The effect of Lipo prostaglandin E1 on cauda equina blood flow in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis: myeloscopic observation.

STUDY DESIGN

Myeloscopic examination was performed to observe the cauda equina in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis before and after treatment with Lipo prostaglandin E1, a strong peripheral vasodilator.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of Lipo prostaglandin E1 on blood flow in the cauda equina in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis.

SETTING

Japan, Kagoshima

METHODS

We performed myeloscopic observations of morphological changes in blood vessels running along the cauda equina in 11 patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis before and after treatment with Lipo prostaglandin E1.

RESULTS

In six of these patients, dilation of the running blood vessels was observed immediately after administration. In all of the patients who exhibited a dilation of vessels on the surface of the cauda equina, intermittent claudication and lower extremity pain and/or numbness lessened immediately after examination. However, none of the patients who exhibited no morphological changes in the vessels along the cauda equina after administration of Lipo prostaglandin E1 experienced any improvement of symptoms at the time of examination.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study suggest that Lipo prostaglandin E1 may enhance blood flow in the cauda equina and improve clinical symptoms in some patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.