Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis from pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor

World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Oct 14;20(38):14063-7. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i38.14063.

Abstract

Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis (ISCM) is very rare and its optimal treatment remains controversial. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET) is a rare tumor that usually presents with hepatic metastasis. Hepatic failure due to tumor progression is the major cause of death in cases of pNET. To date, no report has described a case of ISCM from pNET. Although spinal cord metastasis of a solid tumor is uncommon, it is a critical condition that can cause a potentially irreversible loss of neurologic function. Here, we report the case of a 45-year-old man who presented with leg weakness and voiding difficulty, and was found to have ISCM from pNET. Surgical treatment prevented further neurological deterioration. This is the first case report of ISCM from pNET.

Keywords: Intramedullary; Metastasis; Neuroendocrine tumor; Pancreas; Spinal cord neoplasm.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Biopsy
  • Disease Progression
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology
  • Muscle Weakness / physiopathology
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / chemistry
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / complications
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / secondary*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / surgery
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / complications
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / surgery
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urination Disorders / etiology
  • Urination Disorders / physiopathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor