Diagnosis of Spinal Tumors 2.0

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 25363

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Guest Editor
Department of Orthopedics and Orthopedic, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
Interests: musculoskeletal oncology; orthopedic oncology; orthopedics
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Primary and metastatic tumors of the spine are demanding lesions in terms of diagnosis and management because they are often asymptomatic or have non-specific characteristics. Delayed diagnosis is not very unusual, and sometimes spinal instability or neurological compromise may be the presenting symptom. Optimal diagnosis and treatment of spine tumors require a multidisciplinary approach and thorough knowledge of both spinal surgery and musculoskeletal oncology. This Special Issue highlights the relevance of spinal tumors, particularly related to diagnostic parameters and innovative approaches.

Dr. Andrea Angelini
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • spinal column
  • sarcoma
  • metastasis
  • spinal neoplasms
  • palliative surgery
  • neurologic symptoms
  • spinal instability
  • benign tumors
  • imaging

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Review

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23 pages, 28048 KiB  
Review
Primary Benign Neoplasms of the Spine
by Sisith Ariyaratne, Nathan Jenko, Karthikeyan P. Iyengar, Steven James, Jwalant Mehta and Rajesh Botchu
Diagnostics 2023, 13(12), 2006; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13122006 - 8 Jun 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 12219
Abstract
Benign tumours comprise the majority of primary vertebral tumours, and these are often found incidentally on imaging. Nonetheless, accurate diagnosis of these benign lesions is crucial, in order to avoid misdiagnosis as more ominous malignant lesions or infection. Furthermore, some of these tumours, [...] Read more.
Benign tumours comprise the majority of primary vertebral tumours, and these are often found incidentally on imaging. Nonetheless, accurate diagnosis of these benign lesions is crucial, in order to avoid misdiagnosis as more ominous malignant lesions or infection. Furthermore, some of these tumours, despite their benign nature, can have localised effects on the spine including neural compromise, or can be locally aggressive, thus necessitating active management. Haemangiomas and osteomas (enostosis) are the commonest benign tumours encountered. Others include osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, fibrous dysplasia, osteochondroma, chondroblastoma, haemangioma, simple bone cysts, aneurysmal bone cysts, giant cell tumours, eosinophilic granuloma and notochordal rests. The majority of lesions are asymptomatic; however, locally aggressive lesions (such as aneurysmal bone cysts or giant cell tumours) can present with nonspecific symptoms, such as back pain, neurological deficits and spinal instability, which may be indistinguishable from more commonly encountered mechanical back pain or malignant lesions including metastases. Hence, imaging, including radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), plays a critical role in diagnosis. Generally, most incidental or asymptomatic regions are conservatively managed or may not require any follow-up, while symptomatic or locally aggressive lesions warrant active interventions, which include surgical resection or percutaneous treatment techniques. Due to advances in interventional radiology techniques in recent years, percutaneous minimally invasive techniques such as radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy and cryoablation have played an increasing role in the management of these tumours with favourable outcomes. The different types of primary benign vertebral tumours will be discussed in this article with an emphasis on pertinent imaging features. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis of Spinal Tumors 2.0)
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14 pages, 16128 KiB  
Review
Primary Osseous Malignancies of the Spine
by Sisith Ariyaratne, Nathan Jenko, Karthikeyan P. Iyengar, Steven James, Jwalant Mehta and Rajesh Botchu
Diagnostics 2023, 13(10), 1801; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13101801 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3750
Abstract
Malignant primary vertebral tumours comprise an uncommon group of primary bone malignancies that can pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The most frequently encountered malignant primary vertebral tumours include chordoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma. These tumours often present with nonspecific symptoms, such [...] Read more.
Malignant primary vertebral tumours comprise an uncommon group of primary bone malignancies that can pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The most frequently encountered malignant primary vertebral tumours include chordoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma. These tumours often present with nonspecific symptoms, such as back pain, neurologic deficits and spinal instability, which can be confused for the more commonly encountered mechanical back pain and may delay their diagnosis and treatment. Imaging, including radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosis, staging, treatment planning and follow-up. Surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment for malignant primary vertebral tumours, but adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be necessary for achieving complete tumour control depending on the type of tumour. In recent years, advances in imaging techniques and surgical approaches, such as en-bloc resection and spinal reconstruction, have improved the outcomes for patients with malignant primary vertebral tumours. However, the management can be complex due to the anatomy involved and the high morbidity and mortality associated with surgery. The different types of malignant primary vertebral lesions will be discussed in this article with an emphasis on the imaging features. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis of Spinal Tumors 2.0)
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20 pages, 14327 KiB  
Review
Vertebra Plana: A Narrative Clinical and Imaging Overview among Possible Differential Diagnoses
by Andrea Angelini, Nicolò Mosele, Andrea Gnassi, Riccardo Baracco, Maria Grazia Rodà, Mariachiara Cerchiaro and Pietro Ruggieri
Diagnostics 2023, 13(8), 1438; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13081438 - 17 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7553
Abstract
Vertebra plana is a rare radiologic condition characterized by a uniform loss of height of a vertebral body that represents a diagnostic challenge for surgeons. The purpose of this study was to review all possible differential diagnoses that may present with a vertebra [...] Read more.
Vertebra plana is a rare radiologic condition characterized by a uniform loss of height of a vertebral body that represents a diagnostic challenge for surgeons. The purpose of this study was to review all possible differential diagnoses that may present with a vertebra plana (VP) described in the current literature. For that purpose, we performed a narrative literature review in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, analyzing 602 articles. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, imaging characteristics and diagnoses were investigated. VP is not a pathognomonic feature of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, but other oncologic and non-oncologic conditions should be considered. The list of differential diagnoses, based on our literature review, can be recalled with the mnemonic HEIGHT OF HOMO: H—Histiocytosis; E—Ewing’s sarcoma; I—Infection; G—Giant cell tumor; H—Hematologic neoplasms; T—Tuberculosis; O—Osteogenesis imperfecta; F—Fracture; H—Hemangioma; O—Osteoblastoma; M—Metastasis; O—Osteomyelitis, chronic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis of Spinal Tumors 2.0)
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Other

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9 pages, 1070 KiB  
Technical Note
Percutaneous Superimposed O-Arm-MRI-Navigated Biopsy for Spinal Column Pathologies
by Mohammad W. Al-Smadi, István Kozma, Siran Aslan, Balázs Bölöni and Árpád Viola
Diagnostics 2023, 13(13), 2252; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13132252 - 3 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1318
Abstract
Classifying spinal tumors can be challenging due to nonspecific clinical and radiological qualities, and a precise biopsy is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. This study aimed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of spinal biopsies integrating Cone Beam Computed Tomography [...] Read more.
Classifying spinal tumors can be challenging due to nonspecific clinical and radiological qualities, and a precise biopsy is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. This study aimed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of spinal biopsies integrating Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities using an O-arm CT navigation system. Eighteen patients with different spinal lesions underwent 18 biopsies following the Stealth Station navigation system Spine 8 protocol. Preoperative MRI scans were merged with intraoperative CT navigation systems for continuous monitoring during the biopsy process. The combined imaging technique accurately identified the diseased lesion type in all biopsies, demonstrating 100% sensitivity and specificity. In conclusion, combining MRI and CT imaging modalities significantly improved spinal biopsy accuracy and efficiency, differentiating between pathological entities. However, large-scale studies are desired to validate these findings and investigate potential benefits in different clinical scenarios. Although this method requires general anesthesia, its potential profits in avoiding misdiagnosed lesions and decreasing the need for further invasive procedures make it a promising approach for improving spinal biopsy accuracy and efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis of Spinal Tumors 2.0)
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