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Radiol Clin North Am 2019 Mar 15;57(2):307-318. Epub 2018 Nov 15.

Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, 30 North, 1900 East, #1A071, Salt Lake City, UT 84132-2140, USA.

Vascular disorders of the spine are more rare than cerebral vascular entities but can result in significant morbidity. These lesions frequently demonstrate distinguishing characteristics by imaging that are imperative for the radiologist to recognize to properly guide diagnosis and treatment. We review distinguishing imaging characteristics for spinal vascular malformations, spinal emergencies, and spinal vascular masses. Read More

Am J Emerg Med 2019 Jan 15. Epub 2019 Jan 15.

Truman Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Medicine, Kansas City, Mo, USA. Electronic address:

Background: Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is an uncommon but serious emergency condition rare cases of spontaneously or following a minor traumatic event without bony injury.

Objective: We report the rare case of SEH associated with traditional massage initially presenting with delayed lower paraplegia.

Case Report: A 20-year-old man presented with bilateral lower extremity weakness and numbness 3 h prior to presentation. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Nov;97(48):e13414

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University.

Rationale: Spontaneous intramedullary spinal cord hemorrhage (hematomyelia) is a rare disease and most cases have specific etiologies such as cavernous malformations and tumor. Most reported cases are about surgical treatment of intramedullary spinal cord hemorrhage, but there are no reports of rehabilitation effectiveness reported. This case reports the first case with positive effect of rehabilitation on a patient with intramedullary spinal cord hemorrhage, who did not undergo surgery. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 12;120:590

Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA; Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA.

BMC Complement Altern Med 2018 Oct 29;18(1):291. Epub 2018 Oct 29.

Department of Orthopaedics, Hanil General Hospital, 308 Uicheon-ro, Dobong-Gu, Seoul, 132-703, South Korea.

Background: Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is an uncommon disease, but it can lead to acute cord compression with disabling consequences. Identifiable reasons for spontaneous hemorrhage are vascular malformations and bleeding disorders. However, SSEH after taking herbal medicines has not been described yet. Read More

Cureus 2018 Aug 16;10(8):e3154. Epub 2018 Aug 16.

Neurosurgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA.

Background Vascular lesions represent a rare subset of intramedullary spinal cord pathology and consist of cavernous malformations (CM), hemangioblastomas, and arteriovenous malformations (AVM). These lesions are each unique and the literature pertaining to their surgical management is largely limited to retrospective case series and case reports. Objectives To evaluate the surgical management of each of these lesions with special attention to postoperative functional status. Read More

World Neurosurg 2019 Feb 17;122:e315-e324. Epub 2018 Oct 17.

Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China.

Objective: Spinal arteriovenous malformations (SAVMs) and intramedullary spinal cord cavernous malformations (ISCCMs) have a very low incidence of disease. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in electrophysiologic monitoring in these 2 surgeries.

Methods: The study included 109 patients (SAVMs, n = 55; ISCCMs, n = 54) recruited from November 2012 to January 2016. Read More

Cureus 2018 Aug 7;10(8):e3115. Epub 2018 Aug 7.

Neurosurgery, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA.

Intradural extramedullary cavernomas are rare vascular malformations of the spine. Of the 40 previously described cases, four involved the upper thoracic spine and one was associated with familial multiple cavernoma syndrome. We report the case of a 55-year-old man with familial multiple cavernomas presenting with thoracic radiculopathy and back pain due to a T3-T4 intradural extramedullary cavernoma compressing the spinal cord and dorsal nerve rootlets. Read More

J Clin Neurosci 2018 Dec 13;58:210-212. Epub 2018 Oct 13.

