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Dorsally sequestrated thoracic disc herniation--case report.
A Morizane1, J Hanakita, H Suwa
1Department of Neurosurgery, Shizuoka General Hospital, Japan.
Neurologia Medico-Chirurgica
|December 22, 1999
Summary
A rare case of dorsal thoracic disc herniation caused acute back pain and weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging effectively diagnosed this condition, leading to a successful surgical recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Thoracic disc herniations are uncommon, particularly dorsal sequestrations.
- This case highlights a rare presentation of acute low back pain and neurological deficits attributed to a thoracic disc issue.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old male presented with acute low back pain and weakness without trauma.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a dorsal T10-11 disc herniation compressing the thecal sac.
- Gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging showed minimal rim enhancement; computed tomography ruled out calcification.
Findings:
- MR imaging confirmed a dorsal sequestrated thoracic disc herniation at T10-11.
- The herniated disc material laterally and dorsally compressed the dural sac.
- Surgical laminectomy led to rapid and satisfactory patient recovery.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of rare thoracic disc herniations is crucial for effective treatment.
- MR imaging is a key diagnostic tool, demonstrating the disc-mass connection.
- Differential diagnoses for dorsal spinal masses include tumors, hematomas, and abscesses.