[Metastatic epidural spinal compression: prognostic factors and results of radiotherapy].
BACKGROUND
The metastatic epidural spinal cord compression is an oncologic emergency. Presently, there is no agreement on a standard diagnostic or therapeutic algorithm. In spite of improvement in diagnostic imaging, a great proportion of patients are plegic at the time of the first presentation.


METHODS
Therapy charts of 53 consecutive patients--31 male and 22 female--with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression treated with radiation therapy only have been analyzed. Median age was 60 years. The most frequent primary tumors were bronchogenic carcinoma (13 patients), breast cancer (ten patients) and prostate cancer (ten patients).


RESULTS
MRI was the most sensitive diagnostic tool in detecting spinal cord compression. Plain X-ray films were not useful. Pain symptoms were improved in 66% of the patients. The most important prognostic factor was the pretreatment mobility status. 94% of the ambulatory patients kept their walking ability, but only one plegic patient could walk again after radiation therapy (p < 0.001). Patients whose back pain was presented to an oncologist were more likely to keep their walking ability by the end of the therapy. Patients with bronchogenic cancer and plegic patients had a significantly worse survival.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with a known malignant tumor and progressive or axial back pain should undergo MRI scan to rule out spinal cord compression. For patients without severe neurologic deficit and MRI proven epidural compression, radiation therapy is able to preserve walking ability and reduce pain. For patients with neurologic symptoms radiation therapy should start within 24 hours.
Lövey
G
G
Klinik für Strahlentherapie, Universität Otto-von-Guericke, Magdeburg. gyoergy.loevey@kk-bottrop.de
Koch
K
K
Gademann
G
G
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000556:secondary*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000556:secondary*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D004824:Epidural Space; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010166:Palliative Care; D011379:Prognosis; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000556:secondary*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae