Epidural Metastasis in Malignant Thymoma Mimicking Epidural Abscess: Case Report and Literature Review.
10.14245/kjs.2017.14.4.162
- Author:
Ji Yoon KIM
1
;
Young Seok LEE
;
Dong Ho KANG
;
Min Hye KIM
;
Jeong Hee LEE
;
Chul Hee LEE
;
In Sung PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Thymoma;
Thymic carcinoma;
Spinal metastasis
- MeSH:
Abscess;
Aged;
Epidural Abscess*;
Epidural Space;
Hand Strength;
Humans;
Kidney;
Laminectomy;
Liver;
Neoplasm Metastasis*;
Thymoma*;
Thymus Gland;
Wrist
- From:Korean Journal of Spine
2017;14(4):162-165
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are rare epithelial tumors that originate from the thymus gland. Extrathoracic metastases occur in the liver, kidney, and bone in 1% to 15% of patients. Although thymoma and thymic carcinoma exhibit highly aggressive biological behavior, spinal metastasis is rare. We describe a 78-year-old man with left wrist and grasp weakness that occurred 7 days before admission. The patient underwent thymoma surgery 7 years ago and was cured. Magnetic resonance images showed a rim-enhanced mass in the C6–7–T1 epidural space. C6–7–T1 laminectomy was performed and the mass was removed. Histological examination was performed and patient was diagnosed with metastatic thymoma. The previous reported case occurred with involvement of the vertebral body or posterior element, but our case was mostly rim-enhanced and appeared as an abscess and intradural extramedullary tumor.
