Intramedullary conus metastasis from carcinoma lung

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Metastasis to the conus medullaris is an uncommon neurological complication.
• Lung carcinoma is a frequent primary malignancy but rarely presents with spinal cord metastasis.

Observation:

• A 46-year-old male presented with progressive paraparesis, sensory loss, and incontinence.
• MRI revealed an enhancing intramedullary conus lesion.
• Histopathology confirmed poorly differentiated metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary.

Findings:

• PET-CT identified primary lung carcinoma in the right hilum.
• The patient received chemoradiation for metastatic conus medullaris carcinoma.
• Literature review found limited cases of conus metastasis, particularly from lung cancer.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering metastatic disease in patients with conus lesions.
• Advanced imaging like PET-CT is vital for identifying the primary tumor.
• Further research into rare metastatic patterns is warranted for improved patient outcomes.