Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
05:53
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
4.6K
Primary Cauda Equina Lymphoma Mimicking Meningioma
Pierfrancesco Lapolla1, Vincenza Maiola2, Pietro Familiari3
1Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|August 29, 2024
Summary
Primary cauda equina lymphoma (PCEL) is a rare condition that mimics other spinal tumors, posing diagnostic challenges. Early suspicion and biopsy are crucial for timely management and improved outcomes in this difficult-to-treat lymphoma.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Spinal cord lymphomas are rare extranodal lymphomas.
- They often present diagnostic challenges, mimicking other spinal lesions.
- Primary cauda equina lymphoma (PCEL) is a particularly rare subtype.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a unique case of PCEL.
- To conduct a comprehensive literature review on PCEL.
- To delineate the clinical and radiological characteristics of PCEL.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 74-year-old male with PCEL.
- Systematic literature review of 18 identified PCEL cases.
- Analysis of clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, management, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- PCEL cases showed diverse presentations, treatments, and outcomes.
- Mean age at diagnosis was 61.25 years (women) and 50 years (men).
- 35% of patients were alive at 18 months, indicating a challenging prognosis.
Conclusions:
- PCEL is rare, diagnostically complex, and presents with nonspecific symptoms.
- High index of suspicion and timely histopathological examination are crucial.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration and advanced therapies are needed to improve outcomes.