University of California San Francisco, Department of Neurological Surgery, San Francisco, CA, USA. Electronic address:

Background And Importance: Advances in minimally invasive (MIS) and mini-open surgical approaches have led to reductions in perioperative morbidity without compromising rates of resection of non-degenerative intradural spinal pathologies. Whether these approaches may be adapted for the surgical resection for intramedullary vascular malformations - such as cavernous malformations (CMs) - has yet to be reported. The authors describe a mini-open transspinous approach to resect a ruptured intramedullary CM of the conus medullaris. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Dec 12;120:328-330. Epub 2018 Sep 12.

Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, Sichuan, PR China. Electronic address:

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) draining into the perimedullary venous system are rare and potentially life-threatening lesions often presenting as a myelopathy. The early and proper diagnosis of this rare disease is challenging because the symptoms are nonspecific. Acute clinical deterioration in patients with spinal DAVFs treated with steroid administration has been described. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Dec 10;120:181-184. Epub 2018 Sep 10.

Department of Neurosurgery, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy.

Background: Spinal epidural cavernous hemangiomas are rare vascular malformations. Exceptionally, they present with dumbbell-shaped morphology. When they happen, it's mandatory to include their pathology in the differential diagnosis because of their similarity to schwannomas. Read More

Acta Neurochir Suppl 2018;129:121-126

Department of Neurosurgery, Kameda Medical Center, Kamogawa, Chiba, Japan.

The topographical distribution of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) was analyzed based on the embryological anatomy of the dural membrane. Sixty-six consecutive cases of intracranial and spinal DAVFs were analyzed based on the angiography, and each shunt point was identified according to the embryological bony structures. The area of dural membranes was categorized into three different groups: a ventral group located on the endochondral bone (VE group), a dorsal group on the membranous bone (DM group), and a falcotentorial group (FT group) in the falx cerebri, tentorium cerebelli, falx cerebelli, and diaphragma sellae. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2018 Aug 27;2018. Epub 2018 Aug 27.

Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) are uncommon lesions. Multiple classification systems have been proposed to attempt to describe these lesions. We describe the case of a patient with a dorsal epidural DAVF that, while cerebral in origin, presented with classic spinal DAVF symptoms. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Nov 24;119:374-380. Epub 2018 Aug 24.

Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. Electronic address:

Background: Spontaneous spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is extremely rare and occurs in <1% of all cases of SAH. To the best of our knowledge, only 1 case of spontaneous spinal SAH with later development of a symptomatic spinal arachnoid cyst (SAC) has been described in the literature to date. The objective of the present study was to report the challenging clinical management of SAC based on a literature review. Read More

Neuroradiology 2018 Oct 14;60(10):1035-1041. Epub 2018 Aug 14.

Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Purpose: Neurointerventional approaches have improved myelopathy in patients with spinal vascular lesions by providing effective management, particularly when surgical approaches are difficult. However, there have been challenges in describing and comparing recovery status during the post-treatment period.

Methods: We evaluated 43 patients with venous congestive myelopathy (VCM) using Aminoff-Logue Disability Scale for gait (AL-G) and micturition (AL-M) scores. Read More

Rev Neurol 2018 08;67(4):155-156

Complejo Asistencial de Segovia, Segovia, Espana.

Pediatr Neurosurg 2018 23;53(5):291-298. Epub 2018 Jul 23.

Department of Neurosurgery, Democritus University of Thrace Medical School, Alexandroupolis, Greece.

Objective: Spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVM) manifest in the pediatric population very differently from the ones in adulthood. Despite that fact, the treatment strategy is quite the same, which provokes a question - whether some of the therapies have an advantage and if so, in which age group.

Methods: For this reason, the authors searched the world literature between 1989 and 2018 for spinal AVM in children and further categorized the studies into two age groups: < 12 and ≥12. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Oct 7;118:181-187. Epub 2018 Aug 7.

Department of Radiology, First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China. Electronic address:

Background: Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) at the craniocervical junction are rare. Clinical manifestations range from acute or chronic myelopathy to subarachnoid hemorrhage to brainstem dysfunction. We encountered 4 cases of DAVFs at the craniocervical junction with progressive brainstem dysfunction and investigated the typical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features using T-weighting imaging, susceptibility-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and contrast-enhanced imaging. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Oct 6;118:53-54. Epub 2018 Jul 6.

Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Electronic address:

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are the most common type of spinal arteriovenous malformation and frequently cause progressive myelopathy. Early detection and surgical or endovascular intervention are important to preventing permanent neurologic impairment. Selective spinal angiography is still the gold standard for the diagnosis and localization of the SDAVF. Read More

J Neurointerv Surg 2018 Dec 3;10(12):1183-1186. Epub 2018 Jul 3.

Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Hopital Lariboisiere, Paris, France.

Objective: To determine long term safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment of spinal cord arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), with calibrated particle embolization as a firstline approach.

Methods: We reviewed clinical and imaging data of consecutive patients who underwent endovascular treatment for both nidal and fistulous type spinal cord AVMs in our center, from 1990 to 2015. Outcome at the last follow-up was assessed by an independent observer. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Oct 26;118:e105-e114. Epub 2018 Jun 26.

Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Electronic address:

Objective: Spinal cord intramedullary cavernous malformation (SICM) is kind of rare vascular disease, and the therapeutic strategy is still under debate. The purpose of this article is to analyze outcome of SICM surgical resection and to find the possible factors indicating a better outcome.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 83 patients with SICM in a single center from 2005 to 2017 was performed. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Sep 20;117:186-189. Epub 2018 Jun 20.

Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Clinical Neuroscience Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.

Background: Arteries that anastomose with the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) can harbor aneurysms.

Case Description: We present a case of a patient who suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage as a result from an aneurysm on the left lateral spinal artery (LSA) that anastomosed to the PICA. The aneurysm was treated surgically, and the flow between the LSA and PICA was disrupted. Read More

Microvasc Res 2018 11 12;120:47-54. Epub 2018 Jun 12.

Department of Neurosurgery, Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Medical Center, Tsinghua University, No. 168 Litang Road, Changping District, Beijing 102218, China. Electronic address:

Spinal arteriovenous malformations (sAVM) are rare and heterogeneous group of blood vessel disorders that affect spinal cord function directly or indirectly; however, the pathogenesis of sAVM is still unclear. In this study, we compared four sAVM specimens obtained during surgery and donated control samples in a Tandem Mass Tag (TMT)-labeled proteomic analysis. We identified 3101 proteins, 654 of which were differentially expressed in sAVM samples compared with the controls. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Sep 7;117:e187-e193. Epub 2018 Jun 7.

Department of Neurosurgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.

Objective: Hemangioblastomas (HBs) are benign vascular tumors of the central nervous system and histologically contain abundant microvessels. Therefore, they clinically exhibit vascular malformation-like characteristics. It has been described that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) contributes to the pathogenesis of cerebral cavernous malformations. Read More

J Clin Neurosci 2018 Jul 3;53:140-146. Epub 2018 May 3.

Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard for diagnosing vascular malformations; however, difficulties are associated with visualizing the angioarchitecture of arteriovenous fistulas at the craniocervical junction (CCJ AVFs) using DSA because of their complex regional neurovascular anatomy. The present study evaluated the application of 3-dimensional computer graphics (3D CG) to the surgical planning of CCJ AVFs. Six patients with CCJ AVFs who underwent microsurgery and/or endovascular treatment were included. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Aug 27;116:234-235. Epub 2018 Apr 27.

Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China. Electronic address:

Spontaneous regression is a rare phenomenon. Here, we report a case of a 28-year-old woman with a tentorial space-occupying lesion, which entirely disappeared 40 days after the onset of her symptoms. The patient did not have any relapse during 1-year follow-up. Read More

J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2018 Aug 18;27(8):e177-e179. Epub 2018 Apr 18.

Department of Neurosurgery, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Chiba, Japan.

