Unusual exophytic neurocytoma of thoracic spine mimicking meningioma: a case report and review of the literature

Eur Spine J. 2011 Jul;20 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S239-42. doi: 10.1007/s00586-010-1625-1. Epub 2010 Nov 25.

Abstract

Extraventricular neurocytoma (EVN) in the spinal cord is extremely rare and only 15 cases have been reported in the English literature. Fourteen cases presented as an intramedullary lesion with spinal cord enlargement in cervico-thoracic segment and one case presented as an extramedullary lesion originating from cauda equina. Herein, we report an unusual spinal neurocytoma with exophytic growth from the thoracic spinal cord with cord compression mimicking meningioma. To our knowledge, this is the first case of exophytic spinal neurocytoma recorded in the English literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Meningioma / pathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurocytoma / complications
  • Neurocytoma / pathology*
  • Neurocytoma / surgery
  • Spinal Cord Compression / etiology
  • Spinal Cord Compression / surgery
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / complications
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / surgery
  • Thoracic Vertebrae
  • Thoracotomy