Spinal neurofibromas: a report of 66 cases and a comparison with meningiomas.
A series of 66 spinal cord neurofibromas was analyzed for history, signs, surgical approach, and outcome. The tumors presented primarily with sensory symptoms. Plain films were abnormal in 1/2 of cases and 1/2 had a complete block. They were primarily intradural, and primarily thoracic. A conservative exam system was used for follow-up and 85% with pain had complete relief; 50% with motor loss had normal motor function, and 88% had normal sensation who had prior sensory loss. In comparison to meningiomas, the principal differences were that neurofibromas had an even sex distribution, a lower incidence of cord signs and symptoms, more frequent findings on plain x-rays, and higher cerebrospinal fluid protein. Surgical outcome was similar. Sacrifice of the involved root during removal usually did not produce a deficit. The series is compared with a similar series of meningiomas from the same institution over the same time period.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002420:Cauda Equina / Q000601:surgery; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008579:Meningioma / Q000601:surgery*; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009455:Neurofibroma / Q000601:surgery*; D009456:Neurofibromatosis 1 / Q000601:surgery*; D010524:Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery