Abstract
Study design:
Case report.
Objective:
To describe the clinical benefit of a spinal cordectomy with the aim of limiting neurological deterioration related to the development of a subacute posttraumatic ascending myelopathy (SPAM) supporting previously described mechanism for SPAM formation.
Setting:
National Spinal Injuries Centre, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, UK.
Method and results:
A 38-year old patient presented 6 months after spinal cord injury substantial neurological deterioration expanding from the initial T4-injury level through C4. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed intra-medullary haemorrhage at the site of injury and subsequent-ascending cord oedema. A cordectomy was performed leading to neurological stabilisation and complete resolution of SPAM.
Conclusion:
Cordectomy can be an effective intervention in case of rapid progressive neurological deterioration.
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References
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Meagher, T., Belci, M., López de Heredia, L. et al. Resolution of SPAM following cordectomy: implications for understanding pathophysiology. Spinal Cord 50, 638–640 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.2011.133
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.2011.133
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