Metastatic carcinoma related long segment thoracic spinal epidural hematoma: a case report.

Methods: Case report. Objective: To report a long segment epidural hematoma with thoracic cord compression caused by a metastatic carcinoma.

Background: To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma caused by metastatic carcinoma.

Methods: A 60-year-old woman with back pain and progressive leg weakness suddenly developed complete paraplegia and anesthesia below T8. A thoracic spine MRI showed an epidural hematoma and metastatic tumor. We describe the clinical course, radiographic imaging, operative findings, and treatment results.

Results: Despite immediate surgery, the patient failed to have any significant improvement in her neurologic symptoms. A previously unsuspected primary lung tumor was diagnosed. She died 6 months after spine surgery.

Conclusions: Spinal epidural hematoma can occur in association with metastatic tumors in that area.