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Purpose: The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) remains the gold standard to treat stress urinary incontinence related to sphincter insufficiency in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). This study aims to assess the incidence of de novo neurogenic detrusor overactivity or low bladder compliance after AUS implantation in adult spinal cord injured patients. Methods: Retrospective observational study, descriptive by analysis of the medical records of patients followed in a department of Neuro-Urology from January 01, 2003 to March 31, 2023. The procedures followed were in accordance with the regulations of the Clinical Research and Ethics Committee and the Declaration of Helsinki of the World Medical Association. Results: Thirty-nine patients with spinal cord lesion were included. The incidence of de novo low bladder compliance or neurogenic detrusor overactivity with high pressure (≥ 40 cmH2O) was 48.72% with a median onset delay of 11 months (IQR 8–55.5) after surgery. The need for medical treatment for the detrusor overactivity prior to AUS insertion was associated with deterioration of cystometric parameters at 2 years (p = 0.032). Conclusion: This study reveals an important incidence of deterioration in cystometric parameters after AUS implantation in patients with spinal cord injury. A larger prospective study is needed to confirm these results and to identify risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract While preventing renal damage and symptomatic urinary tract infection are of paramount importance to persons with a spinal cord lesion (SCL), patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are receiving much more attention than ever before. We performed a cross-sectional internet survey of 282 adult members of SCL patient advocacy groups and investigated, for the first time, the impact of different types of urinary catheter, including a Japanese reusable silicone catheter and a reusable intermittent balloon catheter, on PROs of persons with SCL. Intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) did not surpass continuous indwelling catheterization in terms of a disease-specific urinary quality of life. Urinary incontinence, regular ISC, and performing ISC away from home confronted these individuals. Work productivity and regular activities correlated fairly well with the disease-specific urinary quality of life. Bowel management problems affected all PROs evaluated. The absence of differences in PROs among the types of catheter used for ISC implies that Japanese reusable catheters have the potential to benefit selected persons with SCL. Further research is warranted to develop measures for maximizing work productivity by overcoming urinary as well as bowel problems.

While preventing renal damage and symptomatic urinary tract infection are of paramount importance to persons with a spinal cord lesion (SCL), patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are receiving much more attention than ever before. We performed a cross-sectional internet survey of 282 adult members of SCL patient advocacy groups and investigated, for the first time, the impact of different types of urinary catheter, including a Japanese reusable silicone catheter and a reusable intermittent balloon catheter, on PROs of persons with SCL. Intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) did not surpass continuous indwelling catheterization in terms of a disease-specific urinary quality of life. Urinary incontinence, regular ISC, and performing ISC away from home confronted these individuals. Work productivity and regular activities correlated fairly well with the disease-specific urinary quality of life. Bowel management problems affected all PROs evaluated. The absence of differences in PROs among the types of catheter used for ISC implies that Japanese reusable catheters have the potential to benefit selected persons with SCL. Further research is warranted to develop measures for maximizing work productivity by overcoming urinary as well as bowel problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late-onset Krabbe disease is a disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance caused by a deficiency in galactocerebrosidase (GALC) activity. Its late-onset form usually shows slow disease progression with atypical symptoms including spastic paresis. The efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in late-onset Krabbe disease has not been fully established. We describe the case of a patient with late-onset Krabbe disease showing progressive spastic paraparesis. At the age of 18, one and a half years after the development of symptoms, the patient underwent HSCT. After HSCT, the patient's GALC activity returned to a normal level and the lesions in the brain and spinal cord became faint on images. Over two and a half years after the HSCT, the patient's gait remained spastic, however, an improvement in gait speed and modified Rankin Scale score was observed. No severe adverse events occurred during this period. Our experience reported herein provides additional evidence for a favorable course in HSCT conducted in the early course of late-onset Krabbe disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lidong