Intradural-extramedullary cord tumors at Songklanagarind Hospital

Thakul Oearsakul, D. of Surgery, F. of Medicine, PSU.
Nakornchai Phuenpathom, Prof., D. of Surgery, F. of Medicine, PSU.
Sanguansin Ratanalert, Assoc. Prof., D. of Surgery, F. of Medicine, PSU.
Sakchai Saeheng, Asst. Prof., D. of Surgery, F. of Medicine, PSU.
Boonleart Sripairojkul, Asst. Prof., D. of Surgery, F. of Medicine, PSU.

Published : Songkla Med J 2000, 18(2) : 105-113
Key words : spinal cord tumors, nerve sheath tumor, meningioma, spinal surgery

A retrospective analysis was made of 68 cases of intradural-extramedullary cord tumors which were operated between January 1985 and December 1997. There were 39 females and 29 males, aged 7 to 75 years old. The most common presenting symptoms were motor weakness, pain and sensory impairment. Tumor locations were cervical (25 patients), thoracic (38 patients) and lumbar (5 patients). Fifty-eight patients underwent myelogram and/or computed tomography (CT) scan, and ten patients underwent MRI. The most common pathology was nerve sheath tumor. Neurological impairment was divided into 4 groups. Before surgery, 42.5 per cent of the patients were included in groups I and II (mild neurological impairment), and 57.5 per cent of the patients were classified in groups III and IV (significant to severe neurological impairment up to paraplegia). After surgery, 84 per cent improved to be categorized in group I and II, and 16 per cent remained in groups III and IV. The early diagnosis of the tumors appeared as the most relevant factor for further improvement of the surgical result.

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