Case Reports in Neurological Medicine (Jan 2012)

Primary Dumbbell-Shaped Lymphoma of the Thoracic Spine: A Case Report

  • Antonio Meola,
  • Paolo Perrini,
  • Nicola Montemurro,
  • Paolo di Russo,
  • Giacomo Tiezzi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/647682
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2012

Abstract

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Primary spinal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is extremely rare, and the occurrence of spinal dumbbell-shaped lymphoma is exceptional. We present a case of primary spinal dumbbell-shaped lymphoma to clarify the diagnosis and the management of these lesions. A 45-year-old man presented with sensory symptoms for 8 months. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine demonstrated a dumbbell-shaped lesion at the D4–D6 level with spinal cord compression and right foraminal extension at D4–D5 level. The patient underwent D4–D6 laminectomy, with a subtotal resection of the mass. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was diagnosed in the pathological examination. He underwent local spinal radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Follow-up evaluation at one year demonstrated no evidence of relapse. Although highly unusual, lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnosis for spinal dumbbell-shaped tumours. After surgery and adjuvant therapy a long-term clinical and neuroradiological followup is mandatory.