Fluoroscopic guidance for intrathecal delivery of nusinersen in pediatric patients with spinal muscular atrophy and complex spines

The introduction of nusinersen revolutionized the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). However, nusinersen is administered by interlaminar intrathecal injection which is challenging in patients with severe scoliosis, a common comorbidity of advanced SMA. This study evaluated the technical benefits of fluoroscopic guidance of intrathecal nusinersen administration in complex SMA patients with or without a fixation device. The cohort included 12 patients aged 10–20 years (total 124 injections). The total success rate was 99 %, with failure to complete only one out of 124 procedures. Demographic characteristics were diverse. Mean age at first injection was 14.2 years. Mean duration of radiation exposure was 77 s; mean dose area product was 2.32 Gycm²; and mean cumulative air kerma was 20.91mGy. Adverse events included post-dural-puncture headache (4.8 % of procedures), mostly mild and self-limited, and one allergic reaction. Treatment was discontinued in 2 patients because of difficult intrathecal access, and in 2 for reasons unrelated to the injection technique. Fluoroscopy-guided nusinersen administration is a feasible option for patients with SMA and complex access. Success depends on proper patient positioning and expertise of the interventional radiologist. Radiation exposure is lower than with other techniques. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.