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BACKGROUND Hemangioblastomas are rare, slow-growing, and highly vascularized tumors that typically occur in the cerebellum and spinal cord. The cervical and thoracic regions are the most common spinal sites, and the tumors are usually intramedullary. OBSERVATIONS The authors report the case of a man whose chest computed tomography performed for managing coronavirus disease 2019 incidentally revealed an enhancing area in the spinal canal at T12–L1. The patient reported low back pain as well as leg numbness and tingling. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar region with and without gadolinium contrast demonstrated an intradural, extramedullary lesion with displacement of the conus medullaris. The differential diagnosis included a schwannoma and myxopapillary ependymoma. Bilateral T12–L1 laminectomies were performed with resection of the mass. The general pathologist rendered the frozen section diagnosis of a spindle cell neoplasm, suggesting the differential diagnosis of schwannoma or myxopapillary ependymoma. Immunohistochemistry was positive for inhibin, GFAP, reticulin, CD31, SOX-10, S100, and EMA. A World Health Organization grade 1 hemangioblastoma was confirmed. LESSONS Spinal surgeons should be cognizant of the presenting symptoms and differential diagnosis of hemangioblastomas at the level of the conus medullaris, especially when the tumor is diagnosed incidentally. Additional investigations should be performed to determine whether von Hippel-Lindau syndrome is associated with the hemangioblastoma, as this combination portends a different clinical presentation, multiple tumor locations, and tumor recurrence following resection.

Background: Spinal hemangioblastomas account for 1–3% of all spinal cord tumors and are mostly intramedullary in location. Here, we report an intradural extramedullary hemangioblastoma of the thoracic spine, occurring in in a patient without von Hippel-Lindau disease. Case Description: A 58-year-old female had a 5-year history of progressive left lower extremity weakness. When the MR demonstrated an intradural/extramedullary lesion with a syrinx at the T2-3 level, she successfully underwent gross total tumor excision following which she neurologically improved. Conclusion: Here, we report a rare case of an intradural/extramedullary thoracic hemangioblastoma successfully excised at the T 2-3 level in a patient without von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Spinal schwannomas are benign WHO grade I nerve sheath tumors that account for nearly 30% of all spinal neoplasm. Typically, these lesions are intradural extramedullary in location and are composed entirely of well-differentiated eosinophilic Schwann cells. Intramedullary schwannomas, however, are extremely rare due to the lack of Schwan cells in the normal spinal cord and represent 1% of all the spinal schwannoma population. The presence of such an intramedullary component makes diagnosis challenging as imaging features may resemble other intramedullary neoplastic entities. Here, we describe a case of a 56-year-old male patient who presented with an 18-month history of intermittent right-sided mid-thoracic pain secondary to multiple intradural extramedullary spinal schwannoma with intramedullary extensions. We also review the literature pertaining to the condition.

Intradural extramedullary peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET) with t(11;22) is a rare clinical finding in the pediatric population with few published cases in the literature. The authors report 3 cases of intradural primary pPNET and discuss the clinical presentation, treatment, and survival of the patients. Clinicians should be vigilant in considering pPNET in the differential diagnosis of extradural masses. The authors also compare the clinical course and outcome of therapy with primary PNET of the central nervous system and Ewing sarcoma family of tumors. In addition, this report highlights the risk for leptomeningeal dissemination at recurrence and discusses the importance of central nervous system-targeted therapy for durable disease control.

OBJECTIVE A major challenge of a minimally invasive spinal approach (MIS) is maintaining freedom of maneuverability through small operative corridors. Unfortunately, during tubular resection of intradural pathologies, the durotomy and its accompanying tenting sutures offer a smaller operating window than the maximum surface of the tube’s base. The objective of this study was to evaluate if a novel double tubular technique could expand the surgical visual field during MIS resection of intradural pathologies. METHODS A total of 25 MIS resections of intradural extramedullary pathologies were included. A posterior tubular interlaminar fenestration was performed in all surgeries. A durotomy covering the whole diameter of the tubular base was the standard in all cases. After placement of two tenting sutures on each side of the durotomy and application of tension, the resulting surface of the achieved dura fenestration was measured after optical analysis of the intraoperative video. In the next step, a second tube, 2 mm thinner than and the same length as the first, was inserted telescopically into the first tube, resulting an angulated fulcrum effect on the tenting sutures. RESULTS Optical surface analysis of the dura fenestration before and after the second tubular insertion verified a significant widening of the visual field of 43.1% (mean 18.84 mm2, 95% CI 16.8–20.8, p value < 0.001). There were no ruptured tenting sutures through the increased tension. Postoperative MRIs verified complete resection of the pathologies. CONCLUSIONS Inserting a second tube telescopically during posterior minimally invasive tubular spinal intradural surgery leads to an angulated fulcrum effect on the dura tenting sutures which consequently increases the surface of the dura fenestration and induces a meaningful widening of the visual field.

