C Dauleac1, A Vasiljevic2, M Berhouma3. 1. Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital P. Wertheimer, Service de Neurochirurgie D, 59, Boulevard Pinel, 69003, Lyon, France; Université de Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard, 69003 Lyon, France. Electronic address: corentin.dauleac@chu-lyon.fr. 2. Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service d'Anatomopathologie, 69003 Lyon, France. 3. Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital P. Wertheimer, Service de Neurochirurgie D, 59, Boulevard Pinel, 69003, Lyon, France; Université de Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard, 69003 Lyon, France; Laboratoire CREATIS, CNRS UMR5220, Inserm U1206, INSA-Lyon; Université de Lyon I, 69006 Lyon, France.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Tumors of the spinal cord are rare and some can be confused with each other. We report a rare spinal cord solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma (SFT/HPC), and propose keys to differentiate spinal cord tumors from each other. CASE REPORT: A 67-year-old man presented weakness with recent diffuse sensory disorders in the right lower limb. Spinal MRI revealed a T8-T9 intradural extramedullary mass with spinal cord compression. Gross total resection of a poorly vascularized intradural tumor was achieved. It was an encapsulated extramedullary tumor, which was difficult to separate from the spinal cord due to the presence of pial adhesions. Definitive diagnosis was grade 1 SFT/HPC of the spinal cord. One-year follow-up MRI revealed complete excision without any evidence of residual tumor. CONCLUSION: SFT/HPC is a very rare spinal tumor that can be extramedullary, intramedullary or both. It may perfectly mimic meningioma. The maximal resection is the best treatment, but can be challenging because of the tumor's firm consistency and pial adherences to the spinal cord. Outcome is good in case of gross total resection, but there is a risk of very late recurrence, requiring long-term follow-up.
INTRODUCTION: Tumors of the spinal cord are rare and some can be confused with each other. We report a rare spinal cord solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma (SFT/HPC), and propose keys to differentiate spinal cord tumors from each other. CASE REPORT: A 67-year-old man presented weakness with recent diffuse sensory disorders in the right lower limb. Spinal MRI revealed a T8-T9 intradural extramedullary mass with spinal cord compression. Gross total resection of a poorly vascularized intradural tumor was achieved. It was an encapsulated extramedullary tumor, which was difficult to separate from the spinal cord due to the presence of pial adhesions. Definitive diagnosis was grade 1 SFT/HPC of the spinal cord. One-year follow-up MRI revealed complete excision without any evidence of residual tumor. CONCLUSION: SFT/HPC is a very rare spinal tumor that can be extramedullary, intramedullary or both. It may perfectly mimic meningioma. The maximal resection is the best treatment, but can be challenging because of the tumor's firm consistency and pial adherences to the spinal cord. Outcome is good in case of gross total resection, but there is a risk of very late recurrence, requiring long-term follow-up.