Ultrastructural Study of the Filum Terminale and Its Elastic Fibers

Fontes, Ricardo B. V.; Saad, Felippe; Soares, Matheus Schmidt; Oliveira, Flávia de; Pinto, Fernando; Liberti, Édson Aparecido

doi:10.1227/01.neu.0000210224.54816.40

Cited by 51 publications

(41 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Various studies have demonstrated abundance of collagen and elastic fibres, as well as undifferentiated, progenitor cells or multipotent precursors, explaining, according to some authors, the occurrence of ependymal tumours or teratoma at that level [14][15][16]. In particular Tubbs et al [17] described the presence of smooth muscle, nerve, bone, cartilage and adipose tissue in samples from cadaveric filum externa.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease of the filum terminale

2013

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Introduction Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (CPPDD) is a rare benign inflammatory joint disorder characterized by the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal in the interarticular and periarticular tissue. It has been rarely described with spinal localization. Methods A 50-year-old woman, affected by CPPDD, presented a progressive weakness of both lower limbs associated with neurogenic claudication. Neuroradiological examinations revealed the presence of two intradural calcified lesions at level L3-L4, with no post-contrast enhancement.Results Surgery was performed and the histopathological exams documented the presence of rod-shaped crystals embedded in a fibrocartilaginous stroma. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient experienced complete symptoms relief with a 5-year follow-up. Conclusion Intradural CPPD localization at the filum terminale is an extremely rare occurrence. Total removal should be preferably attempted with a long-term focal control of the disease as we observed in our case.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease of the filum terminale

2013

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“…Fontes et al [7] performed an ultrastructural study in the longitudinal and transverse cross sections of the FT in 20 adult cadavers. They showed that the FT was composed of type 1 and 3 collagen bundles on a matrix of elastin and elaunin fibers.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Comparative Study of Histopathological Analysis of Filum Terminale in Patients with Tethered Cord Syndrome and in Normal Human Fetuses

Tehli¹,

Hodaj²,

Kural³

et al. 2011

Pediatr Neurosurg

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Background: The structural changes in filum terminale (FT) may be responsible for tethered cord syndrome (TCS) in children. Although the histological changes in FT related to TCS are well-known, there is no comparative study of the changes which occur in TCS and normal fetal FT samples. The aims of this study are to compare the histological changes which occurred in FT samples of TCS and in fetuses, and to point out these changes. Methods: During the last 2 years, 14 cases of TCS were operated on, the FT was cut and the spinal cord was released. Among them, 6 samples of FT were obtained for histopathological examination. Moreover, 1 FT from an adult cadaver and 4 samples from fetal FT were obtained for the same examination. Results: While adipose tissue, fibrosis, hyalinization, and meningothelial proliferation were observed in FT samples of TCS, none of these findings were observed in fetal samples. Elastic fibers were present in all TCS specimens and the adult cadaver, but were not observed in fetuses. Peripheral nerves, ganglion cells and ependymal cells were observed in fetal FT samples. Conclusion: These changes probably begin at birth.

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“…It consists mostly of bundles of collagen fibers and some bundles of neurogenic tissue and is covered by the pia mater, extending from the conus throughout the intradural course. [1][2][3][4] Vascular anatomy of the filum is unique. Its arterial supply is from 1 single longitudinal axis, which is the caudal extension of the radiculomedullary and anterior spinal arteries.…”

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Spinal Arteriovenous Fistulas of the Filum Terminale

Lim¹,

Choi²,

David³

2011

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol

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SUMMARY:The filum terminale is an anatomic structure at the end of the spinal cord. Only a few cases of AVFs of the filum terminale have been reported. These AVFs usually consist of a single communication between the anterior spinal artery and a single draining vein. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiologic features and treatment of 4 patients with spinal AVFs of the filum terminale. Clinical manifestations and MR images are similar to those of spinal dural AVFs. All patients underwent surgical or endovascular treatment, resulting in complete occlusion. Clinical outcomes were good to excellent in all patients. ABBREVIATIONS: ASA ϭ anterior spinal artery; AVF ϭ arteriovenous fistula; AVM ϭ arteriovenous malformation; AVS ϭ arteriovenous shunt; Endovas ϭ endovascular embolization; n-BCA ϭ n-butyl cyanoacrylate; SI ϭ signal intensity; SV ϭ signal voids T he filum terminale internum, commonly referred as the filum terminale, is a slender connective tissue filament, connecting the caudal apex of the conus medullaris at the L1-L2 level to the end of the dural tube at the second sacral level. It consists mostly of bundles of collagen fibers and some bundles of neurogenic tissue and is covered by the pia mater, extending from the conus throughout the intradural course.

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Ultrastructural Study of the Filum Terminale and Its Elastic Fibers

Cited by 51 publications

References 26 publications

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease of the filum terminale

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease of the filum terminale

A Comparative Study of Histopathological Analysis of Filum Terminale in Patients with Tethered Cord Syndrome and in Normal Human Fetuses

Spinal Arteriovenous Fistulas of the Filum Terminale

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