Study Design: Retrospective diagnostic analysis. Objectives: To establish a new predictor of surgical outcome after surgery for intradural extramedullary spinal tumor (IDEMT) in the thoracic spine, we introduced shape factor (SF), a mathematical description of the morphology of the spinal cord. SF was calculated by dividing object area by the square of perimeter. Materials and Methods: Forty-three consecutive patients with IDEMT, detected by magnetic resonance imaging at the thoracic level with myelopathic signs, were included. Preoperative transverse cross-sectional area (CSA) and perimeter of the spinal cord (perimeter) at the level of maximal compression were measured. SF was calculated as 4π × CSA/(perimeter)2. The association between clinicoradiological factors and surgical outcome of IDEMT was statistically analyzed. Results: Mean CSA, perimeter, and SF were 27.8 ± 15.8 mm2, 28.8 ± 6.1 mm, and 0.385 ± 0.14, respectively. A histogram distribution revealed that perimeter and SF, but not CSA, fit the normal distribution. The patients were subdivided into 2 groups according to postoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Score (mJOA). [group F (favorable): n = 32, mJOA ≥ 9; group UF (unfavorable): n = 11, mJOA < 9). Group UF had significantly lower mean CSA and SF. In univariate analysis of possible predictive factors for IDEMT surgery, greater age, lower preoperative mJOA, and lower SF were significantly associated with unfavorable outcome. In multivariate analysis, lower SF was the only significant predictor of postoperative outcome (odds ratio = 2.66, 95% CI 1.10–6.39, p = 0.0115). Conclusion: Measurements of CSA and perimeter, followed by calculation of SF, may provide valuable quantitative information for the outcome of surgery for IDEMT.

Background To present a surgical technique for the treatment of intradural extramedullary (IDEM) tumors by using endoscopically controlled surgery with open hemilaminectomy technique. Methods In this study, 20 patients with 22 IDEM tumors were enrolled. An endoscopically controlled surgery with open hemilaminectomy was employed to remove the tumors. Data related to clinical symptoms and medical images before and after surgery were collected for perioperative evaluation and follow-up analysis. Results All the tumors in 20 patients were well removed. The clinical symptoms were significantly reduced in all the patients as well. The short-term follow-up data showed that there was no tumor recurrence or spinal deformity. Conclusion The endoscopically controlled surgery with open hemilaminectomy technique provided favorable exposure and satisfactory resection to the IDEM tumors. It may be an effective surgical method for treating IDEM tumors. Larger samples and longer follow-up data are needed to verify its long-term effectiveness.

Technological innovations in spinal intradural tumor surgery simplify treatment. Surgical treatment of cranial benign and malignant pathologies under microscope with sodium (Na)-fluorescein guidance has often been reported, but few studies have focused on spinal intradural tumors. We aimed to investigate the usefulness of Na-fluorescein under yellow filter in intradural spinal tumor surgery by retrospectively reviewing cases involving intramedullary and extramedullary tumors operated under the guidance of Na-fluorescein. Forty-nine adult patients with a diagnosis of spinal intradural tumor operated under a yellow filter (560 nm) microscope using Na-fluorescein dye were included in the study. Demographic data, such as age and sex, neurological status, extent of tumor resection, histopathological diagnosis, Na-fluorescein staining pattern, and its usefulness during surgery were noted and statistically analyzed. Of all recruited patients, 26 women (53.1%) and 23 men (46.9%), were included for analysis. The age range of the patients was 18–64 years, with a mean age of 41.6 ± 13.9. An intradural intramedullary mass was found in 30.6% (n = 15) of the patients, and an intradural extramedullary mass in 69.4% (n: 34). While Na-fluorescein staining was homogeneous in all intradural extramedullary tumors, 73.3% (n: 11) of intradural intramedullary tumors were homogeneous, and 13.3% (n: 2) moderately heterogeneous. In the whole study group, the Na-fluorescein staining pattern was helpful in surgical resection in 47 cases (95.9%). While 34/34 (100%) found it helpful for extramedullary tumors, 13/15 (86.7%) did in intramedullary tumors, and for 2/15 (13.3%) it was not. In conclusion, Na-fluorescein helps in distinguishing tumor from healthy tissue in intradural extramedullary and intramedullary tumor surgery under a yellow filter microscope in most cases, thus providing convenient assistance to surgeons.

Meningiomas were named by Harvey Cushing in 1922 and described as common tumors that arise from arachnoid cap cells...

Radiation therapy plays an integral role in the modern management of benign and malignant tumors in the extramedullary space. Necessary components of radiation therapy include patient simulation, immobilization, target delineation, and quality assurance. Radiotherapy is administered in three general circumstances: primary (upfront) treatment for incidental and mildly symptomatic tumors, adjuvant treatment in both subtotal and gross total resections, and treatment of progressive recurrent disease. Advanced radiation modalities include radiosurgery and proton beam radiation. Benign tumors of the extramedullary spine that can be treated with radiation include meningioma, schwannoma, and neurofibroma. Malignant tumors of the extramedullary spine include rare entities such as intradural metastases and more commonly, leptomeningeal disease. We present multiple cases wherein new-age radiosurgical platforms are utilized in the treatment of intradural extramedullary tumors.

OBJECTIVE Ventrally situated thoracic intradural extramedullary tumors are surgically challenging and difficult to access, and they may be complicated by extensive adhesions and calcifications. Selecting an approach for adequate ventral access is key to complete resection and optimization of outcomes. The authors present a case series of patients who underwent resection of ventral thoracic intradural extramedullary tumors and discuss indications and considerations for this technique. Additionally, they describe the use of a posterolateral transpedicular approach for resection of ventral thoracic intradural extramedullary tumors compared with other techniques, and they summarize the literature supporting its application. METHODS From May 2017 to August 2020, 5 patients with ventral thoracic intradural extramedullary tumors underwent resection at one of the two academic institutions. RESULTS Patient ages ranged from 47 to 75 (mean 63.4) years. All tumors were diagnosed as meningiomas or schwannomas by histological examination. Three of the 5 patients had evidence of partial or extensive tumor calcification. Four of the 5 patients underwent an initial posterolateral transpedicular approach for resection, with positive radiographic and clinical outcomes from surgery. One patient initially underwent an unsuccessful traditional direct posterior approach and required additional resection 2 years later after interval disease progression. There were no postoperative wound infections, CSF leaks, or other complications related to the transpedicular approach. CONCLUSIONS Posterolateral transpedicular tumor resection is a safe technique for the treatment of complex ventrally situated thoracic intradural extramedullary tumors compared with the direct posterior approach. Anecdotally, this approach appears to be particularly beneficial in patients with calcified tumors.

Background: Noncommunicating extradural spinal arachnoid cysts are extremely rare. They are believed to arise from congenital defects in the dura mater and become enlarged as a consequence of increased cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) pressure within the subarachnoid space. Most retain a communicating pedicle through which the extradural cyst maintains connection with the subarachnoid space, and only rarely does this communication become sealed. The optimal treatment consists of complete surgical removal of the cyst with ligation of the communicating pedicle. Case Description: A 29-year-old male presented with a progressive spastic paraparesis of 6 months’ duration. The MRI showed a circumscribed intradural extramedullary cystic lesion located from D11-L2. Notably, peroperatively, the cyst appeared to be entirely extradural, without a communicating intradural pedicle. Further, no CSF leak was observed even after Valsalva maneuvers. Following surgical extirpation of the cyst, the patient sustained an uneventful recovery within 1 postoperative month. Conclusion: Noncommunicating extradural arachnoid cysts are extremely rare causes of spinal cord compression and should be fully excised.

