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Spinal cord meningiomas in the elderly.
1Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia.
Age and Ageing
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Spinal cord meningiomas are rare tumors, often misdiagnosed in elderly women. Early surgical intervention leads to complete recovery, highlighting the importance of considering this diagnosis in older patients with gait disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Spinal cord meningiomas are rare tumors typically affecting adults.
- This study focuses on the clinical presentation and neurosurgical management of six female patients.
Observation:
- The median age of patients was 76 years, indicating a predilection for older individuals.
- A significant delay in diagnosis was observed, with most patients initially misdiagnosed with other conditions.
- Common presenting symptoms included gait disorders (paraparesis, wide-based gait) and pyramidal tract signs.
Findings:
- All six tumors were located in the thoracic region.
- Plain radiographs were not helpful in diagnosis and could be misleading.
- Surgical resection resulted in a cure for all patients, preventing institutionalization for one patient.
Implications:
- Spinal cord meningioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of elderly patients presenting with unexplained gait disturbances.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in spinal cord meningioma.
- Further research is needed to understand the specific factors contributing to delayed diagnosis in this population.