Diagnosis and Microsurgical Treatment of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors in 54 Cases

Objective:To discuss the diagnosis and microsurgical treatment of intramedullary spinal cord tumors. Methods:54 patients with intramedullary spinal cord tumors were analyzed retrospectively with regards to clinical manifestations,diagnosis critera,operation approaches and long-term results.All patients were examined by MRI. Tumors located intramedullarly under 3 D MRI were diagnosed as intramedullary spinal cord tumors. Results:Limbs pain and numbness were the most common initial symptoms of spinal cord tumors. Limbs motion and sensory disability are in progression. Autonomic dysfunction affecting bowel and bladder control were late symptoms. All tumors were tesected,totally in 35 cases and subtotally in 10.Pathology confirmed that 13 cases were of ependymoma,20 of astrocytoma and 8 of lipoma.The postoperative neurological functions were improved in 40 patients,remained unchanged in 6 and aggravated in 8. Four deaths occurred at surgery.46 patients were followed up,4 died,5 recurrent with tumor. Conclusion:MRI was specific in diagnosis of intramedullary spinal cord tumors. Most of them need operations as early as possible. Radiation therapy was necessary for the malignant or subtotally removed tumors of better outcomes.Various operative approaches were chosen for different kinds of intramedullary spinal cord tumors.