Evaluation and Treatment of Primary Spinal Epidural Lymphoma Presenting as Acute Myelopathy in a Young Adult: A Case Report.

Journal: JBJS Case Connector
Published:
Abstract

Case: Primary spinal epidural lymphoma (PSEL) presenting as myelopathy is extremely rare, particularly within young, healthy adults. This case report describes a 26-year-old man presenting with progressive thoracic myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed spinal epidural masses spanning T5-T10 and T12-L2 with multilevel cord compression and edema. After evaluation, the patient underwent emergent posterior decompression to prevent progressive neurological decline. Histology was consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, germinal center type. At 3 months postoperatively, the patient regained full neurologic function.

Conclusion: Although rare, PSELs should be considered in patients presenting with myelopathy to facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment.

Authors
R Cowley, Austin Carroll, Kory B Pasko, Eric Rubenstein, Yahia Tagouri, David Weiner