Background: Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas (PXAs) are uncommon intradural and typically intramedullary astrocytic central nervous system tumors. Although they commonly occur supratentorially, they are rarely seen in the spine. Case Description: A 43-year-old male presented with cervical neck pain and right-sided radicular symptoms. He was found to have an intradural extramedullary mass at the C5–C6 level. The lesion was fully excised and proved to be a PXA. Of interest, the lesion did not recur on postoperative MR imaging studies obtained 7 months later. Conclusion: While rare, primary intradural extramedullary spinal PXA has been reported. Here, we review such a lesion occurring in a 43-year-old male who did well following gross total excision of the tumor.

BACKGROUND: Intradural extramedullary spinal cord tumors (ID-EMSCT) make up 40% of all spinal neoplasms. Resection of these tumors is mostly conducted using intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM). However, the literature shows heterogenous data on its added value for ID-EMSCT. The aim of this study is to define sensitivity and specificity of IONM in ID-EMSCT resection and to study possible correlations between preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables and neurologic outcomes after ID-EMSCT resection.METHODS: Data of patients undergoing ID-EMSCT surgeries with IONM from January 2012 until July 2019 were examined. Using neurologic status 6 weeks and 1 year postoperatively, sensitivity and specificity for IONM were calculated. IONM test results and neurologic outcomes were paired to preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters.RESULTS: Data of 78 patients were analyzed. 6 weeks postoperatively, 14.10% of patients had worse neurologic status, decreasing to 9.84% 1 year postoperatively. Multimodal IONM showed a sensitivity of 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.94) and a specificity of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.66-0.87) after 6 weeks, and a sensitivity of 1.00 (95% CI, 0.54-1.00) and a specificity of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.57-0.82) after 1 year.CONCLUSIONS: IONM yielded high to perfect sensitivity and high specificity. However, IONM signals did not always determine the extent of resection, and false-positive results did not always result in incomplete tumor resections, because of surgeons overruling IONM. Therefore, IONM cannot fully replace clinical judgment and other perioperative information.

Background:Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is a rare cartilaginous neoplasm that typically involves the axial skeleton. Despite a well-circumscribed appearance, this tumor has a tendency to recur both locally and with distant metastases.Case Description:A 17-year-old patient presented with numbness and paresthesias in the lower extremities attributed to a T10-T11 intradural extramedullary mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. The patient was treated with aggressive local resection and adjuvant therapy. Here, this case and present literature are appropriately reviewed.Conclusion:Although uncommon, intraspinal mesenchymal chondrosarcomas warrant both radical local resection and aggressive adjuvant therapy with chemoradiation to provide the greatest chance of progression-free survival.

OBJECTIVEGross-total resection (GTR) is the treatment of choice in the majority of patients suffering from spinal ependymal tumors. In such tumors, the extent of resection (EOR) is considered the key factor for tumor recurrence and thus patient prognosis. However, incomplete resection is not uncommon and leads to increased risk of tumor recurrence. One important cause of incomplete resection is insufficient intraoperative visualization of tumor tissue as well as residual tumor tissue. Therefore, the authors investigated the value of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)–induced fluorescence in a series of spinal ependymal tumors for improved tumor visualization.METHODSAdult patients who underwent preoperative 5-ALA administration and surgery for a spinal ependymal tumor were included in this study. For each tumor, a conventional white-light microsurgical resection was performed. Additionally, the fluorescence status (strong, vague, or no fluorescence) and fluorescence homogeneity (homogenous or inhomogeneous) of the spinal ependymal tumors were evaluated during surgery using a modified neurosurgical microscope. In intramedullary tumor cases with assumed GTR, the resection cavity was investigated for potential residual fluorescing foci under white-light microscopy. In cases with residual fluorescing foci, these areas were safely resected and the corresponding samples were histopathologically screened for the presence of tumor tissue.RESULTSIn total, 31 spinal ependymal tumors, including 27 intramedullary tumors and 4 intradural extramedullary tumors, were included in this study. Visible fluorescence was observed in the majority of spinal ependymal tumors (n = 25, 81%). Of those, strong fluorescence was noted in 23 of these cases (92%), whereas vague fluorescence was present in 2 cases (8%). In contrast, no fluorescence was observed in the remaining 6 tumors (19%). Most ependymal tumors demonstrated an inhomogeneous fluorescence effect (17 of 25 cases, 68%). After assumed GTR in intramedullary tumors (n = 15), unexpected residual fluorescing foci within the resection cavity could be detected in 5 tumors (33%). These residual fluorescing foci histopathologically corresponded to residual tumor tissue in all cases.CONCLUSIONSThis study indicates that 5-ALA fluorescence makes it possible to visualize the majority of spinal ependymal tumors during surgery. Unexpected residual tumor tissue could be detected with the assistance of 5-ALA fluorescence in approximately one-third of analyzed intramedullary tumors. Thus, 5-ALA fluorescence might be useful to increase the EOR, particularly in intramedullary ependymal tumors, in order to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence.

