• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.437-441
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• 2010

Objective : The precise intra- vs. extradural localization of aneurysms involving the paraclinoid internal carotid artery is critical for the evaluation of patients being considered for aneurysm surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of T2-weighted threedimensional (3-D) fast spin-echo (FSE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the evaluation of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms. Methods : Twenty-eight patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms in their paraclinoid regions were prospectively evaluated using a T2- weighted 3-D FSE MR imaging technique with oblique coronal sections. The MR images were assessed for the location of the cerebral aneurysm in relation to the dural ring and other surrounding anatomic compartments, and were also compared with the surgical or angiographic findings. Results : All 28 aneurysms were identified by T2-weighted 3D FSE MR imaging, which showed the precise anatomic relationships in regards to the subarachnoid space and the surrounding anatomic structures. Consequently, 13 aneurysms were determined to be intradural and the other 15 were deemed extradural as they were confined to the cavernous sinus. Of the 13 aneurysms with intradural locations, three superior hypophyseal artery aneurysms were found to be situated intradurally upon operation. Conclusion : High-resolution T2-weighted 3-D FSE MR imaging is capable of confirming whether a cerebral aneurysm at the paraclinoid region is intradural or extradural, because of the MR imaging's high spatial resolution. The images may help in identifying patients with intradural aneurysms who require treatment, and they also can provide valuable information in the treatment plan for paraclinoid aneurysms.

• Neurospine
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.338-347
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• 2018

Objective: Patients with extradural spine tumors are at an increased risk for intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and postoperative wound dehiscence due to radiotherapy and other comorbidities related to systemic cancer treatment. In this case series, we discuss our experience with the management of intraoperative durotomies and wound closure strategies for this complex surgical patient population. Methods: We reviewed our recent single-center experience with spine surgery for primarily extradural tumors, with attention to intraoperative durotomy occurrence and postoperative wound-related complications. Results: A total of 105 patients underwent tumor resection and spinal reconstruction with instrumented fusion for a multitude of pathologies. Twelve of the 105 patients (11.4%) reviewed had intraoperative durotomies. Of these, 3 underwent reoperation for a delayed complication, including 1 epidural hematoma, 1 retained drain, and 1 wound infection. Of the 93 uncomplicated index operations, there were a total of 9 reoperations: 2 for epidural hematoma, 3 for wound infection, 2 for wound dehiscence, and 2 for recurrent primary disease. One patient was readmitted for a delayed spinal fluid leak. The average length of stay for patients with and without intraoperative durotomy was 7.3 and 5.9 days, respectively, with a nonsignificant trend for an increased length of stay in the durotomy cases (p=0.098). Conclusion: Surgery for extradural tumor resections can be complicated by CSF leaks due to the proximity of the tumor to the dura. When encountered, a variety of strategies may be employed to minimize subsequent morbidity.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.534-537
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• 2010

Spinal extradural meningeal cyst has been rarely reported, whose etiologies are assumed to be the communication of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between intradural subarchnoid space and cyst due to the congenital defect in dura mater. Although the CSF communication due to this defect can be found, in most case, few cases in which there is a lack of the communication have also been reported. We report a case of the huge extradural meningeal cyst occurring in the thoracolumbar spine (from T10 to L2) where there was a lack of the communication between the intradural subarachnoid space and cyst in a 46-year-old man who presented with symptoms that were indicative of progressive paraparesis and leg pain. The patient underwent laminectomy and cyst excision. On intraoperative findings, the dura was intact and there was a lack of the communication with intradural subarachnoid space. Immediately after the surgery, weakness and leg pain disappeared shortly.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.238-246
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• 2021

Objective : To retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics and surgical experience of 10 adults with spinal extradural meningeal cysts (SEMCs) in the thoracolumbar spine which may further provide evidence for surgical decision-making. Methods : Ten adults with SEMCs in the thoracolumbar spine were surgically treated and enrolled in this study. Clinical manifestations, imaging data, intraoperative findings and postoperative outcome were recorded. Results : Clinical manifestations of SEMCs included motor and sensory dysfunction of the lower limbs and urination and defecation disturbance. The cysts presented as intraspinal occupying lesions dorsal to the spine, ranging from the T8 to L3 level. Defects of eight cases were found on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Selective hemilaminectomy or laminectomy were used to reveal the defect within the cyst, which was further sutured with microscopic technique. The final outcome was excellent or good in seven cases and fair in three cases. No recurrence was observed during follow-up. Conclusion : SEMCs are rare intraspinal cystic lesions. Radiography and MRI are clinically practical methods to assess defects within SEMCs. Selective hemilaminectomy or laminectomy may reduce surgical trauma. Detection and microscopic suturing of the defects are the key steps to adequately decompress the nervous tissue and prevent postoperative recurrence.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.10
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• pp.1365-1371
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• 2000

Objectives : Spinal cord compression is a rare presentation of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL), occurring in 0.1% to 10.2% of patients. Primary spinal extradural NHL, i.e. occurring in the absence of any detectable extraspinal lymphoproliferative disorder, has a potentially favourable outcome if diagnosed and treated early. The authors describe two patients with a clinical picture of acute spinal cord compression as the first presentation of NHL. Methods : The patients were 48-year-old female and 27-year-old female. Both presented with back pain followed by acute paraparesis and voiding difficulty. One patient was diabetic. Plain radiographs of the spine were not specific. Thoracic spine magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) revealed evidence of extradural soft tissue mass extending multiple vertebral segments. Results : The patients underwent emergency laminectomy for decompression and tissue diagnosis. Histological and immunohistochemical study revealed B-cell lymphoma, intermediate grade in both patients. Postoperative staging did not reveal any additional lesions other than extradural manifestation of the malignant lymphoma. Surgery with additional chemotherapy and radiotherapy allowed the clinical improvement of both patients. Conclusion : The authors report two patients with a clinical picture of acute spinal cord compression as the first presentation of NHL, and stress that primary spinal epidural NHL should be a diagnostic consideration in the patient without prior history of malignancy who presents with a prodrome of back pain followed by a rapid neurological deterioration.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.4
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• pp.411-417
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• 2024

