Lumbar Chordoma Presenting as an Epidural Collection with Vertebral Destruction- An Unusual Cause of Lumbar Canal Stenosis
Chordomas are locally aggressive neoplastic lesions that arise from physalipherous cell nests that originate from notochordal remnants left behind during early foetal development. Chordomas of the mobile spine (C3-L5) constitute less than 5% of the overall incidence of chordomas in the spine. They...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2021-09-01
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| Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.jcdr.net/articles/PDF/15431/50060_CE[Ra1]_F[SH]_PF1(SC_SHU)_PFA(KM)_PN(SS).pdf |
| Summary: | Chordomas are locally aggressive neoplastic lesions that arise from physalipherous cell nests that originate from notochordal remnants
left behind during early foetal development. Chordomas of the mobile spine (C3-L5) constitute less than 5% of the overall incidence
of chordomas in the spine. They generally are osteodestructive leading to vertebral collapse and severe deficits including paraplegia
and quadriplegia. Here authors presented a case of 26-year-old female presented with severe bilateral L5 radicular pain, no deficits
and intact bladder and bowel control. The pain was progressive and resistant to analgesic medication. On imaging a collection in the
lumbar spine emanating from the L5 vertebral body extending into the canal leading to secondary spinal canal stenosis was observed.
On surgical exploration a soft friable vascular mass compressing the dural tube and the exiting nerve roots was observed and the
mass was analysed and found to be a chordoma. Although, these lesions are seen to compress the vital neural elements of the spine,
the presence of a collection in the spinal canal was unusual and resembled tuberculosis which is a much common lesion, or pyogenic
osteomyelitis of the vertebral body. Both differentials were proven wrong. Such an approach not only detected and treated the lesion
early, but good rehabilitation and adjuvant therapy was initiated enabling excellent overall quality of life to the patient. |
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| ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |