Intramedullary tumoral calcinosis

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedics
• Radiology

Background:

• Tumoral calcinosis (TC) typically presents as calcium hydroxyapatite masses in the extremities and hips.
• TC is rarely found in the spine and has never been reported within the spinal cord.
• TC can occur sporadically, run in families, or result from conditions causing soft-tissue calcification.

Observation:

• A 20-month-old boy presented with lower-extremity spasticity due to an intramedullary mass at the T-5 level.
• The mass was identified as tumoral calcinosis, a rare spinal cord occurrence.
• Pre-operative diagnosis of TC was not considered.

Findings:

• The study details the first reported case of intramedullary tumoral calcinosis within the spinal cord.
• Gross-total resection was performed, appearing curative for the patient.
• The report discusses diagnostic features, radiological and histological findings, and treatment outcomes.

Implications:

• This case expands the known anatomical locations for tumoral calcinosis.
• It emphasizes the need to include TC in the differential diagnosis of spinal cord lesions, especially in pediatric patients.
• Early consideration of TC could lead to more accurate pre-surgical diagnoses and potentially improved management strategies.