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[Spinal multiple sclerosis mimicking a spinal cord tumor: a case report]
No Shinkei Geka. Neurological Surgery
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Diagnosing primary spinal cord multiple sclerosis can be challenging. This case highlights how open biopsy and histological examination confirmed demyelination, leading to a definitive multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pathology
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) aids in visualizing multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions.
- Primary spinal cord MS presents diagnostic challenges, often requiring advanced investigation.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old woman presented with progressive leg weakness and sensory disturbance.
- Radiological findings, including MRI and CT myelography, showed only conus medullaris enlargement.
- Intramedullary spinal cord tumor was suspected due to the clinical presentation.
Findings:
- Open biopsy revealed acute demyelination with perivascular inflammation, confirming MS.
- Corticosteroid treatment improved neurological symptoms, but brainstem signs emerged later.
- Histological examination proved crucial for definitive diagnosis in this atypical case.
Implications:
- Preoperative imaging may not distinguish spinal cord tumors from MS demyelination.
- Surgical intervention may be warranted for atypical primary spinal cord MS cases.
- This case underscores the importance of histopathology in diagnosing challenging neurological conditions.