Transient spinal cord dysfunction after surgery for intraspinal tumors: A case report

Medicine, 2023 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000035970 · Published: November 3, 2023

Simple Explanation

This case report describes a patient who experienced temporary limb dysfunction after surgery for a spinal meningioma. The patient, a 73-year-old woman, presented with numbness and weakness in her lower limbs. Post-surgery, the patient experienced immobility in her left lower limb, but after treatment with dexamethasone and mannitol, her muscle strength gradually recovered. This case highlights the possibility of transient spinal cord dysfunction following meningioma resection. The authors suggest that prompt treatment with hormones and diuretics can effectively restore limb function in such cases. This report emphasizes the importance of considering this rare complication and having a treatment plan in place.

Study Duration

2 months observation

Participants

A 73-year-old female patient

Evidence Level

Level 4; Case Report

Key Findings

1
Transient unilateral limb dysfunction can occur after surgery for intraspinal meningiomas, even without apparent spinal cord injury during the procedure.
2
The use of hormones (dexamethasone, methylprednisolone) and diuretics (mannitol) can lead to rapid improvement and recovery of limb function in patients experiencing transient spinal cord dysfunction post-surgery.
3
Postoperative MRI revealed relief of spinal cord compression at the level of thoracic vertebra 4, and spinal cord degeneration I.

Research Summary

This case report describes a 73-year-old female patient who experienced transient unilateral limb dysfunction following surgery for a thoracic spinal meningioma. The patient presented with numbness and weakness in both lower limbs prior to the surgery. Postoperatively, the patient exhibited immobility in the left lower limb, but rapid recovery was achieved within 12 hours following the administration of dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and mannitol. The authors conclude that spinal cord dysfunction may occur after surgery for intraspinal meningioma, and that prompt treatment with hormones and diuretics can be an effective solution for quickly restoring limb function. This report expands the understanding of postoperative complications.

Practical Implications

Informed Consent

Patients undergoing spinal meningioma surgery should be informed about the possibility of transient spinal cord dysfunction as a postoperative complication, even in the absence of intraoperative spinal cord injury.

Prompt Treatment

Clinicians should be prepared to promptly administer hormones (e.g., dexamethasone, methylprednisolone) and diuretics (e.g., mannitol) upon observing signs of postoperative spinal cord dysfunction to facilitate rapid recovery of limb function.

Imaging Evaluation

Detailed preoperative imaging examinations should be carried out to formulate as minimally invasive surgical approach as possible.

Study Limitations

1
The transient nature of the dysfunction limited the ability to conduct auxiliary examinations to clarify the pathogenesis.
2
The report is based on a single case, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
3
Further research reports are needed to better understand and address this potential complication.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Oncology