radiologic findings revealed an L2–L3 level intradural, nonenhancing, extramedullary cystic mass measuring 15 × 13 mm with a 6-mm enhancing nodule at the level of the conus medullaris. The patient was followed up for 1 year, during which time enlargement of the lesion with new areas of patchy contrast enhancement were observed. L1–L2 decompressive laminectomies were performed, and gross total resection of the lesion was achieved. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of benign mature cystic teratoma. A literature review revealed no incidence difference in intramedullary teratomas between males and females ( P > 0.05). The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 36.4 ± 12.3 years for men and 41.3 ± 11.6 for women ( P < 0.05). The mean symptom duration before treatment was 64.6 ± 79.4 months for females and 20.7 ± 13.8 months for men ( P < 0.05). Complete resection was achieved in 48.1% of the cases. Conclusions Teratomas should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary lesions when the imaging reveals variable signal intensity because of tissue heterogeneity. A partial resection is a viable treatment option when the lesion is attached to vital structures because of the low recurrence rates reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tuberculous involvement of the spinal cord parenchyma is an exceedingly rare clinical entity; even more so is concurrent intracranial tuberculosis (TB). Spinal intramedullary TB presents with a characteristic subacute myelopathy, with slowly progressive paraplegia, sensory deficits, and/or bowel and bladder dysfunction. Diagnosis is strongly suspected with a clinical history of known TB in conjunction with characteristic findings on magnetic resonance imaging. Management involves multiagent antitubercular chemotherapy without or with operative intervention., Case Description: We present a case of a 9-month-old boy with a retrospectively recognized history of pulmonary TB presenting with fever and back tenderness found to have lower-extremity hypertonia and clonus. Imaging revealed concurrent intracranial and spinal intramedullary tuberculomas. The patient was treated for hydrocephalus with external ventricular drainage followed by T8-T10 laminectomy, drainage of abscess, and duraplasty. Parietal lobe biopsies proved the tuberculous etiology of intracranial lesions., Conclusion: Etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and management considerations of spinal intramedullary tuberculosis are reviewed and discussed., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Intradural teratomas are an exceedingly unusual phenomenon. They are tumors with the cellular constituent source of all the 3 germ cell layers., Case Description: We here report a case of an 18-year-old man with special pathologic features. There was no history of spinal dysraphism, congenital spinal abnormalities, previous spinal surgery, or lumbar puncture. Lumbosacral spine magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-delineated, intramedullary mass at the L2-3 level. Histopathology examination of the resected tumor revealed cystic spaces lined with simple columnar epithelium as well as mucus secreting epithelium, adipose tissue, salivary gland-like serous cells, and bundles of smooth muscle cells. We have seen unusual histopathologic features in the case, for example, there were no cartilage components that are mostly found in mature teratomas, abundant Pacinian corpuscle nerve endings, and nerve trunks. There were no immature elements or malignant cells., Conclusions: Teratomas should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary lesions, even after the imaging reveals tissue homogeneity., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are benign tumors of the soft tissue occurring anywhere in the human body but arise predominantly in the visceral pleura. SFTs of the central nervous system are rare, especially when they occur within the spinal cord. Case Description We present a case of an 83-year-old female patient presenting with acute spastic paralysis of the lower extremities after a history of progressive weakness and incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were typical for meningioma, but an intradural, mainly intramedullary tumor was found at the first operation. A second operation was performed under neurophysiological monitoring, and complete removal of the tumor was achieved. Neurological conditions improved after the procedure, but the patient remained paraparetic. Histological and immunohistochemical findings revealed an SFT. Conclusions There is evidence that SFTs and hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) are not different entities but should be considered as different graduations of a common spectrum. The extent of resection is a prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival in SFT; therefore we recommend surgery with complete resection whenever possible depending on the results of mandatory intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Intramedullary spinal sarcoidosis is a difficult diagnosis to make because of its nonspecific clinical and imaging features and its imitation of other common spine disorders. We present a patient with intramedullary spinal sarcoidosis that mimicked spinal cord injury from a cervical disk herniation. Methods: Relevant information was extracted from the patient’s medical and imaging records. A thorough literature review subsequently was performed. Results: A 59-year-old woman presented to our institution with several months of intermittent parathesias, pain, and subjective weakness in her right upper and lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine demonstrated a large osteophyte-disk complex at C4-5 adjacent to a small area of intramedullary spinal cord enhancement. The patient underwent C4-5 anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion for the osteophyte-disk complex. She initially improved postoperatively but subsequently worsened after a few months. Because of more prominent spinal cord enhancement, a posterior laminectomy and biopsy of the enhancing lesion was performed. Intramedullary spinal sarcoidosis was diagnosed, and she was treated medically with steroids and immunosuppressive agents. Conclusion: Spinal sarcoidosis can mimic more common disease processes, such as cervical spondylosis. It is an important consideration in the diagnosis of intramedullary or intradural lesions of the spinal cord because early medical treatment may improve the course of the disease process. Surgery should be limited to biopsy for diagnostic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Astrocytomas are the most common intramedullary spinal cord tumor in pediatric and adolescent patients and the incidence decreases with age. There are very few cases of spinal pilocytic astrocytomas (World Health Organization grade 1) reported after the fourth decade. We report the oldest known case of a pathologically confirmed spinal pilocytic astrocytoma. Methods: A 78-year-old woman presented with 12 months of bilateral lower extremity numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cord edema extending from C6 to T4. There was a 12-mm enhancing intramedullary lesion at the C7-T1 level with an associated cyst. Several years prior, she had seen a neurologist for lower extremity numbness and was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. Results: She underwent C7-T1 laminectomy with partial resection of the spinal cord tumor and drainage of the cyst. Pathologic examination demonstrated a mildly cellular proliferation of astrocytes set in an eosinophilic fibrillar background. There were numerous Rosenthal fibers and prominent vasculature. There were no malignant features. The pathologic diagnosis was consistent with pilocytic astrocytoma, World Health Organization grade 1. The patient returned to her baseline function after several weeks and the imaging remained stable at the 4-month follow-up. Conclusions: Spinal pilocytic astrocytomas constitute 90% of intramedullary spinal cord tumors in patients younger than 10 years and 60% of those in adolescent patients. There are very few reported cases in patients older than 50 years. Our patient had an indolent course, cervical-thoracic location, imaging characteristics, and pathology that all support a diagnosis of pilocytic astrocytoma. This case highlights that low-grade lesions can occur in elderly patients and an aggressive approach may not be indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intramedullary spinal germ cell tumors are rare lesions, with germinomas being the most common variant. Methods: To date, there have been 23 reports of primary intramedullary germ cell tumors described in the literature, the vast majority occurring in Japanese patients. Results: We present a case of a nonmetastatic intramedullary germ cell tumor in a 28-year-old Caucasian woman. Conclusions: Characteristics of intramedullary germ cell tumors are summarized, and the current role for surgery and adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]