Open AccessPrimary pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma of the spinal cord: A case report and review of literature
Author(s) -
Mayur Sharma,
Ver Velho,
Rachana Binayake,
Hrushikesh Kharosekar
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
asian journal of neurosurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2248-9614
DOI - 10.4103/1793-5482.145547
Subject(s) - medicine , spinal cord , spinal cord neoplasm , histopathology , magnetic resonance imaging , radiation therapy , pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma , surgery , weakness , radiology , astrocytoma , pathology , glioma , cancer research , psychiatry
Primary pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) of the spinal cord is a rare slow growing tumor. To our knowledge, only five such cases have been reported in the literature till date. We report the clinical, radiological, and histopathological features of a spinal PXA in a 23-year-old female previously operated 5 years back for a spinal tumor, presented with weakness in lower limbs, sphincter incontinence and low back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging scan with contrast reveals an intramedullary lesion in the spinal cord from D8-D10 level. The patient was operated with reexploration of the previous incision, and gross total excision was achieved. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of PXA. Clinical and radiological follow-up is required to detect early recurrence. Adjunct radiotherapy or and chemotherapy should be considered only when there is postoperative residual or recurrence, however there are no definite guidelines in view of the rarity of this condition.