The changing pattern of spinal arachnoiditis

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1978 Feb;41(2):97-107. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.41.2.97.

Abstract

Spinal arachnoiditis is a rare condition. Eighty cases, diagnosed during a period when 7600 spinal contrast investigations were undertaken, have been reviewed. The majority had suffered a previous spinal condition, the most common being lumbar disc disease. There has been a change in the distribution of arahnoiditis with the lumbar region now most frequently involved. This accounts for the persistence of radicular symptoms and the relatively low incidence of paraplegia when compared with earlier series. Surgery does not appear to have any role in the treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Arachnoiditis / diagnostic imaging
  • Arachnoiditis / etiology*
  • Arachnoiditis / surgery
  • Child
  • Contrast Media / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / complications
  • Laminectomy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myelography
  • Sex Ratio
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / etiology*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / surgery
  • Spinal Puncture / adverse effects

Substances

  • Contrast Media