[Spinomedullary compression caused by neurinomas and meningiomas]

A series of 30 spinal neurinomas and meningiomas studied in the Instituto de Neurología of Montevideo from 1958 to 1973 is analyzed. Seventeen neurinomas and 13 meningiomas are included. The following conclusions, in accordance with previous studies, were obtained from the clinical study and operative observations. Meningiomas were more commonly observed in females, in the sixth decade of life and were localized most frequently in the dorsal region. Neurinomas showed no preference for sex or site of the spine, and although they were more common in the sixth decade, they showed a greater dispersion in age. Clinical manifestations were similar in both groups but parasthesias were a more common initial symptom in meningiomas. Protein content of CSF was clearly greater in neurinomas. Radiological alterations of vertebrae were more frequently seen in neurinomas, but inespecific nature. Positive contrast mielography was in all cases useful for precise topographic diagnosis. Surgical results were satisfactory even in cases with severe preoperatory motor deficit.