Neurosurgical review
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Neurosurgical review · Oct 2003
Intramedullary spinal cord cavernous malformations: clinical features and risk of hemorrhage.
The aim of this study was to review the natural history of symptomatic intramedullary spinal cord (IMSC) cavernous malformations in order to analyze the underlying mechanisms leading to symptoms and determine the potential risk of lesional hemorrhage. Between January 1990 and June 2001, ten consecutive patients with IMSC cavernous malformations were treated surgically in our institution. Age ranged from 17 to 73 years (mean 34.5). ⋯ The postoperative condition was improved in four patients and unchanged in six, and none grew worse. Detailed analysis of history and clinical course in all patients revealed an acute onset of symptoms with subsequent neurological deterioration after each bleeding episode. Based on the significant risk of rehemorrhage and the gratifying functional results, surgery is indicated for symptomatic IMSC cavernous malformations.
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Neurosurgical review · Oct 2003
Magnesium sulfate treatment in experimental spinal cord injury: emphasis on vascular changes and early clinical results.
Injury to the spinal cord results in disruption of neurons, cell membranes, axons, myelin, and endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the protective effect of magnesium sulfate on the blood-spinal cord barrier after acute spinal cord injury (SCI). This experiment was conducted in two parts. ⋯ Remarkable clinical neuroprotection was observed in the treatment groups. Magnesium sulfate showed vaso- and neuroprotective properties after contusion injury to the rat spinal cord. The authors also demonstrated secondary injury of the blood-spinal cord barrier with the Evans blue clearance technique for the first time.