Jiao,1 Min Wei,1 Yongjuan Fu2 1Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pathology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Lidong Jiao Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 45 ChangChun Street, XiCheng District, Beijing, 100053, People’s Republic of China Tel +86-10-83198814 Email jlddr2021@163.comObjective: To explore the disease manifestations and radiological characteristics of patients with meningeal carcinomatosis (MC) combined with myelopathy.Patients and Methods: The detailed medical information of patients who suffered from MC with myelopathy in record system were collected and reviewed.Results: In these patients, five cases were male and two cases were female. The age was from fifteen to fifty-seven years. In the course of disease, tumor cells were discovered in cerebrospinal fluid of three patients and in biopsy samples of four patients. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test results showed white blood cell counts increased in seven patients, protein increased in six patients and glucose reduced in five patients. In addition, MRI revealed that the white matter abnormalities showed in all cases and pia mater was enhanced in four patients, meningeal enhanced was observed in three patients. All patients were given appropriate therapy during hospitalization. Follow-up result showed that all patients passed away two to five months after diagnosis.Conclusion: MC causes spinal membrane, spinal nerve root to be involved besides, also can produce the matter of myelopathy. Early detection of intramedullary lesion is conducive to strengthening the awareness of the diagnosis of MC.Keywords: meningeal carcinomatosis, myelopathy, histopathological investigation, CSF cytology

Objective: the role of the supraspinal system in the neural control mechanisms of adhesion locomotor pattern formation was studied in lizard Gekko gecko. Methods: the locomotor performance and adaptation of the chronically lesioned Gekko gecko was documented before and after either partial or complete spinal lesions. They were filmed moving on a flat and smooth platform that was inclined at 0°, ±45°, and ±90°, as well as the horizontal mats and the vertical oak background board in the terraria, to evaluate locomotor functional recovery. The geckos were also tested on the platform by two half and nose-up or -down rotations in steps of 15° throughout 180° to investigate the recovery of the ability to respond dynamically to external perturbations. Results: after relatively small lesions of a hemisection, the locomotor performance was largely indistinguishable from that before and after a sham operation. During the initial period of recovery after the largest lesions of a dorsal or a ventral hemisection within 1 wk, the geckos behaved essentially as the complete spinal geckos, while permanent deficits in locomotor performance remained and did not decrease afterwards for ≥6 mth. Conclusions: by analyzing the correlation among locomotor performances, and between locomotor performances and spinal cord lesions, we suggest that the dorsal spinal pathways and ventral spinal pathways participate, respectively, in the control of the limb coupling, and in the deployment and the detachment of the adhesive apparatus. The present study will provide certain neurobiological guidance for the design of bio-robots, as well as sprawling robots inspired by the geckos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the most accurate examination to study the spinal cord. Nevertheless, the use of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can demonstrate additional key details about spinal cord lesions. We examined the literature to investigate and discuss the role, limitations, and possible evolution as a prognostic tool of DTI in spinal cord injury (SCI). For this systematic literature review, a detailed search was performed using PubMed (2005–2021), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2016–2021), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2016–2021). To be included, studies had to report the use of DTI in SCIs, its clinical relevance, and its use as a prognostic tool. We identified 17 studies comprising 299 patients. The mean age of patients was 41.22 ± 10.62 years. There was a prevalence of males (70.9%) compared with females (29.1%). The main spinal cord tract involved and studied in SCIs was the cervical tract (57.5%), followed by conus terminalis (15.4%) and dorsal tract (13.7%). In all studies based on American Spine Injury Association impairment scale score for neurological assessment, a correlation was found between FA values and American Spine Injury Association impairment scale: patients with complete SCI had a statistically significative lower FA value at the injured site compared with patients with incomplete SCI. Published clinical studies showed promising results for the utility of DTI parameters as noninvasive biomarkers in SCI grade evaluation, remaining an evolving area of further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Histoplasmosis is a fungal disease endemic in some regions of the United States of America, Canada, and Latin America. The geographic characteristics, humidity, soil, and climate are responsible for such distribution. In