USF-LVHN SELECT

Multiple myeloma presenting as an intramedullary spinal cord tumor: a case report and review of the literature.

Publication/Presentation Date

10-16-2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Extramedullary disease in multiple myeloma often portends a worse diagnosis. In approximately 1% of cases, multiple myeloma may metastasize to the central nervous system as either leptomeningeal involvement or an intracranial, intraparenchymal lesion. Spinal cord metastases, however, are exceedingly rare. We present a case of spinal cord multiple myeloma as well as a literature review of reported cases.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old African American man with multiple myeloma presented with acute midthoracic pain and lower extremity paresis and paresthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine revealed two contrast-enhancing intramedullary enhancing lesions in the T1-T2 and T6-T7 cord. Resection with biopsy yielded a diagnosis of metastatic multiple myeloma.

CONCLUSION: To date, only six cases of extramedullary disease to the spinal cord in patients with multiple myeloma have been reported, including our patient's case. In all cases, neurologic deficit was observed at presentation, and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine revealed an intramedullary, homogeneously enhancing lesion. Current evidence suggests worse prognosis in patients with extramedullary disease to the central nervous system, and treatment paradigms remain debatable.

Volume

14

Issue

1

First Page

189

Last Page

189

ISSN

1752-1947

Disciplines

Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

33059729

Department(s)

USF-LVHN SELECT Program, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students

Document Type

Article

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS