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Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression

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Oncologic Critical Care

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Abstract

Metastatic spinal cord compression is a medical emergency characterized by its potential for rapid deterioration of neurological function, often leading to significant impairments in quality of life. The most common mechanism is growth of a vertebral metastatic lesion with invasion of the epidural space and compression of the spinal cord. Patients commonly present with progressive pain and may later develop motor and sensory weakness, and autonomic dysfunction. The preferred imaging study is an MRI of the entire spine, which should be performed urgently. In patients without known malignancy, tissue diagnosis through biopsy as well as evaluation for primary site of disease and other metastases is necessary. Initial management includes steroids and analgesics. Treatment options include radiation and surgical decompression, and considerations include tissue type, an assessment of spinal stability, and performance status. Patients with metastatic spinal cord compression should be managed at centers capable of providing specialized treatment including radiation oncology and neurosurgery.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Critical Care Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    John W. Crommett

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  1. John W. Crommett
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Correspondence to John W. Crommett .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Critical Care and Respiratory Care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Joseph L. Nates

  2. Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Department of Critical Care and Respiratory Care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Kristen J. Price

Section Editor information

  1. Critical Care Department, Universidad del Rosario Hospital Universitario Fundacion Santa Fe de, Bogota, Colombia, Colombia

    Yenny Cardenas

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Crommett, J.W. (2020). Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression. In: Nates, J., Price, K. (eds) Oncologic Critical Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74588-6_41

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74588-6_41

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-74587-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-74588-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine

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