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Updated: May 15, 2026
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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Spinal Cord Compression
Published on: May 7, 2019
Spinal involvement with spinal cord compression syndrome in hematological diseases
M Popescu1, Viola Popov, G Popescu
1Department of General Surgery, Emergency County Hospital, Pitesti.
Summary
Primary spinal hematologic tumors are rare but can cause spinal cord compression. Early diagnosis and surgical decompression combined with chemotherapy offer the best prognosis for these challenging cases.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Primary spinal hematologic tumors are infrequent but can lead to significant morbidity.
- Spinal cord compression syndrome necessitates prompt diagnosis and intervention.
Observation:
- This study presents two cases of primary spinal hematologic tumors: diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and plasmacytic plasmacytoma.
- Both patients presented with spinal cord compression syndrome requiring surgical decompression.
Findings:
- Surgical resection followed by systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy resulted in favorable neurological outcomes and partial remission.
- Despite initial improvements, both patients eventually succumbed to disease progression.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis via MRI is crucial for patients with refractory spinal pain.
- A multimodal treatment approach including surgery, chemotherapy, and potentially radiotherapy is recommended.
- Timely intervention in spinal cord compression syndrome secondary to hematologic malignancies can improve prognosis.
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