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Calcifying pseudoneoplasm of the spine
Paul Park1, Lindsay A Schmidt, Gaurang V Shah
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0338, USA. ppark@umich.edu
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery
|February 5, 2008
Summary
Rare spinal calcifying pseudoneoplasms can cause radiculopathy. This case highlights MRI findings and successful surgical resection, offering a potential treatment for spinal cord compression symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Calcifying pseudoneoplasms rarely involve the spine.
- Spinal involvement can lead to radiculopathy, myelopathy, or axial pain.
- Diagnostic MRI characteristics are not well-established.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer presented with C8 radiculopathy.
- MRI revealed a C7-T1 extradural mass with isointense signals on T1/T2 and mild peripheral enhancement.
- The mass was firm, tan, and adhered to the dura.
Findings:
- Surgical laminectomy achieved gross total resection of the calcifying pseudoneoplasm.
- Postoperative resolution of radiculopathy was observed.
- Pathologic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of calcifying pseudoneoplasm.
Implications:
- Calcifying pseudoneoplasms, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal masses.
- Typical MRI findings include extradural, well-demarcated lesions with peripheral enhancement.
- Surgical resection is a highly successful treatment modality for symptomatic spinal calcifying pseudoneoplasms.
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