Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Resection of Spinal Cord Gliomas

Intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (iCEUS) is a relatively new technique for visualizing brain gliomas and can help achieve maximum resection, but its potential in evaluation of spinal cord gliomas has not been well defined. The aim of this study was to describe the iCEUS characterization of and evaluate its role in visualizing intramedullary gliomas.

A retrospective review of patients who underwent intramedullary glioma resection with iCEUS guidance from 2019 to 2021 was conducted. An offline analysis was performed to compare and characterize the perfusion features of each glioma.

This study included 36 patients who underwent iCEUS for spinal cord gliomas. iCEUS was performed successfully, and all gliomas were clearly identified. The distribution of contrast agent showed different dynamic phases (arterial, peak, and washout) from those observed in brain gliomas, generally appearing slower and less intense in spinal cord gliomas. iCEUS helped highlight intramedullary gliomas, each of which demonstrated specific iCEUS features depending on the grade. Gross total resection was achieved in 20 patients (55.6%), subtotal resection was achieved in 11 patients (30.6%), and partial resection was achieved in 5 patients (13.8%).

ICEUS adds valuable information in highlighting spinal cord gliomas in real time. It allows the neurosurgeon to assess the anatomical location of the glioma and delineate the tumor margins. iCEUS could play a potentially important role in guiding spinal cord glioma resection. Further study with more cases is needed to better understand the microbubble distribution dynamics in intramedullary gliomas.