[Spontaneous herniation of the thoracic spinal cord as the etiology of progressive Brown-Sequard syndrome. A description of 3 cases].
Spontaneous herniation of the spinal cord through a ventral dural defect is a rare neurological entity. We report on 3 patients treated in our clinic within 6 months. In 2 cases, the lesions were located at the BWK6 level and, in one case, at BWK2. The clinical presentation of all patients was f progressive Brown-Séquard's Syndrome. Diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. In all cases, operation was performed. The myelon was replaced in the dural sleeve and the defect covered with a patch of lyophilized dura. After 1 year, symptoms were stable in 2 patients. In one case there was a slight deterioration because of an inexplicable swelling of the spinal cord which could not be controlled with a second operation. Pathophysiological, clinical, and radiological aspects are presented and discussed.
Ewald
C
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Neurochirurgische Klinik, Klinikum Duisburg, Zu den Rehwiesen 7-9, 47055 Duisburg. Drewald@hotmail.com
Hassler
W E
WE
D000328:Adult; D018437:Brown-Sequard Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005260:Female; D006547:Hernia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D059685:Herniorrhaphy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D013346:Subarachnoid Space / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery