Gliomas of the conus medullaris.
OBJECTIVE
Gliomas of the conus medullaris often show characteristic clinical, radiological, and intraoperative features which differ from gliomas involving other parts of the spinal cord.


METHODS
Eight patients with histologically verified gliomas of the conus medullaris were diagnosed and studied.


RESULTS
There were five men and three women ranging in age from 21 to 59 years. Predominant initial symptoms were back pain (4 cases) and leg weakness (4 cases). The most common findings on admission were flaccid paraparesis with impaired sensation and bladder dysfunction. Postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) images with more than 95% removal of a tumour were defined as "subtotal removal" (noted in 4 of 8 cases), and less than 95% as "partial removal" (4 of 8 cases). All patients had postoperative radiotherapy. During the follow-up period ranging from 3 to 10 years, there was no tumour recurrence or regrowth on MR images.


CONCLUSIONS
The postoperative radiotherapy in gliomas of the conus medullaris where total resection is not possible seems provide a beneficial effect on preventing tumour regrowth.
Cervoni
L
L
Department of Neurological Sciences, La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
Salvati
M
M
Celli
P
P
Caruso
R
R
Gagliardi
F M
FM
D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*