Analysis of Intramedullary Tumors; Experience at Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective: This 6-year comprehensive study investigated the incidence, etiology, pathological characteristics, and 
diagnostic modalities of IMSCTs in an effort to advance our comprehension of these tumors. 
Study Design: Cross-sectional observational study. 
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery of Mardan Medical 
Complex, Mardan from January 2017 and February 2023. 
Materials and Methods: In which demographic information, clinical presentations, medical histories, and 
radiological findings of 48 patients diagnosed with IMSCTs were analyzed. 
Results: The findings demonstrated that IMSCT patients have a diverse age distribution. The preponderance of 
patients (56.25%) was older than 40 years of age, indicating a higher prevalence among older individuals. The vast 
majority of patients suffered from pain (81%), motor impairments (78%), sensory disturbances (85%), neurological 
deficits (80%), and paresthesia (63%). In evaluating and diagnosing IMSCTs, advanced imaging techniques, 
particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed a crucial role. Location, size, and structure of the tumor 
were revealed by MRI scans, among other tumor characteristics. The prevalence of IMSCTs was highest in thoracic 
region (60.41%), followed by lumbar region (25.0%), cervical region (10.41%), and lumbosacral region (4.16%). 
Histopathological analysis revealed that ependymoma (41.7%) and astrocytoma (31.3%) are the most common 
subtypes of tumor. 
Conclusion: This exhaustive study provided valuable insights into the incidence, clinical manifestations, imaging 
characteristics, and treatment considerations associated with IMSCTs.