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Cervical spinal cord atrophy associated with spina bifida
A Seichi1, Y Hoshino, S Ikegawa
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Paraplegia
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Spinal cord tethering in the lower back may cause cervical spinal cord atrophy and neurological deficits in patients with spina bifida. Surgical release offered transient improvement, indicating a connection between distant tethering and upper spinal cord health.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Spina bifida is a congenital condition often associated with spinal cord abnormalities.
- Cervical spinal cord atrophy can lead to significant upper extremity dysfunction.
- Spinal cord tethering is a known complication that can cause neurological issues.
Observation:
- Three patients with spina bifida and cervical spinal cord atrophy were studied.
- Clinical presentation included progressive upper extremity paresis and tetraparesis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cervical cord atrophy and enlarged subarachnoid spaces.
Findings:
- Surgical release of lumbosacral spinal cord tethering was performed.
- Two patients experienced transient neurological recovery post-surgery.
- One patient showed no improvement, and the other two later deteriorated.
Implications:
- Transient recovery suggests lumbosacral tethering impacts the entire spinal cord.
- This finding highlights a potential mechanism for cervical spinal cord atrophy in spina bifida.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology and optimize treatment strategies.