Gas-induced spinal cord compression: mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of intraspinous pneumorrhachis

Gas-induced spinal cord compression, also known as intraspinous pneumorrhachis, is a rare condition in which the presence of gas in the spinal canal generally does not result in any symptoms. However, in certain cases, gas can compress the spinal cord, leading to severe neurological dysfunction. This underscores the importance of early recognition and intervention. Herein, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of the literature on pneumorrhachis by searching databases such as PubMed, ClinicalKey, Web of Science, and CNKI. We discuss the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, imaging features, differential diagnosis, treatment strategies, and prognosis of these patients. Our findings indicate that the occurrence of intraspinous pneumorrhachis is associated with various factors, including medical conditions, trauma, and infection. While most cases are limited in extent and resolve spontaneously, a subset of cases may signal a serious underlying condition.