Evaluation and Treatment of Primary Spinal Epidural Lymphoma Presenting as Acute Myelopathy in a Young Adult: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2023 Aug 17;13(3). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.23.00111. eCollection 2023 Jul 1.

Abstract

Case: Primary spinal epidural lymphoma (PSEL) presenting as myelopathy is extremely rare, particularly within young, healthy adults. This case report describes a 26-year-old man presenting with progressive thoracic myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed spinal epidural masses spanning T5-T10 and T12-L2 with multilevel cord compression and edema. After evaluation, the patient underwent emergent posterior decompression to prevent progressive neurological decline. Histology was consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, germinal center type. At 3 months postoperatively, the patient regained full neurologic function.

Conclusion: Although rare, PSELs should be considered in patients presenting with myelopathy to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Marrow Diseases*
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse* / complications
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse* / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases*
  • Spinal Cord Compression* / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord Compression* / etiology
  • Spinal Cord Compression* / surgery
  • Spinal Cord Diseases*
  • Young Adult