[Management of spinal cord compression in Togo]

The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiologic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of spinal cord compression at the Lomé-Campus teaching hospital.

We retrospectively analyzed the files of all patients hospitalized for spinal cord compression at Lome-Campus teaching hospital from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2007.

39 files were selected, mostly of men (77%). The mean age was 53 years (range: 22 to 79). Median time from the start of symptoms to hospital admission was 14.9 ± 24.5 weeks. The spinal cord compression was confirmed by myeloscan in 35 cases (90%), myelography in 2 (5%) and magnetic resonance imaging in 2 cases (5%). The thoracic spine was the most common site of involvement. The principal cause was malignant neoplasm (17 cases: 44%), followed by cervical spondylotic myelopathy (9 cases: 23%) and Pott's disease (7 cases: 18%). Only one patient underwent surgery.

Spinal cord compression appears to be a rare condition in Togo. It is a true medical emergency and immediate intervention is required. Its management remains precarious and its prognosis poor.