Prevalence and risk factors for neural axis anomalies in idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review

Johan L. Heemskerk, Moyo C. Kruyt, Dino Colo, René M. Castelein, Diederik H.R. Kempen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: There is ongoing controversy about the routine use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preoperatively in patients with presumed idiopathic scoliosis (IS). Routine MRI can help identify possible causes for the deformity and detect anomalies that could complicate deformity surgery. However, routine MRI increases health-care costs significantly and may reveal mild variations from normal findings without clinical relevance, which can still lead to anxiety and influence decision-making. Purpose: Given the necessity to make evidence-based decisions both in the light of quality of care and cost control, the aim of this review is to report the prevalence of neural axis anomalies in IS and to identify risk factors associated with these anomalies. Study design: A systematic review was carried out. Methods: An electronic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Cinahl until May 2017 was performed. Studies were assessed by two reviewers independently according to predetermined inclusion (MRI in presumed IS) and exclusion criteria (diagnosis other than IS). Results: Fifty-one studies were included comprising 8,622 patients. In 981 patients, anomalies were found, resulting in an overall prevalence of 11.4%. The prevalence was 10.5%, 9.0%, and 14.2% when screening was performed of all IS patients, preoperative patients, or patients with presumed risk factors. The prevalence of a syrinx (3.7%), an Arnold-Chiari malformation (3.0%), or a combination of both (2.5%) was highest. Less frequent diagnoses included tethered cord (0.6%), an incidental malignancy (0.3%), and split cord malformations (0.2%). Risk factors for intraspinal anomalies included early-onset scoliosis, male gender, atypical curves, thoracic kyphosis, and abnormal neurologic findings such as reflexes and sensation. Conclusions: This systematic review shows that a significant number of patients have intraspinal anomalies on preoperative MRI in (presumed) IS. The prevalence of finding spinal axis abnormalities increases in preselected patient groups with specific risk factors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1261-1271
Number of pages11
JournalSpine Journal
Volume18
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2018

Keywords

  • Chiari malformation
  • Idiopathic scoliosis
  • Magnetic resonance imaging
  • Neural axis anomalies
  • Prevalence
  • Risk factors
  • Syrinx

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