Objective : To confirm the usefulness of the extradural anterior clinoidectomy during the clipping of a low riding posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysm through cadaver dissection. Methods : Anatomic measurements of 12 adult cadaveric heads (24 sides total) were performed to compare the microsurgical exposure of the PCoA and internal carotid artery (ICA) before and after clinoidectomy. A standard pterional craniotomy and transsylvian approach were performed in all cadavers. The distance from the ICA bifurcation to the origin of PCoA (D1), pre-anterior clinoidectomy distance from the ICA bifurcation to tentorium (D2), post-anterior clinoidectomy distance from the ICA bifurcation to tentorium (D3), pre-anterior clinoidectomy distance from the tentorium to the origin of PCoA (D4) and post-anterior clinoidectomy distance from the tentorium to the origin of PCoA (D5) and the distance of the ICA obtained after anterior clinoidectomy (D6) were measured. We measured the precise thickness of the blade for the Yasargil clip with a digital precision ruler to confirm the usefulness of the extradural anterior clinoidectomy. Results : Twenty-four sites were dissected from 12 cadavers. The age of the cadavers was 79.83±6.25 years. The number of males was the same as the females. The space from the proximal origin of the PCoA to the preclinoid-tentorium (D4) was 1.45±1.08 mm (max, 4.01; min, 0.56). After the clinoidectomy, the space from the proximal origin of the PCoA to the postclinoid-tentorium (D5) was 3.612±1.15 mm (max, 6.14; min, 1.83). The length (D6) of the exposed proximal ICA after the extradural clinoididectomy was 2.17±1.04 mm on the lateral side and 2.16±0.89 mm on the medial side. The thickness of the Yasargil clip blade used during the clipping surgery was 1.35 mm measured with a digital precision ruler. Conclusion : The proximal length obtained by performing an external anterior clinoidectomy is about 2 mm, sufficient for proximal control during PCoA aneurysm surgery, considering the thickness of the aneurysm clips. In a subarachnoid hemorrhage, performing an extradural anterior clinoidectomy could prevent a devastating situation during PCoA aneurysm clipping.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.217-220
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• 2010

A 73-year-old male presented with a rare dorsally sequestrated lumbar disc herniation manifesting as severe radiating pain in both leg, progressively worsening weakness in both lower extremities, and urinary incontinence, suggesting cauda equina syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested the sequestrated disc fragment located in the extradural space at the L4-L5 level had surrounded and compressed the dural sac from the lateral to dorsal sides. A bilateral decompressive laminectomy was performed under an operating microscope. A large extruded disc was found to have migrated from the ventral aspect, around the thecal sac, and into the dorsal aspect, which compressed the sac to the right. After removal of the disc fragment, his sciatica was relieved and the patient felt strength of lower extremity improved.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.556-560
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• 1990

A 22 year old soldier was discovered on routine study for discharge to have a mass in the posterior mediastinum He was admitted due to high fever and improved by antibiotic treatment for 2 weeks. Chest PA, apicogram, myelogram and CT scan demonstrated enlargement of the neural foramen at the T1 level with erosion of the posterior aspect of the vertebral body and the pedicle contiguous with the intrathoracic mass, A myelogram showed a large extradural defect at the T1 level on the left. There were no clinical signs of cord compression. A standard posterolateral thoracotomy incision was made with extension to high thoracic vertebra. The 3rd rib was resected and the angles of the posterior portion of 1st and 2nd ribs were cut and rib heads were removed. Extrapleural neurilemmoma 6x6 cm was resected intrathoracically. And after removal of the pedicle and the lamina, intraspinal extradural mass 3 X 2 cm was resected carefully with trivial tearing of the dura which was sealed with gel-foam and pleura. There was ma postoperative neurological complication.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.418-420
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• 2007

Discal cyst is a very rare lesion that can result in refractory low back pain and leg radiating pain. Because they are so uncommon, their exact origin and pathophysiology are still unknown. A 31-year-old man visited our institute due to low back pain and severe left leg radiating pain. Magnetic resonance images [MRI] revealed spherically shaped extradural cystic lesion at L2-L3 level. Computed tomography [CT] discography demonstrated obvious communication between the intervertebral disc and the cyst. The patient underwent posterior decompression and excision of cyst. The symptoms were remarkably improved immediately after surgery.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.468-471
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• 2011

Mesenchymal chondrosarcomas are rare malignant tumors of the bone and soft tissue. Spinal mesenchymal chondrosarcomas are even rarer and, to the best of our knowledge those that are concomitantly located in the intradural and extradural regions, have never been reported. We report a case of a 25-year-old man with back pain and bilateral progressive weakness of the lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a markedly enhanced dumbbell-shaped mass at the T7 level. The lesion was intradurally located at the left side of the spinal cord, and extended extradurally to the extraforminal space through the T7-8 intervertebral foramen. The tumor was completely excised through a posterior approach. Microscopic examination and immunohistochemical studies confirmed mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. Postoperative radiation therapy and chemotherapy were also performed to prevent local recurrence and metastasis. The patient has been symptom-free for two years after surgery. Herein, we reviewed and discussed the clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of primary intraspinal mesenchymal chondrosarcomas in the literature.