A study to correlate the pathological and radiological features of spinal lesions

Background: Tumors within the cord are referred to as intramedullary and account for 10-15% of spinal tumors. Intramedullary tumors consist mainly of astrocytomas and ependymomas making up to 70% of intramedullary tumors. Other lesions include hemangioblastoma, paraganglioma and cystic lesions. Objective: To study and correlate the pathological and radiological features of spinal lesions Methods: The study included all the specimens of spinal cord lesions received at Upgraded Department of Pathology, Osmania General Hospital over a period of three years from June 2010 to May 2013. Relevant clinical data and imaging details were also reviewed. Results: Cervical region include 8 cases [16%] with [2 non neoplastic and 6 neoplastic], Thoracic region constitute 28 cases [54%] with [8 non neoplastic and 20 neoplastic], Lumbosacral region constitute 29 cases [30%] with [18 non neoplastic and 11 neoplastic]. Most common symptom was Motor weakness followed by Pain, Sensory disturbance and Bladder dysfunction. Among spinal cord tumors common were Schwannomas [32%] followed by Neurofibromas [22%], Ependymomas [11%], Meningiomas [11%], Astrocytomas [8%], and Teratomas [5%]. Conclusion: Meningomyeloceles were common non neoplastic lesions and most were found in lumbosacral region, extradurally whereas schwannomas were common neoplastic lesions and most seen intradural extramedullary in thoracic region with both having slight female predominance. Ependymomas and astrocytomas were common intramedullary tumors whereas schwannomas, neurofibromas and meningiomas were common intradural extramedullary tumors