Extramedullary Intradural Spinal Tumors: a Review of Modern Diagnostic and Treatment Options and a Report of a Series

Authors

  • Kenan Arnautovic Semmes-Murphey Clinic and Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee
  • Aska Arnautovic Semmes-Murphey Clinic and Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17305/bjbms.2009.2755

Keywords:

spine, spinal cord, tumors, intradural, extramedullary, meningiomas, Schwannomas, ependymomas

Abstract

Extramedullary intradural spinal tumors are rare. Less than 15% of all central nervous system (CNS) tumors are spinal. Ninety percent of these patients are older than 20 years. Most of spinal tumors are extradural (50-55%) whereas 40-45% are intradural. Furthermore, 5% are intramedullary and 40% are extramedullary. Most common are Schwannomas (29%), followed by meningiomas (25%) and gliomas (22%).

These tumors produce pain syndroms, a variety of neurological symptoms- motor, sensory, sphincter or a combination of thereof. All spinal levels may be involved. The diagnostics includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including contrast enhancement, computerizing tomography (CT) scanning (bone windows with reconstruction) and possibly CT myelograms. Preferred treatment is the microsurgical radical resection. Perioperative mortality is very low as is serious morbidity.

We herein discuss various aspects of presenting symptomatology, diagnostics, preoperative planning and tactics, surgical treatment and complications. In addition, we include our own retrospective experience with 14 patients treated over the 5.5 years time interval.

Extramedullary Intradural Spinal Tumors: a Review of Modern Diagnostic and Treatment Options and a Report of a Series

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Published

20-10-2009

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Section

Reviews

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How to Cite

1.
Extramedullary Intradural Spinal Tumors: a Review of Modern Diagnostic and Treatment Options and a Report of a Series. Biomol Biomed [Internet]. 2009 Oct. 20 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];9(1):S40-S45. Available from: https://www.bjbms.org/ojs/index.php/bjbms/article/view/2755