[A case of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma originating from the spinal dura (author's transl)]

A rare case of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma originating from the thoracic spinal dura was reported. A 10-year-old girl complained of paresis of the right leg in June 1977. Then she became unable to walk early in August, and a complete paraparesis developed on August 18. She was admitted to our department on August 22. On admission she had complete paraparesis, bilateral ankle clonus, upward plantar reflexes, sensory disturbance below T7, shincter disturbance and neck stiffness. Plain thoracic X-ray revealed bilateral decalcification of pedicles of T6. Myodil myelography showed a complete block between T6 and lower end of T7 vertebrae. Bilateral laminectomy from T3 to T8 was performed. A tumor originating from the spinal dura was located in the right dorsal extradural space. The tumor was totally removed together with a small area of the affected dura. Light microscopy showed mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. Her recovery from neurological deficiencies was excellent and now she can run 14 months after surgery. Metastasis or recurrence has not yet been seen.