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Spinal low grade chondrosarcoma

Case contributed by Ernest Lekgabe
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Background history of cervical tumor resection as in childhood - hsitology unknown. Presented with symptoms and signs of myelopathy. Recurrent cervical tumor on MRI. Underwent laminectomy and resection. Postoperative course complicated by orthostatic headache.

Patient Data

Age: 60
Gender: Male

CT Cervical Spine

ct

Evidence of previous C7/T1 laminectomy. Partly calcified lesion in the right C7/T1 lateral recess.

MRI Cx spine C+

mri

Evidence of previous C7/T1 laminectomy. Lobulated markedly T2 hyperintense peripherally enhancing lesion in the right C7/T1 lateral recess, in keeping with tumor recurrence.

Surgical resection of the tumor was performed and confirmed to be chondroma on histology.

MRI Cx spine C+ 6 mth post op

mri

Large postsurgical pseudomeningocele.

MRI Cx spine C+ 9 mth post op

mri

Evidence of previous C7/T1 laminectomy. Previously demonstrated large pseudomeningocele extending posteriorly through the laminectomy defect has increased in size, now measuring approximately 58 x 45 x 60 mm (AP x ML x SI), previously measuring 48 x 40 x 49 mm (AP x ML x SI). The lesion extends through the right epidural space at C7/T1 level with mild flattening and displacement of the cord to the left side. A large thecal defect allows free communication between the subarachnoid space and the pseudomeningocoele. It partially wraps around the right anterior aspect of the cord and extends through the right C7/T1 intervertebral foramen, with bony remodeling and widening of the exit neural foramen, into the paravertebral space and extending along the T1 nerve root. The epidural/foraminal/extraforaminal component has also increased in size since the previous study, now measuring 30 x 16 x 15 mm and previously 22 x 14 x 6 m. Enhancement of the wall of the pseudomeningocele is also more prominent than previously. No new cervical lesion.

Conclusion: Increased size of the C7/T1 pseudomeningocele communicating with the subarachnoid via a large defect.  Increased size of the epidural/foraminal/extraforaminal component with Increased enhancement, suggestive of tumor recurrence.

MRI Cx spine C+ 9 mth post op

mri

Small volume of blood laying in both occipital horns of the lateral ventricles and susceptibility artefact around the brain stem in keeping with superficial siderosis.

pathology

Re resection was performed (third operation altogether).

Tumor sections show nodular fragments of a moderately cellular chondroid neoplasm. Tumor cells are set within a variably loose myxoid to dense cartilaginous stroma. Frequent binucleated tumor cells are present. Scattered mitotic figures are identified. Tumor cells contain enlarged, hypochromatic, angulated nuclei.

Immunohistochemistry results show tumor cells stain: S100+, M2A+, CAM5.2- and Ki67 40-50%.

Case Discussion

DIAGNOSIS: Low-grade chondrosarcoma.

Intraventricular blood and superficial siderosis around the brain stem, shown on MRI brain before the last operation, was most likely related to the presence of pseudomeningocoele. The relationtioship between the two has been well described.

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