ArticleInternational journal of surgery case reports2026
Thoracic intramedullary spinal cord astrocytoma associated with syringomyelia: a case report of gross total resection.
Article in International journal of surgery case reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Introduction and importance: Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) are rare, accounting for 2-4% of central nervous system neoplasms. Astrocytomas comprise about 30% of these tumors and are typically infiltrative. The coexistence of astrocytoma with syringomyelia - a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord - is uncommon but clinically significant, as it can worsen neurological deficits. Understanding and managing this association remain challenging, especially in elderly patients. Case presentation: A 73-year-old male farmer presented with a 6-month history of progressive lower limb weakness and sensory loss, progressing to paraplegia and sphincter dysfunction. Neurological examination revealed complete bilateral lower limb paralysis (0/5), absent reflexes, and hypoesthesia below the left knee. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a long-segment intramedullary lesion extending from T4 to T12 with cranial and caudal syringomyelia. Differential diagnoses included astrocytoma and ependymoma. The patient underwent multilevel laminectomy (T4-T12) and microsurgical tumor resection. A yellowish-gray intramedullary mass was identified, and piecemeal gross total resection was achieved. Histopathology confirmed WHO Grade II astrocytoma. At 2 months follow-up, the patient showed partial neurological recovery (right leg 2/5, left leg 1/5) and continued physiotherapy. Clinical discussion: Thoracic intramedullary astrocytoma associated with syringomyelia is exceptionally rare, particularly in older adults. Surgical intervention remains the cornerstone of management, although complete resection can be technically demanding due to the infiltrative nature of the tumor and the risk of neurological injury. In this case, meticulous microsurgical technique enabled gross total removal with partial neurological improvement. Recognition of tumor-syrinx coexistence and appropriate decompression are crucial to prevent further neurological decline and to improve postoperative recovery. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the rarity of thoracic intramedullary astrocytoma associated with syringomyelia. Gross total resection can be safely achieved with careful microsurgical dissection, leading to functional stabilization and improved quality of life. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are key to optimizing outcomes in such complex spinal cord lesions.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.