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Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis from primary esophageal carcinoma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 June 2015

T Dalkilic
Affiliation:
(Regina)
Z Tymchak
Affiliation:
(Saskatoon)
M Kindrachuk
Affiliation:
(Saskatoon)
D Fourney
Affiliation:
(Saskatoon)
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Abstract

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Background: Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis (ISCM) are rare with primary lung, breast and melanoma accounting for up to 80% of cases. Diagnosis is often delayed or incorrect and these lesions can often be mistaken for primary astrocytoma or ependymoma given similar radiologic features. Methods: We present the case of an 80 year-old male with rapidly progressive quadriparesis and an enhancing intramedullary lesion at C4-7 with diffuse peri-lesional edema. The patient had previously undergone resection of non-metastatic esophageal carcinoma. Results: Bone scan revealed no evidence of skeletal or organ metastases. The patient underwent C5-7 laminectomy and resection of tumor with intra-operative monitoring. Final pathology revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma consistent with esophageal primary. PETCT revealed recurrent esophageal disease and pleural-based metastatic deposits. The patient went on to receive palliative radiotherapy to the cervicothoracic spine. Neurologic status improved marginally. Conclusions: ISCM from primary esophageal carcinoma is extremely rare. We present to our knowledge one of three reports of such in the literature. Hematogenous dissemination via Batson’s plexus and peri-veretebral plexuses is thought to be the likely route of spread. Treatment is primarily palliative, however surgical resection should be considered in the absence of metastatic disease.

Type
Poster Presentations
Copyright
Copyright © The Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences Inc. 2015