World Neurosurg
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Rapid progression of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after discontinuation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors has been described and is associated with a poor prognosis. We describe the first reported case of accelerated NSCLC tumor extension throughout the entire spinal epidural space. ⋯ The differential diagnosis when evaluating presumed spine epidural abscess should include tumor and metastatic disease, even in cases of rapid development. Recent termination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors or ALK inhibitors may result in severe disease flares, and a history of such should raise clinical suspicion for metastatic progression. In addition to cultures, biopsy for pathologic diagnosis should be collected during decompressive surgery.
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With the aging population in the United States, it can be anticipated that the prevalence of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and cancer will increase. Primary or metastatic spine tumors sit at a unique intersection of these 2 realms. Our objective was to evaluate the prevalence, outcomes, and complications after the management of SCI arising from spinal tumors. ⋯ SCI associated with spinal tumor is often managed surgically and associated with high rates of complications. The present study has demonstrated longer survival rates compared with the existing data.
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Clear cell meningioma (CCM) is a rare histologic subtype of meningioma. The features of CCMs have commonly been based on intracranial cases. However, CCMs in the spinal cord are even rarer, and their natural history, management, and prognosis remain ill-defined. ⋯ Spinal CCMs are extremely rare tumors with a predilection to affect younger patients and have a high recurrence rate. Although gross total resection is considered to be the optimal treatment, radiotherapy could be considered for patients who had undergone subtotal resection or for younger patients, regardless of the extent of removal. Close follow-up of the entire neuraxis for years is crucial.
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Large intradural growth of tympanojugular paragangliomas (TJ-PGs) into the cerebellopontine angle is an infrequent condition that can determine an extensive involvement of vessels and brainstem, representing a surgical challenge. The current classifications lack accuracy for defining large intradural TJ-PGs and assessing their operability. This study aims to retrospectively reappraise the management of a large intradural TJ-PGs surgical series, discussing operability criteria, treatment strategies, and resection techniques. ⋯ Large intradural TJ-PGs can be effectively surgically managed with an appropriate technique combined with relevant nonsurgical strategies. Thus, operability criteria for these lesions can be extended. To share objective experience on large intradural TJ-PGs, a redefinition of Di3 tumors is recalled.
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This study sought to determine whether a relationship exists between caudal instrumented level and revision rates, neck disability index scores, and cervical alignment in patients undergoing multilevel posterior cervical fusion. ⋯ This study suggests that constructs terminating in the proximal thoracic spine have similar revision rates, postoperative neck disability index scores, and radiographic measurements as those terminating in the cervical spine. Poor cervical alignment, as evidenced by increased sagittal vertical axis, cervical kyphosis and T1 slope, predicts need for revision and of poorer clinical outcomes.