Hung-Shih Lin1, Shiu-Jau Chen. 1. Department of Neurosurgery, Mackay Memorial Hospital, No. 92 Section 2 Chung Shan North Road, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: To report a long segment epidural hematoma with thoracic cord compression caused by a metastatic carcinoma. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma caused by metastatic carcinoma. METHODS: A 60-year-old woman with back pain and progressive leg weakness suddenly developed complete paraplegia and anesthesia below T8. A thoracic spine MRI showed an epidural hematoma and metastatic tumor. We describe the clinical course, radiographic imaging, operative findings, and treatment results. RESULTS: Despite immediate surgery, the patient failed to have any significant improvement in her neurologic symptoms. A previously unsuspected primary lung tumor was diagnosed. She died 6 months after spine surgery. CONCLUSION: Spinal epidural hematoma can occur in association with metastatic tumors in that area.
STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: To report a long segment epidural hematoma with thoracic cord compression caused by a metastatic carcinoma. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma caused by metastatic carcinoma. METHODS: A 60-year-old woman with back pain and progressive leg weakness suddenly developed complete paraplegia and anesthesia below T8. A thoracic spine MRI showed an epidural hematoma and metastatic tumor. We describe the clinical course, radiographic imaging, operative findings, and treatment results. RESULTS: Despite immediate surgery, the patient failed to have any significant improvement in her neurologic symptoms. A previously unsuspected primary lung tumor was diagnosed. She died 6 months after spine surgery. CONCLUSION: Spinal epidural hematoma can occur in association with metastatic tumors in that area.