Intradural extramedullary tuberculoma of the spinal cord (IETSC) is a rare and unanticipated manifestation of CNS tuberculosis. A 28 years old female diagnosed case of tubercular meningitis (TBM), already on antitubercular therapy (ATT) for last nine months, developed sensory and motor weakness in lower limbs along with saddle anaesthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast of the spine revealed the presence of multiple space occupying lesions in dorsal spinal cord. She received oral steroid therapy for six weeks with escalation of ATT after which neurological functions improved remarkably.

Literature review. Intradural metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has rarely been reported. We describe a case of an intradural extramedullary spinal metastasis to the cervical spine in a 68-year-old male treated for RCC 22 years prior. Additionally, we review the known reports of both intradural extramedullary and intramedullary of RCC. Case report and literature review. A 68-year-old male with a history of right-sided nephrectomy for RCC preformed 22 years prior now presents with a MRI of the cervical spine showing a 1.5 cm contrast enhancing intradural extramedullary lesion at the level of C3–C4. Surgical resection of the lesion was performed. The tumor’s histological and immunohistochemical profile was consistent with metastatic RCC. There are 18 reported cases of intradural extramedullary metastases of sporadic RCC. The average age at diagnosis was 61.6 ± 14.3 years. The interval from diagnosis of primary RCC to diagnosis metastasis ranged from 0 to 264 months (mean 46.8 ± 74.0 months). Sixteen cases of intramedullary renal cell carcinoma metastasis are reported. The average age at time of diagnosis was 53.6 ± 10.2 years. The interval from diagnosis of primary RCC to diagnosis of metastasis ranged from 0 to 180 months (mean 20.9 ± 53.4 months). The 22-year interval from diagnosis of primary RCC to intradural metastasis is the longest latency reported in the literature. Intramedullary metastases tend to have a younger age at diagnosis and shorter interval from diagnosis of primary RCC compared to extramedullary lesions.

Ventral thoracic meningiomas are rare entities in which the spinal cord is attenuated and draped over the meningioma symmetrically. This is a challenging surgical entity compared to typical intradural meningiomas, which nearly always eccentrically displace the cord. In these more common meningiomas, surgical access is fairly straightforward as the meningioma is often visualized upon opening the meninges. Resection can be more safely performed with the cord largely shifted. In cases of ventral meningioma, the tumor is hidden ventral to the spinal cord, and techniques to safely mobilize the spinal cord must be utilized. We demonstrate that an entirely posterior approach allows complete resection of a ventrally situated mass. After careful identification and sectioning of the dentate ligament at multiple levels on the right side of the canal, we then suture and rotate the dentate ligament at each site, thereby allowing progressive visualization of the ventral meningioma. A narrow, but viable, working corridor to the tumor allows safe debulking. Once it is felt that the tumor can no longer be safely excised through the created corridor, we then disconnect our dentate sutures and move to the other side of the canal. Similarly, the dentate is sectioned and sutured so that the contralateral aspect of the meningioma can be visualized and debulked. The tumor can then be safely removed. A standard posterior approach and midline durotomy allows this bilateral approach to a ventrally situated meningioma and, therefore, in our mind, represents a safe and also highly effective road to resection. Patient consent was obtained prior to publication.

