Korean J Spine.  2016 Jun;13(2):77-79. 10.14245/kjs.2016.13.2.77.

Spontaneous Anterior Thoracic Spinal Cord Herniation through Dura Defect: A Case Report

• Jeong KH
• Lee HW
• Kwon YM

• KMID: 2328337
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14245/kjs.2016.13.2.77

Abstract

Thoracic spinal cord herniation is a rare disease cause of progressive myelopathy. Magnetic resonance image is a useful tool to diagnose preoperatively. Operation is a treatment of option. Sixty-six-year-old female visited Dong-A University Medical Center for progressive gait disturbance with falling tendency to right side. She had radiating pain and tingling sense on both leg. Sense of touch and temperature was decreased below T6 level. Both hip and knee motor power were grade IV. Magnetic resonance imaging scan showed anterior displacement of the spinal cord at T4-T5 vertebral level. Under the diagnosis of thoracic spinal cord herniation with dura defect, operation was performed for the patient with intraoperative neuromonitoring. Laminectomy at T4 and T5 level was done, and intradural exploration of the spinal cord revealed dura defect about 25mm×8mm in size. Spinal cord was released under microscope and dura defect was repaired with Lyoplant. The patient's symptom improved after the surgical procedure, but touch and temperature sense under T6 level had unchanged.

Keyword

Spinal cord; Hernia; Thorax; Paraparesis

MeSH Terms

Academic Medical Centers
Accidental Falls
Diagnosis
Female
Gait
Hernia
Hip
Humans
Knee
Laminectomy
Leg
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Paraparesis
Rare Diseases
Spinal Cord Diseases
Spinal Cord*
Thermosensing
Thorax