Metastatic carcinoma related long segment thoracic spinal epidural hematoma: a case report
1Department of Neurosurgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, No. 92 Section 2 Chung Shan North Road, Taipei, Taiwan.
Study Design:
Case report.
Objective:
To report a long segment epidural hematoma with thoracic cord compression caused by a metastatic carcinoma.
Summary Of Background Data:
To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma caused by metastatic carcinoma.
Methods:
A 60-year-old woman with back pain and progressive leg weakness suddenly developed complete paraplegia and anesthesia below T8. A thoracic spine MRI showed an epidural hematoma and metastatic tumor. We describe the clinical course, radiographic imaging, operative findings, and treatment results.
Results:
Despite immediate surgery, the patient failed to have any significant improvement in her neurologic symptoms. A previously unsuspected primary lung tumor was diagnosed. She died 6 months after spine surgery.
Conclusion:
Spinal epidural hematoma can occur in association with metastatic tumors in that area.