Functional outcome in intradural extramedullary tumor patients: Case series

Intradural extramedullary (IDEM) spinal cord tumors account two thirds of all intraspinal tumors. These tumors produce pain syndromes, a variety of neurological symptoms-motor, sensory, sphincter or a combination of thereof. Preferred treatment is microsurgical radical resection. The objective of this study was analyzed and discuss about functional outcome in IDEM.

We present serial case of 15 patients, that consist of 8 males and 7 females, with the mean age of 43,4 years old, ranging from 16 to 82 years old. The outcomes were followed up with Karnofsky Score and Tomita to analyzed metastasis of the tumor. The mean of Karnofsky score in this study was 74 with no patient had metastatic intradural tumor, therefore the Tomita score in these patients is incalculable.

MRI confirmed the location and extent of the tumor for definitive diagnosis. We then performed excision of the tumor or decompression of the spinal canal followed by posterior stabilization if needed. Minimal complaint regarding pain and/or numbness were found. Post operation functional outcome of the patient is monitored using Karnofsky score.

In all except one patient, the functional outcome of the patients is greater than 50 based on Karnofsky score. In this case series, the good functional outcome is due to all tumor were primary tumor which originate from the spine. Furthermore, all tumor had benign characteristic based on the anatomical pathology result. In consequence, gross total resection can be achieved thus resulting a good overall functional outcome of the patients.