[Idiopathic spinal cord herniation: a rare condition].
E Salvador Álvarez1, M Jiménez De La Peña, L Herraiz Hidalgo
1Servicio de Radiodiagnóstico, Hospital Universitario Doce de Octubre, Madrid, España. elesalrx@gmail.com
Radiologia
|April 13, 2010
Summary
Idiopathic spinal cord herniation, a rare cause of myelopathy, can be diagnosed with MRI. Surgical repair offers high functional recovery, making early detection vital.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Idiopathic spinal cord herniation is a rare condition causing progressive myelopathy.
- Brown-Séquard syndrome is the most common clinical presentation.
- Spinal cord herniation is a reversible cause of myelopathy.
Observation:
- This study presents two cases of idiopathic spinal cord herniation.
- The cases highlight key imaging findings for diagnosis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred diagnostic tool.
Findings:
- Idiopathic spinal cord herniation involves the spinal cord protruding through a dural defect.
- Early detection through imaging is crucial for successful treatment.
- Surgical correction of the dural defect leads to significant functional recovery.
Implications:
- Accurate and timely diagnosis via MRI is essential for managing spinal cord herniation.
- Prompt surgical intervention can reverse myelopathy and improve patient outcomes.
- Understanding imaging findings aids in the recognition and diagnosis of this rare condition.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
01:14Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...
01:25Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...
01:25Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia is the abnormal protrusion of the stomach or other abdominal organs through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.Normally, the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) lies below the diaphragm and is supported by the phrenoesophageal membrane, the diaphragmatic crura, and connective tissues. Weakening of these structures—due to aging, congenital defects like a short esophagus, or increased intra-abdominal pressure from coughing, obesity, pregnancy, or heavy...
01:15Spinal Cord: Gross Anatomy
The spinal cord resides within the protective confines of the vertebral column. It is the main pathway for information traveling between the brain and the body. It plays a fundamental role in nearly all bodily functions, from simple reflexes to complex motor movements. The spinal cord begins at the medulla oblongata at the base of the brainstem and extends downward, terminating at the conus medullaris near the first and second lumbar vertebrae. The spinal cord's length in adults is...
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...