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Post-traumatic spinal cord cysts evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging
H A Backe1, R R Betz, M Mesgarzadeh
1Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children, Philadelphia Unit, Pennsylvania 19152.
Paraplegia
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Post-traumatic spinal cord cysts (PTSCC) are common in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients, found in 51% of cases. Spasticity was the only associated symptom, suggesting conservative treatment for most PTSCC.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Post-traumatic spinal cord cysts (PTSCC) are a potential complication following spinal cord injury (SCI).
- Accurate prevalence data for PTSCC in SCI patients is limited.
- Understanding the incidence and associated symptoms of PTSCC is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of post-traumatic spinal cord cysts (PTSCC) in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.
- To identify any clinical symptoms correlated with the presence of PTSCC.
- To inform treatment strategies for patients with SCI and PTSCC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of magnetic resonance (MR) scans from SCI patients.
- Inclusion of both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.
- Analysis of imaging data to identify and quantify PTSCC.
Main Results:
- The incidence of PTSCC was found to be 51% in the studied SCI patient population.
- Spasticity was the only symptom significantly correlated with the presence of a cyst.
- Cysts were observed to develop at the site of the original spinal cord injury.
Conclusions:
- Post-traumatic spinal cord cysts are a common sequela of spinal cord injury.
- Conservative treatment is recommended for the majority of patients diagnosed with PTSCC.
- Further research may explore the natural history and optimal management of PTSCC.