Open AccessCavernous malformation of a thoracic spinal nerve root: Case report and review of literature
Author(s) -
Juan C Vicenty,
Ricardo J. Fernández-de Thomas,
Samuel Estronza,
Miguel Mayol Del Valle,
Emil A. Pastrana
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
asian journal of neurosurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1793-5482
DOI - 10.4103/ajns.ajns_249_18
Subject(s) - medicine , cavernous malformations , nerve root , lesion , spinal cord , thoracic vertebrae , magnetic resonance imaging , dura mater , differential diagnosis , weakness , spinal nerve , anatomy , surgery , radiology , pathology , lumbar vertebrae , lumbar , psychiatry
Intradural extramedullary spinal cavernous malformations (CMs) remain the least common variant of these lesions and can originate from the inner surface of the dura mater, the pial surface of the spinal cord, and the blood vessels in the spinal nerves. Root-based-only extramedullary CMs are very rare in the thoracic region with only four cases reported. We present a case of 56-year-old male with 1-year progression of lower extremities weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a hyperintense lesion in the upper thoracic region. Surgical exploration revealed a CM with origin in the second thoracic nerve root with gross total resection. Histopathological examination confirmed a CM. The patient had complete recovery of neurological function at 3 months interval. Intradural extramedullary CM is extremely rare entity that must be considered in the differential diagnosis of intradural extramedullary lesions. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice to prevent further neurological damage.