A 69-year-old man presented with severe headache. Cranial computed tomography revealed diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage. An anterior communicating artery aneurysm was identified and successfully obliterated by open microsurgery on the same day. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2018 Apr;97(16):e0513

Department of Neurology.

Rationale: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a common and serious disease and one of the most important differential diagnoses in the emergency department.

Patient Concerns: A 39-year-old female patient with a 12 years' history of migraine, presented with a sudden headache combined with motor aphasia. Physical examination suggested probable positive neck resistance. Read More

Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2018 Apr;24(2, Spinal Cord Disorders):407-426

Purpose Of Review: Prompt recognition and timely management of vascular disorders of the spinal cord can improve patient outcomes. This article provides contemporary and practical knowledge about the most common vascular myelopathies.

Recent Findings: New studies have provided additional information on the risk factors and impact of neurologic monitoring on perioperative spinal cord infarction. Read More

Neurol Neurochir Pol 2018 Aug 9;52(4):528-533. Epub 2018 Mar 9.

Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guo Xue Xiang Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China. Electronic address:

Introduction: Spinal arteriovenous malformations (SAVMs) are very rare and can be very challenging to treat since none of the therapeutic options does provide a definitive cure to these lesions. We believe that incorporation of intraoperative angiography during surgery in a hybrid theatre can help achieve a better cure.

Case Presentation: We present a 45 years old woman with three (3) years history of weakness and ten (10) days' history of acute pain in right upper extremity. Read More

J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2018 Jun 16;27(6):1435-1446. Epub 2018 Mar 16.

Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Healthcare, Iowa City, Iowa.

Background And Purpose: Spinal cord hemorrhages are rare conditions that can be classified based on the primary location of bleeding into intramedullary (hematomyelia), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), subdural hemorrhage, and epidural hemorrhage. We conducted a literature review to better understand the presenting symptoms, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of spinal cord hemorrhages.

Methods: We performed a literature search using PubMed with the key words spinal hemorrhage, hematomyelia, spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage, spinal subdural hematoma, and spinal epidural hematoma RESULTS: Most commonly, spinal hematomas present with acute onset of pain and myelopathy but a more insidious course also may occur. Read More

J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2018 Jul 16;27(7):e144-e147. Epub 2018 Mar 16.

Neuroendovascular Therapy Center, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan.

Background And Purpose: We report a secure endovascular approach for the treatment of vascular lesions of the posterior circulation. Even if a large profile guide catheter is wedged in the unilateral vertebral artery (VA), our VA flow reversal method can prevent ischemic complications, including the spinal cord infarction.

Case Presentation: The patient was a 64-year-old woman who had been followed up for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and an unruptured aneurysm of the basilar artery-superior cerebellar artery bifurcation. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Jun 14;114:e698-e705. Epub 2018 Mar 14.

Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.

Objective: Effectiveness and safety of anticoagulation therapy (AC) after treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (sdAVF) are still inadequately discussed in the literature and are addressed in this study.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed our medical database for patients with sdAVF treated in our institution between 2006 and 2016. Neurologic status at time of admission, discharge, and last follow-up was assessed via Aminoff-Logue disability score. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 May 7;113:312-315. Epub 2018 Mar 7.

Department of Neurosurgery, Teaching Hospital, Angers, France.

The radiological signs of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (ICDAVFs) are heterogenous. While it is commonly accepted that hyper intense T2 wedge magnetic resonance imaging of the brainstem and cervical cord mainly concern gliomas, it is so far uncommon and probably unknown that ICDAVFs can imitate similar radiological pattern, especially with gadolinium contrast enhancement and cord enlargement. Thus the angiography is poorly documented in the diagnostic workup. Read More

Cureus 2017 Dec 10;9(12):e1932. Epub 2017 Dec 10.

Department of Neurosurgery, Ulm University.

