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Spinal Lymphoma Presenting as an Epidural and Retropleural Mass With Concomitant Pathologic Compression Fracture: A
Nathan K Leclair1, Hiromi Terai1, Mitch Paro1
1School of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, USA.
Cureus
|December 9, 2022
Summary
Spinal lymphoma, a rare "great mimicker," can present as a primary tumor causing severe spinal stenosis. This case highlights diagnostic challenges and management strategies for this uncommon presentation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Lymphoma is known as 'the great mimicker' due to its diverse clinical presentations.
- Primary spinal lymphoma is rare and often overlooked in differential diagnoses for spinal masses.
Observation:
- An elderly patient presented with an epidural mass and retropleural extension, causing severe spinal stenosis and compressive myelopathy.
- The patient also exhibited non-malignant compression fractures, complicating the initial diagnostic imaging.
- Histology confirmed the diagnosis of spinal lymphoma.
Findings:
- The study details the diagnostic process, including imaging findings that mimicked other spinal pathologies.
- Surgical intervention was performed to address the spinal stenosis and mass effect.
- Post-operative medical management was crucial for patient recovery.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering spinal lymphoma in the differential diagnosis of spinal tumors, especially in elderly patients.
- It highlights the challenges in imaging-based diagnosis due to lymphoma's mimetic nature.
- The presented approach to diagnosis and treatment offers insights for managing rare spinal malignancies.
