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Holocord astrocytoma--case report.
1Department of Neurosurgery, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo.
Neurologia Medico-Chirurgica
|November 1, 1990
Summary
This study reports a rare holocord astrocytoma, a spinal cord tumor extending from the medulla to the conus medullaris. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI aided in diagnosing this extensive tumor and associated syringomyelia.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Spinal cord pathology
- Advanced neuroimaging
Background:
- Intramedullary holocord astrocytoma is an exceptionally rare spinal tumor.
- Diagnosis and management present significant challenges due to tumor extent and associated complications like syringomyelia.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old male presented with nuchalgia, lumbago, gait disturbance, and neurological deficits.
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and myelography revealed a holocord cystic lesion from medulla oblongata to conus medullaris.
- Gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA)-enhanced MR imaging identified a solid tumor at the Th6-7 level.
Findings:
- The solid neoplasm at the Th7 level was partially resected and diagnosed as astrocytoma.
- Two syrinx-subarachnoid shunts were placed to manage secondary syringomyelia.
- Differentiation between cystic and solid spinal cord lesions can be challenging.
Implications:
- Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging is crucial for diagnosing holocord tumors.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of secondary syringomyelia is vital for patient management.
- This case highlights the diagnostic utility of advanced imaging in rare spinal cord pathologies.