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'Tumour-like' lesion caused by cervical discal instability.
Giuseppe Diodato Santoro1,2, Carlotta Morselli2, Agostino Cirullo2
1Scuola di Specializzazione in Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy giuseppe.d.santoro@gmail.com.
BMJ Case Reports
|March 13, 2024
Summary
A man with central cord syndrome was successfully treated with anterior cervical decompression and fusion. This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis to avoid unnecessary procedures and ensure effective treatment for spinal conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Central cord syndrome presents diagnostic challenges, with potential confusion between neoplastic and degenerative causes.
- Distinguishing between malignancy and degenerative disc disease is critical for appropriate patient management and surgical planning.
Observation:
- A middle-aged male patient presented with central cord syndrome.
- MRI revealed contrast enhancement, spinal swelling, syrinx formation, and spinal canal narrowing.
Findings:
- Comprehensive imaging ruled out malignancy, supporting a hypothesis of discal instability.
- The patient underwent successful anterior cervical decompression and fusion, with no complications.
Implications:
- Accurate pre-operative diagnosis is crucial to prevent iatrogenic neurological injury from unnecessary biopsies.
- Timely surgical intervention for degenerative conditions can lead to favorable outcomes, avoiding delays associated with misdiagnosis.
- This case underscores the importance of a thorough diagnostic workup in managing complex spinal cord pathologies.
