Lumbar intraspinal tumors seen in a rheumatological context
Brousson, A.; Blotman, F.; Sany, J.; Serre, H.; Simon, L.
Revue du Rhumatisme et des Maladies Osteo-Articulaires 47(1): 1-7
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-2659 PMID: 6966810 Document Number: 163873
On the basis of a 50 case study, the authors insist on the difficulty of diagnosing lumbar intraspinal tumors seen in a rheumatological context. The increase in pain and spine and spine stiffness at night are the most significant semiological characteristics. A generally slight neurological deficiency is noted in 29 cases (58%) and 21 patients (41%) have a clinical picture identical to that of discal hernias. X-rays of the lumbar spine show signs of bone erosion in 24% of cases. Lumbar puncture furnishes major indications in 85.5% of cases. Contrast testing almost always demonstrates the presence of a tumor. Lumbar intraspinal tumors include a very wide variety of histological types, among which neurinomas, ependymomas and extra-dural malignant tumors are the most frequent.