[Intramedullary neurinoma. Apropos of a case. Review of the literature]

The authors present a case of intramedullary neurinoma. A 44 years old patient was admitted for lumbar pain and bilateral sciatica. Neurological examination was normal except for dysuria and diminution of Achilles tendon reflexes. Lumbar spine X-rays and spinal cord angiogram were normal, but myelogram and myelo-scan revealed a fusiform enlargement of the conus medullaris. MRI confirmed this aspect. Total removal of an intramedullary tumor was done, using ultrasonography, operating microscope and ultrasonic aspiration. The post-operative course was uneventful, with, as sequelae a perineal hypoesthesia. Histological examination of the excised tumor revealed a neurinoma. The epidemiology, clinical features, radiology, and surgical treatment of such rare intramedullary tumors are discussed.