Spinal cord astrocytoma mimicking multifocal myelitis. (July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Neutel, Dulce; Teodoro, Tiago; Coelho, Miguel; Pimentel, José; Albuquerque, Luísa
• Is Part Of: Journal of spinal cord medicine. Volume 37:Number 4(2014:Jul.)
• Page Start: 429
• Page End: 431
• Publication Date: 2014-07
• Subjects: Non-enhancing spinal astrocytoma -- Demyelinating diseases; Spinal cord -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Spinal cord -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.8305
• DOI: 10.1179/2045772313Y.0000000187
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1079-0268

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Differential diagnosis of acute/subacute intrinsic spinal cord lesions can be challenging. In addition, intramedullary neoplasms typically show gadolinium enhancement, mass effect, and cord expansion. Case report: We report a patient with spinal cord and brain stem lesions resembling multifocal myelitis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no spinal cord enlargement or gadolinium enhancing. Treatment of myelitis was undertaken without stopping the progression of the disease. Biopsy was made and led to a histological diagnosis of astrocytoma. Discussion: Astrocytoma must remain as a possible diagnosis of spinal cord lesions, even without typical characteristics of neoplasms. Furthermore, biopsy should always be considered when diagnosis is uncertain.