Vertebral metastases from renal cell carcinoma

Case contributed by Brendon Friesen
Diagnosis almost certain

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male

Note: This case has been tagged as "legacy" as it no longer meets image preparation and/or other case publication guidelines.

Compression fractures T11 and L3 vertebral bodies associated with lytic lesions.

Surgical clips (left nephrectomy).

Lytic lesion of L3 vertebral body with pathological fracture, and posterior extraosseous tumor which compresses the thecal sac.

T11 vertebral body and pedicle metastasis.

CT 4 years previous - L3 lesion not present, T11 lesion similar.

L3 vertebral body pathological fracture and extraosseous epidural enhancing tumor, which compresses the thecal sac.

Old (quiescent) T11 metastasis.

Lower thoracic and upper lumbar post-radiotherapy fatty marrow changes.

Post-operative radiograph: L2-L4 instrumented fusion, L3 laminectomy.

Case Discussion

L3 vertebral metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (histologically proven).

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