Primary spinal Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma presenting as impending cauda equina syndrome: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Malignant lymphoma (ML) can involve the central nervous system either primarily or by secondary spread, which tends to occur late in the disease as part of widespread dissemination. Lymphoma presenting as primary tumors of the spinal cord is extremely uncommon. Primary spinal lymphoma if detected early can have a good prognosis with no relapse after effective treatment.

Case presentation: A 32 years old male patient presented with the symptoms of impending cauda equina syndrome which was managed with surgery and chemotherapy. The patient was successfully treated without the relapse of his condition at his 6 months follow-up scan.Discussion: Primary spinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare entity among extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. MRI is usually non-confirmatory and needs immunohistochemistry for the correct diagnosis. R-CHOP regimen is the standard chemotherapy regimen. Surgical decompression is required in cases of impending neurological injury along with radiotherapy.

Conclusion: Primary spinal epidural diffuse large B-cell lymphoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with back pain and symptoms of impending cauda equina syndrome. It is important to early detect and treat the disease to prevent permanent neurological injury and metastasis.

Keywords: Case report; Decompression; Diffuse large B cell Lymphoma; Non-hodgkin lymphoma; Primary spinal lymphoma.