Intramedullary Spinal Cord Lesions: A Single-Center Experience

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Spinal Surgery
• Oncology

Background:

• Spinal cord tumors are rare, posing unique challenges in neurosurgery.
• Intramedullary tumors represent a subset requiring specialized management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the current management of intramedullary spinal cord tumors.
• To analyze clinical, radiological, pathological, and surgical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 48 patients treated between 2014-2020.
• Evaluation of neurological status, radiological features, surgical techniques, and pathological findings.
• Assessment of postoperative outcomes and recurrence rates.

Main Results:

• Common pathologies included ependymoma (43.8%), hemangioblastoma (20.8%), and pilocytic astrocytoma (10.4%).
• Surgical resection rates: gross total (43.8%), subtotal (50.0%), biopsy (6.2%).
• Tumor recurrence occurred in 6 patients within 2 years; 1 patient developed postoperative kyphosis.

Conclusions:

• Intramedullary tumors remain challenging, necessitating varied surgical approaches.
• Management requires specialized centers with expert multidisciplinary teams.
• Preoperative discussion of arthrodesis is vital to prevent kyphosis after extensive laminectomy.