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Spontaneous thoracic spinal cord herniation through an anterior dural defect
1Department of Radiology SGSX, David Grant Medical Center, Travis AFB, CA 94535, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|September 3, 1998
Summary
A ventral dural defect caused spinal cord herniation in a patient with leg weakness. Surgical reduction of the herniated spinal cord led to gradual neurologic improvement.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Spinal cord herniation is a rare condition that can lead to progressive neurologic deficits.
- Dural defects can predispose individuals to spinal cord herniation.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old woman presented with progressive left lower extremity weakness and spasticity.
- Thoracic spine MRI and CT myelography revealed a ventral dural defect at T7-T8 with an extradural subarachnoid fluid collection and spinal cord herniation.
- Intraoperative sonography confirmed the spinal cord herniation at the T7-T8 level.
Findings:
- Surgical reduction of the herniated spinal cord was performed.
- The patient experienced gradual improvement in neurologic function following the surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing spinal cord herniation due to dural defects.
- This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging techniques and intraoperative sonography in diagnosing and treating spinal cord pathologies.
- Successful surgical management can lead to significant recovery of neurologic function.