Surgical Neurology International, 2023 · DOI: 10.25259/SNI_30_2023 · Published: May 19, 2023
Post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS) is a condition where a fluid-filled cavity develops within the spinal cord after an injury. This can lead to pain, weakness, and abnormal reflexes. This case report describes a patient with PTS whose condition worsened rapidly after undergoing parathyroid surgery. A woman with a history of spinal cord injury experienced increased numbness, tingling, and pain in her arms following a parathyroidectomy. Imaging revealed expansion of a syrinx (fluid-filled cavity) in her spinal cord, which was initially misdiagnosed. The syrinx eventually expanded into the brainstem, requiring surgical intervention to drain the fluid and stabilize her condition. The case suggests a possible link between parathyroidectomy and PTS expansion, potentially due to neck manipulation during surgery or anesthesia. It emphasizes the need for caution when positioning patients with spinal cord injuries during surgery and highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis of PTS to prevent delays in treatment and further neurological damage.
Raise awareness of the possibility of PTS expansion following non-CNS surgeries, especially parathyroidectomy, in patients with a history of SCI.
Emphasize the importance of careful positioning and intubation techniques during surgery in patients with a history of SCI to minimize potential trauma to the spinal cord.
Improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce delays in treatment by increasing awareness of the specific imaging findings associated with PTS.