Spinal calcifying pseudoneoplasms of the neuraxis: A case report and review of the literature
Ajay Chatrath1, Mackenzie Lemieux1, Rujvee P Patel1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, USA.
World Neurosurgery: X
|March 18, 2024
Summary
Calcifying pseudoneoplasms of the neuraxis (CAPNON) are rare spinal tumors. Surgical excision offers favorable outcomes, with most patients experiencing near-complete symptom resolution.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Calcifying pseudoneoplasms of the neuraxis (CAPNON) are rare, slow-growing, non-neoplastic lesions.
- Their etiology is currently unknown.
- CAPNON can occur throughout the central nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a case of spinal CAPNON.
- To review the literature on spinal CAPNON cases.
- To characterize the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and treatment outcomes of spinal CAPNON.
Main Methods:
- A case of CAPNON in a 66-year-old female with thigh pain was surgically treated.
- A comprehensive literature review of 79 spinal CAPNON cases was performed.
- Spinal CAPNON characteristics, including location, symptoms, MRI findings, and outcomes, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Spinal CAPNON are most frequently found in the lumbar region and are extradural.
- Pain is the most common presenting symptom.
- MRI typically shows well-defined, hypointense lesions on T1 and T2 sequences.
Conclusions:
- Surgical excision is the primary treatment for spinal CAPNON.
- The majority of patients achieve favorable surgical outcomes with significant symptom relief.
- Spinal CAPNON represent a distinct, treatable entity within the spectrum of spinal tumors.
