Primary spinal intradural extramedullary lymphoma causing cauda equina syndrome
Goutham Cugati1, Manish Singh, Nigel Peter Symss
1Department of Neurosurgery, Narayana Hrudayalaya Multispeciality Hospitals, Mysore, Karnataka, India.
Insights
A rare pediatric spinal lymphoma caused cauda equina syndrome in an 11-year-old boy. Surgical removal led to near-normal neurological function, highlighting effective management for this uncommon condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Intradural extramedullary lesions are rare spinal tumors.
- Primary spinal lymphomas are exceptionally uncommon, particularly in children.
- Cauda equina syndrome requires prompt diagnosis and intervention.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old boy presented with cauda equina syndrome and acute bladder dysfunction.
- An intradural extramedullary lesion was identified in the lumbar spine.
- The lesion was surgically resected under emergency conditions.
Findings:
- Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the lesion as lymphoma.
- This represents the first pediatric case of primary spinal intradural extramedullary lymphoma causing cauda equina syndrome.
- The patient experienced significant neurological improvement post-surgery.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of rare spinal tumors in pediatric patients.
- Early surgical management can lead to favorable neurological outcomes.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and optimal treatment strategies for spinal lymphomas is warranted.
Abstract:
We report a case of lumbar intradural extramedullary lesion in an 11-year-old boy who presented with cauda equina syndrome and acute bladder disturbance. He underwent emergency surgical resection of the lesion, which was proved to be a lymphoma by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. He has improved neurologically and after 1 year, he is leading a normal life with near normal neurological functions. This is the second case of primary spinal intradural extramedullary lymphoma. This is the first such case in the pediatric age group and causing cauda equina syndrome. We describe the characteristics of such tumors along with pathogenesis and management.
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