title: Malignant astrocytomas of the spinal cord.
abstract: The authors review their experience with the operative management of 19 consecutive cases of malignant astrocytoma of the spinal cord. There was a male to female ratio of 1.1:1, and the median age of the population was 14 years (range 1 to 32 years). The median duration of symptoms prior to definitive diagnosis was 7 weeks. Radical excision was carried out in all cases, with 18 patients (95%) receiving radiotherapy and 10 patients (53%) receiving chemotherapy as well. To date, 15 (79%) of the 19 patients in this series have died, with a median survival period of 6 months following surgery. No patient improved after operation. Hydrocephalus was present in 11 patients (58%), seven of whom underwent ventricular shunting procedures. Dissemination of disease was found in 11 patients (58%). Extraneural metastases did not occur in the absence of a ventricular shunt. The authors conclude that malignant astrocytomas of the spinal cord are heralded by a short history followed by rapid neurological deterioration and usually death. The rationale for operation is discussed, and an aggressive approach utilizing adjuvant therapy directed at the entire neuraxis is suggested.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Medical Center, New York.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Wisoff
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Epstein
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors