Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026
08:57
Author Spotlight: Genetically Engineered Mouse Models and Pathological Characterization of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Associated Tumors
Published on: May 17, 2024
2.7K
Primary vertebral leiomyosarcoma masquerading as a nerve sheath tumour
Irfan Ahmad1, Nidhi Goyal2, Chandi Prasad Bhatt1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Batra Hospital & Medical Research Centre, New Delhi, Delhi, India.
BMJ Case Reports
|March 24, 2017
Summary
A spinal leiomyosarcoma in a 47-year-old woman caused low back pain and leg weakness. Surgical debulking and radiotherapy led to a complete response, with the patient disease-free for five months.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Spinal tumors can present with neurological deficits.
- Leiomyosarcoma is a rare soft tissue sarcoma that can occur in the spine.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old woman presented with low back pain and bilateral lower limb weakness.
- Spinal MRI revealed a T11 vertebral mass involving neural foramina and paravertebral region.
- Initial symptoms resolved after surgical decompression and debulking.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma.
- Tumor recurrence led to paraparesis and cord compression.
- Repeat surgery followed by adjuvant volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) radiotherapy achieved complete response.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare tumors like leiomyosarcoma in spinal presentations.
- Multimodal treatment including surgery and radiotherapy can be effective for spinal leiomyosarcoma.
- Complete response achieved with VMAT radiotherapy suggests its potential role in managing spinal sarcomas.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Spinal Nerves: Anatomy
10.1K
Spinal nerves are pivotal conduits in the nervous system, bridging the central nervous system (CNS) with the peripheral nervous system (PNS). These nerves enable a complex communication network between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body, facilitating sensory input, motor output, and autonomic functions.
There are 31 bilateral pairs of spinal nerves, each emerging from the spinal cord through the intervertebral foramina—openings between adjacent vertebrae. These nerves are...
There are 31 bilateral pairs of spinal nerves, each emerging from the spinal cord through the intervertebral foramina—openings between adjacent vertebrae. These nerves are...
10.1K
01:21Spinal Nerves: Plexus II
2.9K
The plexuses of the lower body include the lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal plexuses, which innervate the abdomen, pelvis, legs, and coccygeal region. These plexuses control the transmission of sensory information and coordinate motor functions of the lower body.
The Lumbar Plexus
The lumbar plexus is situated within the lumbar region of the back and is primarily formed by the first four lumbar spinal nerves (L1 to L4). This plexus extends its branches into several nerves, including the...
The Lumbar Plexus
The lumbar plexus is situated within the lumbar region of the back and is primarily formed by the first four lumbar spinal nerves (L1 to L4). This plexus extends its branches into several nerves, including the...
2.9K
01:27Nerve Supply of the GI Tract
3.9K
The neuronal supply to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essential for regulating various functions, including digestion, absorption, and movement of food. This intricate network of nerves is known as the enteric nervous system (ENS), often referred to as the "second brain" of the body.
The enteric nervous system consists of two major plexuses: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus) and the submucosal plexus (Meissner's plexus). These plexuses are located within the layers of...
The enteric nervous system consists of two major plexuses: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus) and the submucosal plexus (Meissner's plexus). These plexuses are located within the layers of...
3.9K
01:22Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
3.2K
Nerve plexuses are networks of interlacing nerves that serve as communication hubs to distribute and organize nerve action across various body regions. The nerve plexuses are organized into the cervical plexus located in the neck region, brachial plexus in the shoulder area, lumbar plexus found in the lower back, sacral plexus situated in the pelvis, and coccygeal plexus located in the coccygeal region.
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
3.2K
01:29Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones
14.3K
Bones are dynamic organs that require a rich supply of oxygen and nutrients. Around 5% to 10% of the cardiac output supplies blood to the bones. A typical long bone has three main sources: the nutrient artery, the metaphyseal and epiphyseal arteries, and the periosteal arteries.
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
14.3K