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), being the most commonly encountered spinal vascular malformations, result in considerable morbidity with progressive spinal cord symptoms. A selective spinal digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is needed to confirm the diagnosis, to better evaluate the fine vascular structures and to plan therapy. With the introduction of three-dimensional rotational angiography (3D-RA), the information available for the treating physician has vastly increased. Read More

Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2018 09;43(17):E1024-E1032

Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, China International Neuroscience Institute, Beijing, China.

Study Design: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

Objective: To confirm the feasibility of using anterior to dorsal root entry zone myelotomy (ADREZotomy), a new surgical approach, for the treatment of ventrolateral deep intramedullary spinal cord cavernous malformation (ISCCMs).

Summary Of Background Data: Surgical removal of ventrolateral deep ISCCMs is highly risky and remains problematic. Read More

Neurosurgery 2018 Dec;83(6):1201-1208

Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.

Background: Intramedullary spinal cord cavernous malformations (CMs) account for 5% of all CMs in the central nervous system and 5% to 12% of all spinal cord vascular lesions, yet their optimal management is controversial.

Objective: To identify factors associated with the clinical progression of spinal cord CMs and quantify the range of surgical outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective observational cohort study of 32 patients who underwent open surgical resection for spinal CMs, the majority of which presented to a dorsal or lateral pial surface, from 1996 to 2017 at a single institution. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Apr 2;112:138-142. Epub 2018 Feb 2.

Institute of Neurosurgery, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

Background: In the surgical treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs), intraoperative definition of anatomic characteristics of the DAVF and identification of the fistulous point is mandatory to effectively exclude the DAVF.

Case Description: Intraoperative ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound integrated with color Doppler ultrasound was applied in the surgical setting for a cervical DAVF to identify the fistulous point and evaluate correct occlusion of the fistula.

Conclusions: Integration of intraoperative ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a simple, cost-effective technique that provides an opportunity for real-time dynamic visualization of DAVF vascular patterns, identification of the fistulous point, and assessment of correct exclusion. Read More

J Clin Neurosci 2018 Apr 3;50:51-57. Epub 2018 Feb 3.

Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States. Electronic address:

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disorder that causes angiodysplasia and results in mucocutaneous telangiectasias and arteriovenous malformations of organs. Although central nervous system vascular malformations can occur anywhere along the neuraxis, spinal vascular malformations are rare. We present our experience with the presentation and management of spinal vascular malformations in patients with HHT. Read More

J Neurointerv Surg 2018 Jun 19;10(6):586-592. Epub 2018 Jan 19.

Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, Hopital Foch, Suresnes, France.

Background: Spinal cord arteriovenous shunts (scAVSs) are a group of lesions located in the spinal cord itself or in the surrounding structures. The most common scAVSs are spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (sDAVFs), which are acquired lesions. The pathogenesis of sDAVFs involves thrombosis and venous hypertension as trigger factors. Read More

BMJ Open 2018 01 13;8(1):e019800. Epub 2018 Jan 13.

Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Background: The short-term outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) have not been defined in large cohorts.

Objective: To define the short-term clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with SDAVFs.

Methods: A prospective cohort of 112 patients with SDAVFs were included consecutively in this study. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Mar 2;111:261-263. Epub 2018 Jan 2.

Department of Neurosurgery, King's College Hospital, London, UK; Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia.

Background: Conus medullaris arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare spinal vascular malformations presenting most frequently with features of myelopathy (Foix-Alajounine syndrome), radiculopathy, bowel/bladder dysfunction, or acute spinal hemorrhage (Coup de poignard of Michon) causing profound neurological deficit. Here we present the case of a young patient with progressive dysphagia and intractable hiccups as a rare first presentation symptom of later verified conus medullaris AVM.

Case Description: A 21-year-old male patient presented with acute onset of dysphagia and persistent hiccups. Read More

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2017 Dec 28. Epub 2017 Dec 28.

