These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Primary pleomorphic liposarcoma of the thoracic epidural space: case report.
    Author: Halevi PD, Ramirez-de-Noriega F, Fellig Y, Gomori JM, Cohen JE, Itshayek E.
    Journal: Spine J; 2015 Dec 01; 15(12):e71-5. PubMed ID: 26343245.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Pleomorphic liposarcoma (PLS) is a rare malignant soft tissue tumor comprising 5%-15% of liposarcomas and characterized by high malignant potential. To our knowledge only three cases of this entity have been reported in the spine. PURPOSE: We describe the only reported case of a purely epidural PLS with no macroscopic bone involvement at diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A case presenting clinical evidence that PLS may arise from the epidural fat is reported. METHODS: The clinical presentation, management, and outcome in a case of primary PLS of the thoracic spine, and a review of the literature, are presented. RESULTS: A 70-year-male presented with sudden onset lower extremity weakness, constipation, and back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an epidural lesion at T5 with noted mass effect compressing the spinal cord and extension to the T5-T6 foramen. Urgent decompressive laminectomy with gross total resection was performed. Histopathology revealed high-grade PLS. Adjunct radiotherapy was prescribed. The tumor recurred 3 months later. In spite of repeat surgery, additional radiation, and chemotherapy, the patient developed widespread metastases and succumbed to his disease 1 year after treatment began. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal PLS is a rare entity, but nonetheless may arise from epidural fat and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary spinal cord lesions.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]