Brazil, there are case reports of histoplasmosis throughout its territory, being considered an endemic region. It is considered an opportunistic disease, affecting mostly immunocompromised patients. To the present date, scientific publications dealing with pediatric cases of histoplasmosis are restricted to case series. Spinal cord injuries caused by histoplasmosis are rare, even in the adult population, being described in few studies. Case Description: The present report deals with a 4-year-old patient, from the southeast region of Brazil, who started a condition of fever, weight loss, cervicobrachialgia, and symmetrical tetraparesis, with evolution over 2 months. In the diagnostic investigation, she was found to have primary immunodeficiency and neuroimaging examinations showed a cervical spinal cord lesion at the level of C4-C6. The anatomopathological diagnosis of histoplasmosis was possible after surgery for decompression and biopsy of the lesion. Conclusion: According to our research, there are no reports in the literature that address the situation of spinal cord compression syndrome due to histoplasmosis in the pediatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This study investigated the sensations reported during filling cystometry in patients with spinal cord lesions (SCLs) of different levels and completeness. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, information was gathered on patients’ age and sex, cause of SCL, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS), and lower urinary tract-related sensations in daily life. Filling cystometry (videourodynamics) was performed following the International Continence Society Good Urodynamic Practice Guidelines. In addition to bladder filling sensations (first sensation of bladder filling, first desire to void, strong desire to void), other sensations, such as detrusor overactivity related sensation and pain, were noted. Results In total, 170 patients were included (age, 45±17 years; 114 males and 56 females, 92 with complete and 78 with incomplete SCL). The test was done 6±4 years post-SCL. Sensation was reported by 57% of all patients. Half of the patients with complete SCL (46 of 92) had sensation, while 36% of those with incomplete SCL (28 of 78) reported no sensation. Bladder awareness was not predictable by the AIS. The filling sensations reported were equivalent to those given in the terminology of ICS. Pain was seldom present (6%, 10 of 170), and detrusor overactivity contraction was felt by 45 of 78 (58%). Very few patients used sensory information for bladder management at home. Conclusions After SCL, most patients retained the ability to be aware of the lower urinary tract, and were assessable and gradable during urodynamic testing. The filling sensations were not different from those described in healthy individuals, but the number and sequence of the sensations were altered in a minority of patients. Pain and a sensation of unstable contractions gave additional important information. As different sensations relate to different spinal afferent pathways, the sensory evaluation during cystometry provided additional important information on the spinal cord’s condition.

Purpose: This study investigated the sensations reported during filling cystometry in patients with spinal cord lesions (SCLs) of different levels and completeness. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, information was gathered on patients' age and sex, cause of SCL, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS), and lower urinary tract-related sensations in daily life. Filling cystometry (videourodynamics) was performed following the International Continence Society Good Urodynamic Practice Guidelines. In addition to bladder filling sensations (first sensation of bladder filling, first desire to void, strong desire to void), other sensations, such as detrusor overactivity related sensation and pain, were noted. Results: In total, 170 patients were included (age, 45±17 years; 114 males and 56 females, 92 with complete and 78 with incomplete SCL). The test was done 6±4 years post-SCL. Sensation was reported by 57% of all patients. Half of the patients with complete SCL (46 of 92) had sensation, while 36% of those with incomplete SCL (28 of 78) reported no sensation. Bladder awareness was not predictable by the AIS. The filling sensations reported were equivalent to those given in the terminology of ICS. Pain was seldom present (6%, 10 of 170), and detrusor overactivity contraction was felt by 45 of 78 (58%). Very few patients used sensory information for bladder management at home. Conclusions: After SCL, most patients retained the ability to be aware of the lower urinary tract, and were assessable and gradable during urodynamic testing. The filling sensations were not different from those described in healthy individuals, but the number and sequence of the sensations were altered in a minority of patients. Pain and a sensation of unstable contractions gave additional important information. As different sensations relate to different spinal afferent pathways, the sensory evaluation during cystometry provided additional important information on the spinal cord's condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord epidural stimulation (scES) is