Primary intramedullary spinal-cord lymphoma (PISCL): a rare entity with a challenging diagnosis. Issue 5 (19th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martins, Emanuel Santos; Duque, Cristina; Rebelo, Olinda; Batista, Sónia
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 14:Issue 5(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05-19
• Subjects: neuroimaging -- neurooncology -- spinal cord -- pathology -- haematology (incl blood transfusion); Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-242548
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Primary intramedullary spinal-cord lymphoma (PISCL) is a rare cause of myelopathy and constitutes only 1% of central nervous system lymphomas. Delay to diagnosis is common due to its rarity, its similarity to other causes of myelopathy and the difficulties in obtaining pathological diagnosis. We report a case of PISCL and discuss the challenges faced on diagnosis, namely the impact of corticosteroids on histological findings, the usefulness of MRI, positron-emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) and repeated lumbar punctures.