New Approaches to Spinal Cord-Related Diseases

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurobiology and Clinical Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 296

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Hopital Neurologique et Neurochirurgical Pierre Wertheimer, Lyon, France
Interests: spinal cord; intramedullary tumor; spinal cord injury; spasticity; spinal cord tractography

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Spinal cord-related diseases, including traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), represent a major medical and societal challenge due to their disabling consequences and limited therapeutic options. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in understanding spinal cord pathophysiology and in developing innovative strategies to promote neural repair, functional recovery, and symptomatic management. This Special Issue aims to gather high-quality original research focused on novel medical and surgical approaches to spinal cord disorders.

We welcome submissions that present cutting-edge therapeutic strategies, including, but not limited to, stem cell-based therapies, neuromodulation techniques, and other experimental interventions targeting neural regeneration and functional restoration. Particular attention will be paid to the management of long-term neurological sequelae such as spasticity, neuropathic pain, and autonomic dysfunctions, which significantly affect patients’ quality of life.

In addition, we encourage contributions exploring advanced neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques for the assessment of spinal cord microstructure, plasticity, and functional connectivity. Studies that highlight translational approaches and multidisciplinary strategies bridging basic science and clinical practice are particularly encouraged.

This Special Issue seeks to foster a deeper understanding of SCI and promote the development of mechanism-based treatments for individuals living with SCI and related disorders.

Dr. Corentin Dauleac
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • spinal cord
  • spinal cord injury
  • stem cell
  • neuromodulation
  • rehabilitation
  • plasticity
  • spasticity
  • pain
  • neuroimaging

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

22 pages, 4978 KB  
Article
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features in Intramedullary Tumors: A Pictorial Review
by Corentin Dauleac, David Meyronet, François Ducray, Patrick Mertens and François Cotton
Biomedicines 2026, 14(6), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14061239 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Intramedullary tumors are uncommon spinal cord lesions that account for a small proportion of central nervous system neoplasms but are associated with a high risk of neurological morbidity. Accurate preoperative characterization is essential because therapeutic strategies, surgical planning, and functional prognosis [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Intramedullary tumors are uncommon spinal cord lesions that account for a small proportion of central nervous system neoplasms but are associated with a high risk of neurological morbidity. Accurate preoperative characterization is essential because therapeutic strategies, surgical planning, and functional prognosis depend strongly on tumor biology and growth behavior within the confined spinal cord environment. This study aims to characterize the radiological phenotype of intramedullary tumors and to identify imaging patterns that may assist in lesion characterization and diagnostic stratification. Methods: A retrospective analysis of preoperative MRI findings in patients with histopathologically confirmed intramedullary tumors was performed. Preoperative MRI examinations were systematically analyzed to describe imaging features according to tumor histology using conventional sequences (T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and contrast-enhanced imaging). Results: Distinct radiological phenotypes were observed across a wide spectrum of lesions. Glial tumors, including subependymoma, ependymoma, pilocytic astrocytoma, diffuse midline glioma H3K27M, glioblastoma, high-grade astrocytoma with piloid features, ganglioglioma, and diffuse leptomeningeal glioneural tumors, demonstrated variable combinations of cord expansion, margin definition, enhancement patterns, and tract involvement, reflecting differences between expansile and infiltrative growth. Secondary tumors such as metastases frequently exhibited aggressive imaging features, including extensive edema and intense or heterogeneous enhancement. Vascular lesions, including hemangioblastoma and cavernoma, showed characteristic vascular signatures, such as nodular enhancement with flow voids or susceptibility-related signal changes. Developmental lesions, such as epidermoid cysts, neurenteric cysts, and lipoma, displayed distinctive signal characteristics, especially on diffusion and T1, that aided differentiation from neoplastic processes. Conclusions: In conclusion, the structured radiological interpretation functions proposed herein are not only useful for diagnostic purposes, but could also be useful for risk stratification and therapeutic guidance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Approaches to Spinal Cord-Related Diseases)
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