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Chondrosarcoma apoplexy in thoracic spine
Sang Woo Kim1, Min Su Kim, Young Jin Jung
1Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Korea.
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
|February 27, 2013
Summary
This case study describes a rare spinal dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma that caused sudden paraplegia due to hemorrhage, a condition termed chondrosarcoma apoplexy. Prompt surgical intervention led to slow neurological improvement.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Chondrosarcoma, a rare malignant bone tumor, exceptionally occurs in the spine.
- Spinal tumors can present with diverse neurological deficits.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old male presented with sudden paraplegia.
- MRI revealed a T3-T5 spinal mass with epidural extension; CT showed posterior arch involvement and osteolytic changes.
- Intraoperative findings included hemorrhage and gel-like material around the dura.
Findings:
- Histological examination confirmed dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma.
- Pulmonary nodules, proven to be chondrosarcoma metastasis, were identified on chest CT.
- The patient's neurological status improved from ASIA A to ASIA D post-surgery.
Implications:
- This case highlights the rare phenomenon of chondrosarcoma apoplexy, characterized by acute hemorrhage and rapid spinal cord compression.
- Sudden neurological deterioration in patients with spinal tumors warrants consideration of hemorrhagic events.
- Early recognition and surgical decompression are crucial for managing spinal chondrosarcoma with apoplexy.
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