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[Hydrocephalus as initial presentation of a spinal cord tumour in a child]

Louise Møller Jørgensen1, Karsten Nysom, Lene Daugaard Lavard

  • 1Glostrup Hospital, Neurokirurgisk Afdeling, Glostrup. LMJ@mail.tele.dk

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|September 24, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A previously healthy child developed a spinal cord tumor after initial symptoms of increased intracranial pressure and hydrocephalus. This case highlights the importance of considering spinal cord tumors in pediatric patients with unexplained neurological signs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neuro-oncology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and hydrocephalus in children can have various etiologies.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes.

Observation:

  • A two-year-old girl presented with vomiting, lethargy, and an unstable gait, indicative of increased ICP.
  • Communicating hydrocephalus was diagnosed, and a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was surgically placed.

Findings:

  • Two years post-shunt placement, the patient developed myelopathy signs.
  • A spinal cord tumor, located between thoracic levels 3 and 9, was subsequently diagnosed.

Implications:

  • Spinal cord tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric hydrocephalus and increased ICP of unknown origin.
  • This case underscores the need for thorough neurological evaluation in children presenting with atypical neurological symptoms.

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