Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

07:10
Orthotopic Xenografting of Human Luciferase-Tagged Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells for in vivo Testing of Candidate Therapeutic Agents
Published on: March 7, 2011
[Pleural B cell lymphoma presenting as paraplegia]
T Hashizume1, A Honda, H Shimada
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shizuoka General Hospital, Japan.
Summary
Pleural malignant lymphoma can cause spinal cord compression leading to paraplegia. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes in such cases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Pathology
Background:
- Malignant lymphoma involving the pleura is rare.
- Spinal cord compression can result from various neoplastic processes.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old man presented with chest pain, progressing to paraplegia.
- Imaging revealed a right pleural effusion and a mass compressing the spinal cord.
- Cytology and biopsy confirmed atypical B lymphocytes, diagnosing pleural malignant lymphoma.
Findings:
- The pleural mass directly invaded the spinal canal, causing cord compression.
- Chemotherapy resulted in partial remission, but the patient later died from central nervous system involvement.
Implications:
- Pleural lymphoma is a potential cause of spinal cord compression and paraplegia.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are critical for managing spinal cord compression secondary to pleural malignancies.
Related Concept Videos
Pleura of the Lungs
The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
The pleura is a vital part of the respiratory system. It's a double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. The two layers of the pleura are:
Atypical Pneumonia
Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Poliomyelitis
Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...

