Acute cauda equina syndrome caused by a gas-containing prolapsed intervertebral disk
1Trauma and Orthopaedic Directorate, The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, United Kingdom.
Journal of Spinal Disorders
|January 2, 2001
Summary
A rare case of gaseous degeneration in a lumbar disc caused acute cauda equina syndrome. This gas accumulation led to severe nerve compression, highlighting a unique cause of spinal stenosis.
Area of Science:
- Spinal Surgery
- Radiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Intervertebral disc degeneration can lead to gas production.
- Gas within a degenerated disc rarely causes significant nerve compression or clinical syndromes.
Observation:
- A 78-year-old female patient presented with acute cauda equina syndrome.
- She had a history of severe lumbar spinal canal stenosis.
Findings:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large lumbar disc protrusion.
- Intraoperative findings confirmed severe lumbar spinal canal stenosis, with the disc prolapse containing gas that was causing nerve compression.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates a rare etiology of acute cauda equina syndrome due to gaseous disc degeneration.
- Highlights the importance of considering gas within disc herniations as a cause of neurological compromise.
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