Epidural Spinal Cord Compression as the Presenting Manifestation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report and Literature Review

Intern Med. 2023 Feb 1;62(3):453-457. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9580-22. Epub 2022 Jul 5.

Abstract

We herein report a rare case of spinal cord compression due to epidural involvement of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A 14-year-old boy presented with a 7-day history of back pain, paraplegia and hypoesthesia. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed an epidural mass. Emergency laminectomy and resection of the mass were performed. Histopathologically, the resected mass was comparable to an extramedullary mass of AML. Chemotherapy was initiated, and complete remission was achieved. Neurological sequelae remained after the treatment. Based on the present and previous reports, spinal cord compression from epidural AML involvement may progress rapidly.

Keywords: acute myeloid leukemia; extramedullary infiltration; spinal cord compression.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute* / complications
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute* / diagnosis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Spinal Cord
  • Spinal Cord Compression* / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord Compression* / etiology
  • Spinal Cord Compression* / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / adverse effects