Cauda equina non-Hodgkin lymphoma and literature review: Report of 2 cases

Abstract

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) occurring in the cauda equina region within the spinal canal is exceedingly rare. It is characterized by severe clinical symptoms, a high rate of misdiagnosis, rapid progression, poor prognosis, and significant metastasis potential. In this paper, we report 1 case of a 58-year-old female with primary NHL and another case of a 69-year-old male with secondary NHL. Both cases exhibited similar MRI findings, presenting the ``cauda equina engulfment'' sign. Early diagnosis and treatment, based on the recognition of these rare imaging features in combination with clinical history and cauda equina histopathological examination, are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Keywords

• Cauda equina
• Spinal canal
• Lymphoma
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)