Radiology (G.L., W.B.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

Background And Purpose: Neural tube defects, such as tethered cord, intradural lipoma, or myelomeningocele may coexist with spinal vascular malformations. The coexistence of these 2 rare entities is suggestive of a causal relationship between them, which may lead to further understanding of their pathogenesis. We present a series of 6 patients with epidural spinal arteriovenous fistulas associated with neural tube defects. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Mar 16;111:73-78. Epub 2017 Dec 16.

Department of Neurological Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, Virginia, USA.

Background: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF), the most common type of spinal vascular malformation, tends to manifest as progressive myelopathy over several years. Spinal dural AVFs are considered an acquired lesion and, in contrast to spinal arteriovenous malformations, are not often associated with other anomalies. The presence of a spinal dural AVF in the setting of a lipomyelomeningocele and tethered cord is extremely rare. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Mar 14;111:e183-e191. Epub 2017 Dec 14.

Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.

Objective: To investigate imaging characteristics of spinal epidural cavernous hemangiomas (ECHs) and improve understanding of this rare disease.

Methods: This retrospective study included 7 cases of ECH, confirmed with surgical pathology and imaging. All patients underwent computed tomography and conventional magnetic resonance imaging. Read More

World Neurosurg 2018 Feb 6;110:407-413. Epub 2017 Dec 6.

Department of Neurosurgery, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.

Background: Spinal vascular malformations as a group are rare, and coexistence of a spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in or around the spinal dysraphism is extremely rare. We report 2 cases of combined spinal dysraphism and vascular malformations of the spinal cord.

Case Description: The first case was an AVM located in a filum terminale lipoma fed by the artery of the filum terminale. Read More

Neurology 2018 Jan 1;90(1):e12-e21. Epub 2017 Dec 1.

From the Department of Neurology (P.B., K.C.F., M.A.M., D.B., S.D.N., M.L., C.A.P.) and Division of Interventional Neuroradiology (P.G.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Universidad de Antioquia (J.A.J.); Neuroclinica (J.A.J.), Medellin, Colombia; and International Neurorehabilitation Institute (D.B.), Lutherville, MD.

Objective: To assess the predictive value of the initial clinical and paraclinical features in the differentiation of inflammatory myelopathies from other causes of myelopathy in patients with initial diagnosis of transverse myelitis (TM).

Methods: We analyzed the clinical presentation, spinal cord MRI, and CSF features in a cohort of 457 patients referred to a specialized myelopathy center with the presumptive diagnosis of TM. After evaluation, the myelopathies were classified as inflammatory, ischemic/stroke, arteriovenous malformations/fistulas, spondylotic, or other. Read More

Ann Neurol 2017 Dec 12;82(6):972-980. Epub 2017 Dec 12.

Department of genetics, Hopital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.

Objective: To assess the spectrum of genetic anomalies in a cohort of children presenting at least one cerebral or spinal pial arteriovenous fistula (AVF), and to describe their clinical characteristics.

Methods: From 1988 to 2016, all consecutive patients with at least one cerebral or spinal pial AVF were screened for genetic disease. All patients aged <18 years were included. Read More

J Pediatr 2017 11;190:246-250

Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery and Department of Neurosurgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv Israel.

Objective: To assess the association between dorsal midline skin discolorations, tethering of the spinal cord, and the role of ultrasound screening of these stigmata, focusing specifically on vascular lesions.

Study Design: We conducted a prospective observational study of infants <6 months of age with suspicious dorsal midline skin stigmata. All were evaluated by physical examination and ultrasound scan. Read More

Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2018 Jan 14;160(1):191-194. Epub 2017 Nov 14.

Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA.

Background: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are abnormal arteriovenous shunts between a radicular artery and the radicular vein, located in the dorsal surface of the dura sleeve, which drains in a retrograde manner into the coronal venous plexus of the spinal cord without an interposed capillary network. This result is a venous hypertension that reduces spinal cord perfusion and leads to ischemia and edema. Spontaneous resolution is extremely rare and, once symptomatic, the typical course is further progression with increased neurological impairment. Read More