Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis from lung cancer--a case report
Nishio, S.; Fukui, M.; Sato, Y.; Araki, K.
No Shinkei Geka. Neurological Surgery 9(8): 969-973
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-2603 PMID: 7279137 Document Number: 178930
An autopsy case of an intramedullary metastatic spinal cord tumor from lung cancer is reported. This 65 yr old man developed bilateral shoulder pain which gradually progressed. Positive neurological findings were Horner sign on the left, limitation of neck movement, motor weakness of all limbs generally increased DTR (deep tendon reflex) positive Babinski sign on both sides, hypesthesia in the C8 and T1 areas on the left and below this level on the right and urinary disturbances. At operation for decompression the vertebral bones, dura mater and nerve roots appeared intact. There were small dilated blood vessels and a small area of yellowish discoloration on the dorsal surface of the swollen cord. The patient died of respiratory failure 3 mo. after a 2nd operation. Autopsy revealed bronchogenic carcinoma in the right lung with extensive metastases in the spinal cord at the C5-T3 level, cerebrum, cerebellum, lungs, liver, spleen, lymph nodes and so on. In contrast to extramedullary metastasis, intramedullary spinal cord metastasis is rare. The clinical features of the latter are essentially the same as those of primary spinal cord tumors except for the rapid progression of the symptoms. Laboratory studies and .times.-ray examinations are of limited value in diagnosis.