an intervention to restore motor function in those with severe spinal cord injury (SCI). Spinal cord lesion characteristics assessed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may contribute to understand motor recovery. This study assessed relationships between standing ability with scES and spared spinal cord tissue characteristics at the lesion site. We hypothesized that the amount of lateral spared cord tissue would be related to independent extension in the ipsilateral lower limb. Eleven individuals with chronic, clinically motor complete SCI underwent spinal cord MRI, and were subsequently implanted with scES. Standing ability and lower limb activation patterns were assessed during an overground standing experiment with scES. This assessment occurred prior to any activity-based intervention with scES. Lesion hyperintensity was segmented from T2 axial images, and template-based analysis was used to estimate spared tissue in anterior, posterior, right, and left spinal cord regions. Regression analysis was used to assess relationships between imaging and standing outcomes. Total volume of spared tissue was related to left (p = 0.007), right (p = 0.005), and bilateral (p = 0.011) lower limb extension. Spared tissue in the left cord region was related to left lower limb extension (p = 0.019). A positive trend (p = 0.138) was also observed between right spared cord tissue and right lower limb extension. In this study, MRI measures of spared spinal cord tissue were significantly related to standing outcomes with scES. These preliminary results warrant future investigation of roles of supraspinal input and MRI-detected spared spinal cord tissue on lower limb motor responsiveness to scES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Peripheral enhancement characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), namely the rim and flame signs, are specific for intramedullary spinal cord metastases (ISCM) compared to primary cord masses. The study compared the frequency of a novel finding—the central dot sign—in ISCMs versus primary intramedullary masses. Methods: In this study 45 patients with 64 ISCMs and 64 control patients with 64 primary intramedullary cord masses were investigated and 2 radiologists blinded to lesion type independently evaluated MR images for the presence of a central dot sign: a punctate focus of enhancement in/near the center of an enhancing intramedullary mass. The frequency of this sign in the two patient groups was compared. Results: A total of 63 enhancing ISCMs in 44 patients and 54 enhancing primary cord masses in 54 patients were included. The central dot sign was identified in 6% (4/63) of enhancing ISCMs in 9% (4/44) of patients and in none (0/54) of the enhancing primary cord masses (p = 0.038, per patient). The specificity for diagnosing ISCMs among spinal cord masses was 100%. The central dot sign was present in the axial plane only in two ISCMs and in the axial and sagittal planes in two ISCMs. The two ISCMs harboring the central dot sign also demonstrated both the previously described rim and flame signs, and two also demonstrated the rim sign alone. Conclusion: The central dot sign is not sensitive but highly specific for ISCMs compared to primary spinal cord masses. The rim and/or flame signs may or may not be concurrently present in ISCMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that epidural stimulation of the lumbosacral spinal cord (scES) can re-enable lower limb volitional motor control in individuals with chronic, clinically motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI). This observation entails that residual supraspinal connectivity to the lumbosacral spinal circuitry still persisted after SCI, although it was non-detectable when scES was not provided. In the present study, we aimed at exploring further the mechanisms underlying scES-promoted recovery of volitional lower limb motor control by investigating neuroimaging markers at the spinal cord lesion site via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Spinal cord MRI was collected prior to epidural stimulator implantation in 13 individuals with chronic, clinically motor complete SCI, and the spared tissue of specific regions of the spinal cord (anterior, posterior, right, left, and total cord) was assessed. After epidural stimulator implantation, and prior to any training, volitional motor control was evaluated during left and right lower limb flexion and ankle dorsiflexion attempts. The ability to generate force exertion and movement was not correlated to any neuroimaging marker. On the other hand, spared tissue of specific cord regions significantly and importantly correlated with some aspects of motor control that include activation amplitude of antagonist (negative correlation) muscles during left ankle dorsiflexion, and electromyographic coordination patterns during right lower limb flexion. The fact that amount and location of spared spinal cord tissue at the lesion site were not related to the ability to generate volitional lower limb movements may suggest that supraspinal inputs through spared spinal cord regions that differ across individuals can result in the generation of lower limb volitional motor output prior to any training when epidural stimulation is provided.

Fracture and migration of metal implants is a well-known issue which is especially relevant for actively loaded zones with a high amplitude of physiological movements. The authors analyzed 17 publications dedicated to Kirschner wire migration into the spinal canal after fixation of acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injury. The present paper contains literature review and own clinical case of the authors. The authors generalize the conceptions of migration causes, surgical tactics and prevention recommendations. The key reason of fracture and migration of Kirschner wires during fixation of ACJ injury is the instability of implants, trans-articular wire insertion during fixation of reduced dislocation of acromial end of the clavicle, insufficient immobilization and untimely implants removal after removal of immobilization. Implants migration into the spinal canal is the indication for their surgical removal irrespective of clinical signs. In the majority of studied publications authors described posterior approach or lateral approach aligned with the migration direction. No grafting techniques for dura mater defects were present in the studied literature. The authors of the current paper justify a surgical procedure for removal of migrated implant using a combined posterior and lateral approach on the own clinical case. The choice of procedure algorithm results from the need for prophylaxis of secondary spinal cord lesion and liquorrhea during removal of migrated implants from spinal canal.

Previous studies have shown that epidural stimulation of the lumbosacral spinal cord (scES) can re-enable lower limb volitional motor control in individuals with chronic, clinically motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI). This observation entails that residual supraspinal connectivity to the lumbosacral spinal circuitry still persisted after SCI, although it was non-detectable when scES was not provided. In the present study, we aimed at exploring further the mechanisms underlying scES-promoted recovery of volitional lower limb motor control by investigating neuroimaging markers at the spinal cord lesion site via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Spinal cord MRI was collected prior to epidural stimulator implantation in 13 individuals with chronic, clinically motor complete SCI, and the spared tissue of specific regions of the spinal cord (anterior, posterior, right, left, and total cord) was assessed. After epidural stimulator implantation, and prior to any training, volitional motor control was evaluated during left and right lower limb flexion and ankle dorsiflexion attempts. The ability to generate force exertion and movement was not correlated to any neuroimaging marker. On the other hand, spared tissue of specific cord regions significantly and importantly correlated with some aspects of motor control that include activation amplitude of antagonist (negative correlation) muscles during left ankle dorsiflexion, and electromyographic coordination patterns during right lower limb flexion. The fact that amount and location of spared spinal cord tissue at the lesion site were not related to the ability to generate volitional lower limb movements may suggest that supraspinal inputs through spared spinal cord regions that differ across individuals can result in the generation of lower limb volitional motor output prior to any training when epidural stimulation is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regrowth of severed axons is fundamental to reestablish motor control after spinal-cord injury (SCI). Ongoing efforts to promote axonal regeneration after SCI have involved multiple strategies that have been only partially successful. Our study introduces an artificial carbon-nanotube based scaffold that, once implanted in SCI rats, improves motor function recovery. Confocal microscopy analysis plus fiber tracking by magnetic resonance imaging and neurotracer labeling of long-distance corticospinal axons suggest that recovery might be partly attributable to successful crossing of the lesion site by regenerating fibers. Since manipulating SCI microenvironment properties, such as mechanical and electrical ones, may promote biological responses, we propose this artificial scaffold as a prototype to exploit the physics governing spinal regenerative plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Central Horner syndrome is a rare condition, comprising a unique pathophysiological phenomenon. It results from vascular lesions, head or thoracic trauma. We describe a case of Horner syndrome associated to cervical disc herniation, and first-order neuron compression. To our knowledge, this is the second case reported to date in the literature.

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., Competing Interests: None declared., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press, the Society for Neuro-Oncology and the European Association of Neuro-Oncology.)

Abstract Nine cases of intramedullar histoplasmosis have been published in the literature. In six cases, spinal cord compression was associated with brain localization or with contex of disseminated histoplasmosis. The authors are reporting here the third isolated spinal cord compression in immunocompetent 42-year-old African-rabbits breeder, a woman. This case was successfully managed with surgical removal of the lesion associated to itraconazole during 8 months. Intramedullar lesion because of the Histoplasma capsulatum was necrosis granulomatous localized at spinal conus. In conclusion, according to literature data the most frequent spinal cord compression caused by histoplasmosis capsulatum. General risk factors include residence in endemic areas as well as immunosuppression. Endemic areas include Africa, Australia, parts of Eastern Asia, and America (Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio River valleys). Initial localization was cutaneous. Two histopathological forms reported are abscess and necrotizing granuloma. Management is mainly based on antifungus like itraconazole. Surgery is only necessary for the etiology diagnosis.

Objective: To determine whether cognitive-motor interference using ability of dual-task obstacle crossing could predict a risk of fall in 90 ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury. Design: Six-month prospective study. Setting: A rehabilitation center and community hospitals. Subjects: Independent ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury. Main outcome measures: Subjects were interviewed and evaluated for personal characteristics, dual-task obstacle crossing ability, and functional ability using the 10 Meter Walk Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test. Then they were prospectively monitored for fall data every month for six months in total. Results: A total of 90 chronic ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury with an average age of 52.51 ± 13.43 years, who mostly had mild lesion severity (n = 71, 79%) and walked with a walking device (n = 54, 60%) completed in the study. More than one-third of the subjects (n = 32, 36%) failed in dual-task obstacle crossing. The failures were obviously associated with the fall (unadjusted odds ratio = 7.07, P < 0.002, power = 1.000). Conclusion: Cognitive-motor interference is important for ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury, as it could detect those with low functional ability and risk of future falls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major statement: This comprehensive study of intermittent catheterization regimes in patients with spinal cord injury demonstrated that the majority of patients perform catheterization with a frequency of 6 times a day or more. No difference in frequency of catheterization was observed in different groups of patients divided according to the spinal cord lesion level or gender. Aim: The aim of the study was to obtain data about the basic aspects of intermittent catheterization regimes in patients with spinal cord lesions in the Czech Repiblic. The focus was pointed at the frequency of catheterization in the whole group of patients and in different subgroups divided according to the spinal cord lesion level, gender and method of catheterization. Metods: All patient performing intermittent catheterization registered in databases in the Czech Republic were addressed with a request for anonymously completing a questionnaire aimed at basic demographic and personal history data, information about the method and frequency of catheterization of the urinary bladder and the impact of intermittent catheterization on quality of life. Data from patients with spinal cord lesion were evaluated: demography, duration and level of spinal cord lesion and frequency of intermittent catheterization per 24 hours in the whole group of patients and in the subgroup of patients divided according to level. Results: Completed questionnaires were obtained from 722 out of 856 addressed patients. Data from 349 responders (256 males and 93 females) with spinal cord lesion were used for evaluation. Average age was 46.3 ± 14.5 years. 113 (32.4 %) responders suffered from spinal cord lesion at the cervical level, 59 (16.9 %) at upper thoracic level (T1- T6), 119 (34.1 %) at lower thoracic level (T7-T12), 47 (13.5 %) at lumbar level and 11 (3.1 %) at sacral level. Average duration of the spinal cord lesion was 11.9 ± 10.4 years, average period from the start of the regime of intermittent catheterization was 7.9 ± 5.5 years. 308 (88.3 %) responders performed self-catheterization, 41 responders were catheterized by aother person. The catheterization performed by aother person was done almost exclusively in patients with cevical spinal cord lesion (97.6 %). Average catheterization frequency in the whole group of patients was 5.7 ± 1.6. No statistically significant difference was observed in the subgroups of patients divided according to the spinal cord lesion level or gender. 181 (51.9 %) patients from the whole group of patients and 170 (55.2 %) patients from the subgroup of patients performing self-catheterization perform intermittent catheterization 6 times a day or more. Conclusion: This comprehensive study of internittent catheterization regimes in patients with spinal cord lesions demonstrated that the majority of patients perform catheterization with a frequency of 6 times a day or more. No difference in frequency of catheterization was observed in different groups of patients divided according to the spinal cord lesion level or gender. The study results are of great importance for both medical care providers and state authorities and insurance companies in the Czech Republic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]