Primary Cervical Intradural Extramedullary Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors Presented as Acute Transverse Myelitis: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Primary spinal cord presentation of primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) is a rare occurrence and carries a poor prognosis. A 20-year-old female patient presented with pain in the neck region, bilateral upper and lower limb weakness, and bladder and bowel dysfunction. Neurological examination revealed the marked paresis with hyporeflexia of both the upper and hyperreflexia of lower extremities. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging of the spine revealed an intradural mass at the C6–D1 level. A laminectomy of C5 to upper half D1 vertebra level and near-total removal of the tumor was performed. Pathological findings were consistent with PNET. The clinical, histopathological, and radiological findings of the patient are presented.

Keywords

primitive neuroectodermal tumor - intradural extramedullary spinal tumor - cervical spinal cord

Publication History

Received: 12 May 2016

Accepted: 20 June 2016

Article published online:
22 November 2016

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