Low back pain and sciatica as the presenting symptoms of neurinoma near the conus medullaris. Contribution of magnetic resonance imaging

Harzallah, L.; Bouajina, E.; Ghannouchi, Mohamed Mehdi; Amara, H.; Chérifa, L. Ben; Kraiem, C

doi:10.1016/j.jbspin.2004.09.007

Cited by 6 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 4 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Nerve tension signs were more commonly seen in the conus group. It is known that myelopathy is generally preceded by leg pain and back pain 4. The L4, L5, and S1 nerve roots emerge at the level of the T10 vertebra and descend to lower levels 4.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is known that myelopathy is generally preceded by leg pain and back pain 4. The L4, L5, and S1 nerve roots emerge at the level of the T10 vertebra and descend to lower levels 4. The nerve roots may be compressed by tumors at both the epiconus and the conus.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Though there were differences in both groups, the distinction was of little clinical value 10. In addition, it is important to note that differentiation of SCTs of the TLJ from other conditions (such as IVDs) is difficult when based only on clinical features 4,5,7,13. Symptomatic similarities may cause diagnostic delays of four months to three years in conus and cauda equina tumors.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Spinal cord tumors (SCTs) are an uncommon cause of lower back pain and radiating leg pain 3. Previous reports indicate that clinical features of SCTs of the TLJ are similar to those of intervertebral disc diseases (IVDs) 4,5. A computerized tomographic (CT) scan is inferior in discriminating the contents of the spinal canal 6.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A computerized tomographic (CT) scan is inferior in discriminating the contents of the spinal canal 6. CT scans for patients with lower back pain and radiating leg pain are usually performed around the L3-4-5-S1 intervertebral spaces 4. In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the lumbar spine omit the TLJ.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Spinal Cord Tumors of the Thoracolumbar Junction Requiring Surgery: A Retrospective Review of Clinical Features and Surgical Outcome

Shin

Kim

et al. 2007

Yonsei Med J

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

PurposeA retrospective review of medical records and imaging studies. To investigate characteristic clinical features and surgical outcomes of spinal cord tumors (SCTs) of the thoracolumbar junction (TLJ). The spinal cord transitions to the cauda equina in the TLJ. The TLJ contains the upper and lower motor neurons of the spinal cord and cauda equina. As a result, the clinical features of lesions in the TLJ vary, and these anatomical characteristics may affect surgical outcome.Materials and MethodsPathological diagnosis, clinical features, neurological signs, and surgical outcomes were investigated in 76 patients surgically treated at our institute for SCTs arising from T11 to L2. The patients were divided into epiconus (T11-12, n = 18) and conus groups (L1-2, n = 58).ResultsPatients in the epiconus group had hyperactive deep tendon reflexes (DTRs), while those in the conus group had hypoactive DTRs (p < 0.05). Nine patients were misdiagnosed with intervertebral disc diseases (IVDs) before correct diagnoses were made. It was impossible to definitively determine the exact cause of symptoms in four patients who had both SCTs and IVDs.ConclusionAmong SCTs of the TLJ, the epiconus group displayed upper motor neuron syndrome and the conus group displayed lower motor neuron syndrome. SCTs of the TLJ were frequently misdiagnosed as IVDs due to symptomatic similarities. SCTs of the TLJ should be included in differential diagnosis of back and leg pain, and it is highly recommended that routine lumbar magnetic resonance imaging include the TLJ.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%