Clinical neurology and neurosurgery
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CSF-flow obstruction is regarded as a mandatory factor for the development of syringomyelia. However, there are conditions in which syringomyelia is not associated with evident persistent CSF-flow obstruction, as in the case of inflammatory spinal cord lesions. In these instances we hypothesize that the accumulation of vasogenic edema may play a role in the development of the syrinx. Recently proposed theories underline, even in the event of CSF-flow obstructions, a major role for the accumulation and final coalescence of interstitial spinal fluid, rather than CSF penetration through the spinal cord. ⋯ Only one patient had structural abnormalities, though without evidence of a pathogenetic role in itself: however, CSF space obstruction and reduced CSF compliance could have accelerated the development of syringomyelia triggered by intramedullary inflammation. The clinical and radiological features in this patient are consistent with the label "presyringomyelia". The absence of any anatomical predisposition in the other patients suggests a major pathophysiological role for intrinsic medullary mechanisms, including blood-spinal cord barrier breakdown, impairment of extracellular fluid drainage, and leakage of subarachnoidal CSF into the nervous tissue.
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Jul 2007
Case ReportsAcute scrotal pain from idiopathic ilioinguinal neuropathy: diagnosis and treatment with EMG-guided nerve block.
Ilioinguinal nerve entrapment presents with a clinical triad of pain in the iliac fossa and inguinal region, sensory abnormalities in the cutaneous distribution of the nerve and tenderness on palpation 2-3 cm medial and below the anterior superior iliac spine. The syndrome poses diagnostic difficulties, as genitofemoral nerve entrapment and non-neurological conditions of the lower abdomen may cause similar pain. We report on a patient with acute groin pain radiating towards the scrotum, caused by ilioinguinal nerve entrapment. ⋯ Subsequent nerve blockade caused complete relief of symptoms. The technique is described. Future applications for treatment of post-surgical pain are discussed.