[Spinal epidural tumors without destructive bone change: clinical and radiological studies]

CT in 61 patients having spinal epidural tumors were reviewed. Of these patients twelve had an epidural mass lacking of destructive bone change. Histological examination of these 12 cases revealed that usual carcinomatous tumors are relatively less common but sarcomatous tumors and malignant hematologic neoplasms are more likely to form an epidural mass without bone destruction. The tumors preponderance thoracic spine and extended usually more than three spinal levels along spinal axis. In all but one tumor masses were found in the intervertebral foramen and the paraspinal region in addition to the spinal canal. Contrast enhanced CT was particularly effective to delineate tumor location and extension. Ring enhancement of the dural sac which constricted by epidural masses was considered pathognomonic of epidural tumors.