The characteristics of posttraumatic syringomyelia
J Krebs1, H G Koch2, K Hartmann3
1Clinical Trial Unit, Swiss Paraplegic Centre, Nottwil, Switzerland.
Spinal Cord
|December 2, 2015
Summary
Posttraumatic syringomyelia, a condition following spinal cord injury (SCI), is more common in patients with complete SCI and those over 30. Early syrinx formation is linked to complete SCI and older age at injury.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Posttraumatic syringomyelia is a complex neurological complication that can arise after spinal cord injury (SCI).
- Understanding the factors influencing its development and characteristics is crucial for patient management and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological and radiological characteristics of posttraumatic symptomatic syringomyelia.
- To identify predictors of early syrinx formation and syrinx progression after SCI.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cross-sectional study of 138 patients diagnosed with posttraumatic syringomyelia after SCI.
- Analysis of T2-weighted magnetic resonance images to determine syrinx characteristics.
- Binary logistic regression to assess the impact of age, injury level, severity (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale - AIS), and syrinx location on syrinx formation and extent.
Main Results:
- The majority of patients (78.3%) had complete SCI (AIS A).
- Syringomyelia was diagnosed a median of 15 years post-SCI, with a median age of 42 years.
- Complete SCI and older age (>30 years) at injury were significant predictors of early syrinx formation (within 5 years).
- The cervical spine was involved in over 57% of cases, with syrinxes extending a median of seven vertebral levels.
Conclusions:
- Posttraumatic syringomyelia predominantly affects individuals with complete SCI (AIS A), frequently involving the cervical spine.
- Complete SCI and being older than 30 years at the time of injury increase the risk of developing syringomyelia within five years post-injury.
