Intradural Extramedullary Thoracic Cavernoma in a Man with Familial Multiple Cavernomas

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Vascular Malformations

Background:

• Intradural extramedullary cavernomas are uncommon spinal vascular malformations.
• Only a few cases have been reported in the upper thoracic spine.
• Familial multiple cavernoma syndrome is a rare genetic predisposition.

Observation:

• A 55-year-old man with familial multiple cavernomas presented with thoracic radiculopathy and back pain.
• A T3-T4 intradural extramedullary cavernoma was identified.
• The cavernoma was compressing the spinal cord and dorsal nerve rootlets.

Findings:

• The T3-T4 cavernoma caused significant neurological compression.
• Symptoms included radiculopathy and back pain, consistent with spinal cord and nerve rootlet irritation.
• This presentation is unusual for thoracic vascular malformations.

Implications:

• Spinal vascular malformations should be considered in patients with familial multiple cavernoma syndrome presenting with atypical chest or back pain.
• Early diagnosis and management of spinal cavernomas are crucial to prevent neurological deficits.
• This case expands the understanding of the clinical manifestations of spinal cavernomas.