Subacute posttraumatic ascending myelopathy (SPAM): A potential complication of subarachnoid shunt for syringomyelia?. (2nd September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Levi, Vincenzo; Franzini, Andrea; Di Cristofori, Andrea; Bertani, Giulio; Pluderi, Mauro
• Is Part Of: Journal of spinal cord medicine. Volume 43:Number 5(2020:Sep.)
• Page Start: 714
• Page End: 718
• Publication Date: 2020-09-02
• Subjects: Subacute posttraumatic ascending myelopathy (SPAM) -- Syringomyelia -- Syringosubarachnoid shunt -- Complication; Spinal cord -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Spinal cord -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.8305
• DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1512735
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1079-0268

Abstract

Abstract : Context : Treatment of primary spinal syringomyelia is still controversial. Among others, shunting syrinx fluid to the subarachnoid, peritoneal or pleural space has been utilized with varying success. Shunt obstruction, migration, and infection represent the most common complications of these procedures. Findings : The authors present the case of an 81-year-old woman who developed an unusual neurological deterioration resembling a subacute posttraumatic ascending myelopathy (SPAM) after the insertion of a syringosubarachnoid shunt for the treatment of slow-growing D10 syringomyelia. Conclusion/Clinical Relevance : To date, no cases of SPAM secondary to the insertion of a syringosubarachnoid shunt for the treatment of syringomyelia have been reported. The potential pathogenesis related to this phenomenon is discussed.