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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
05:53
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
Retinoblastoma with spinal recurrence presenting as spinal cord compression
Chia-Yau Chang1, Giun-Yi Hung, Wen-Ming Hsu
1Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
Summary
Spinal recurrence presenting as spinal cord compression (SCC) is a rare complication of retinoblastoma. Early suspicion is crucial when patients present with leg weakness or bowel/bladder issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is a known complication of extraocular retinoblastoma.
- Spinal recurrence, specifically spinal cord compression (SCC), is an exceptionally rare manifestation of CNS involvement.
Observation:
- This report details two cases of unilateral retinoblastoma with spinal recurrence leading to SCC.
- Patient 1 presented with leg weakness and foot swelling post-enucleation.
- Patient 2 experienced leg weakness and bowel/bladder dysfunction post-enucleation.
Findings:
- Both patients underwent surgery and local irradiation for SCC.
- The patient who refused chemotherapy survived 4 months; the patient who received chemotherapy survived 19.5 months without progression.
- Treatment response varied significantly between patients.
Implications:
- Spinal recurrence with SCC should be considered in retinoblastoma patients with neurological deficits.
- Prompt diagnosis and multimodal treatment, including chemotherapy, may improve survival outcomes.
- Highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring for rare metastatic patterns in retinoblastoma.
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