title: Resolution of SPAM following cordectomy: implications for understanding pathophysiology.
abstract: METHODS
  Case report.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the clinical benefit of a spinal cordectomy with the aim of limiting neurological deterioration related to the development of a subacute posttraumatic ascending myelopathy (SPAM) supporting previously described mechanism for SPAM formation.
  
  
  METHODS
  National Spinal Injuries Centre, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, UK.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A 38-year old patient presented 6 months after spinal cord injury substantial neurological deterioration expanding from the initial T4-injury level through C4. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed intra-medullary haemorrhage at the site of injury and subsequent-ascending cord oedema. A cordectomy was performed leading to neurological stabilisation and complete resolution of SPAM.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cordectomy can be an effective intervention in case of rapid progressive neurological deterioration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, National Spinal Injuries Center, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Buckinghamshire, UK. tom.meagher@buckshealthcare.nhs.uk
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Meagher
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Belci
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: López de Heredia
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ansorge
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jamous
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saif
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hughes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome