Spinal arachnoiditis. The postoperative variety in particular.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neurology
• Radiology

Background:

• Spinal arachnoiditis is a debilitating condition affecting the meninges.
• Previous studies suggest various etiological factors, but the role of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnostic and therapeutic courses of patients diagnosed with spinal arachnoiditis.
• To identify probable causes and common clinical presentations of spinal arachnoiditis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 68 patients diagnosed with spinal arachnoiditis.
• Analysis of clinical presentations, including pain, sphincter disturbances, and neurological deficits.
• Review of previous operative procedures, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies, and myelographic patterns.

Main Results:

• Oil myelography and spinal surgery were identified as probable causes in nearly all cases.
• Common clinical features included leg pain (90%), low-back pain (80%), and sphincter disturbance (25%).
• Neurological deficits, affecting motor, sensory, and reflex functions, were present in two-thirds of patients, often indicating bilateral or multiple root involvement.

Conclusions:

• The combination of oil myelography and spinal surgery is strongly implicated in the development of spinal arachnoiditis.
• Clinical presentation is variable, with neurological deficits often reflecting widespread nerve root compromise.
• No consistent correlation was found between specific prior procedures, CSF findings, or myelographic patterns and the clinical presentation.