Successful chemotherapeutic decompression of primary endodermal sinus tumor presenting with severe spinal cord compression.

Management of spinal cord compression from a primary paraspinal endodermal sinus tumor (EST) is described. A 17-month-old child presented for treatment with near-complete paraplegia secondary to spinal cord compression from a primary paraspinal EST. The child was treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy without laminectomy or radiation therapy. Rapid resolution of symptoms was observed. The child had an excellent tumor response and complete neurologic recovery with no sequelae. Chemotherapy alone is an alternative to laminectomy or radiation therapy in the management of epidural cord compression from EST, even when the cord compression is severe.