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Thoracic extruded disc mimicking spinal cord tumor
1Department of Neurosurgery, Christiana Care Health Care System, C-79 Omega Drive, Newark, DE 19713, USA. ranal@msn.com
Summary
Thoracic disc herniation is rare and can mimic spinal tumors, posing a diagnostic challenge. This case highlights successful surgical decompression and recovery for a herniated thoracic disc presenting as a tumor.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Thoracic disc herniation is an uncommon condition.
- Differentiating thoracic disc herniation from spinal tumors presents a diagnostic challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of thoracic disc herniation that clinically and radiographically mimicked a spinal cord tumor.
- To emphasize the diagnostic difficulties in thoracic spinal lesions.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 54-year-old male with progressive lower extremity weakness and numbness.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an extradural lesion at T11-12, initially suspected to be a neoplasm.
- Surgical intervention via bilateral decompressive laminectomy identified a large extruded thoracic disc.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with symptoms mimicking a spinal tumor, including bilateral lower extremity weakness and sensory deficits.
- Preoperative imaging suggested a neoplasm, but surgery revealed a herniated thoracic disc compressing the thecal sac.
- Postoperative rehabilitation allowed the patient to ambulate with minimal residual weakness.
Conclusions:
- Thoracic disc herniation can present insidiously, mimicking spinal tumors.
- Accurate diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes in suspected thoracic spinal lesions.