Study Design:Retrospective analysis.Objective:The incidence of intradural extramedullary (IDEM) spinal tumors is increasing. Excisional laminectomy for removal and decompression is the standard of care, but complications associated with patient age are unreported in the literature. Our objective is to identify if age is a risk factor for postoperative complications after excisional laminectomy of IDEM spinal tumors.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the 2011 to 2014 ACS-NSQIP (American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program) database for patients undergoing excisional laminectomy of IDEM spinal tumors. Age groups were determined by interquartile analysis. Chi-squared tests, t tests, and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to identify independent risk factors. Institutional review board approval was not needed.Results:A total of 1368 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. Group 1 (age ≤ 44) contained 372 patients, group 2 (age 45-54) contained 314 patients, group 3 (age 55-66) contained 364 patients, and group 4 (age > 66) contained 318 patients. The univariate analysis showed that mortality and unplanned readmission were highest among patients in group 4 (1.26%, P = .011, and 10.00%, P = .039, respectively). Postoperative wound complications were highest among patients in group 1 (2.15%, P = .009), and postoperative venous thromboembolism and cardiac complications were highest among patients in group 3 (4.4%, P = .007, and 1.10%, P = .032, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that elderly age was an independent risk factor for postoperative venous thromboembolism (group 3 vs group 1; odds ratio = 6.739, confidence interval = 1.522-29.831, P = .012).Conclusions:This analysis revealed that increased age is an independent risk factor for postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing excisional laminectomy for IDEM spinal tumors.

Background To control bleeding during spinal meningioma surgery, early resection of the dural attachment is important. We report a case of a meningioma where identifying the tumor's dural attachment was difficult because the tumor arose from the denticulate ligament. This report histopathologically and surgically describes this rare occurrence. Case Description A 38-year-old man presented with a mass lesion that was found during a follow-up examination for vestibular schwannoma surgery performed 2 years prior. He was neurologically free of symptoms except for right-sided deafness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intradural extramedullary mass at the C1 level. The tumor had homogeneous enhancement after administration of gadolinium; however, no dural tail sign was seen. Schwannoma was diagnosed, and lesion resection was performed. The hard, white tumor was adherent to the denticulate ligament, and no dural attachment was found. The tumor was totally removed after resection of the denticulate ligament. Histopathologic investigation, based on immunoreactivity to epithelial membrane antigen, revealed that the tumor was a meningioma. In addition to normal fibrous tissue, the denticulate ligament was infiltrated by tumor cells. Based on histopathologic findings and the absence of a dural attachment, we suspect that this meningioma originated from the denticulate ligament. Conclusions If it is difficult to find the dural attachment during spinal meningioma surgery, the possibility of a denticulate meningioma should be considered, and the attachment should be resected as soon as possible.

Intradural extramedullary spinal cord metastases in lung cancer are rarely reported, but are a disastrous event because of severe clinical symptoms and poor prognosis. Herein, we report a case of a lung cancer patient with ALK rearrangement who experienced brain, leptomeningeal, and intradural extramedullary spinal cord metastases after developing resistance to crizotinib. After ceritinib therapy, his clinical symptoms improved and magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the intradural extramedullary lesions had reduced.

A 7-year-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for progressive paraparesis, inability to jump, a paralysed tail and inability to void the bladder. Neurologic examination was consistent with a L4-S3 localisation. Survey radiographs of the lumbar vertebral column revealed L4-L7 vertebral body remodelling. A pre-contrast T1-weighted hyperintense, diffusely enhancing intradural lesion extending from L4 to S1 vertebral bodies was detected by MRI. Large, mesenchymal, round-to-polygonal cells arranged in nests or sheets were found on histologic examination at post mortem. These cells were characterised by abundant intracytoplasmic PAS-positive, diastase-resistant granules and positive immunoexpression of vimentin, S-100, neuron-specific enolase and desmin. This is the first report of a spinal granular cell tumour in a cat.

Background Spinal schwannomas are the most common intradural extramedullary tumors. However, a string of beadlike schwannomas is rare. In some cases, the beadlike tumors might present a multiple segmental growing pattern, often located in the lumbar spinal canal and on 1 nerve fiber. Despite its benign nature, the resection of this string of beadlike tumors could be a challenge to neurosurgeons, especially when the tumors extend to a long distance. Case Description A 50-year-old female was admitted to our hospital, and her diagnosis was beadlike schwannomas. We performed 2 small hemilaminectomies and pulled all the tumors out gently. The patient made a full recovery quickly after resection. Conclusions In this case, we first reported a new surgical approach for the removal of a string of beadlike cauda equina schwannomas. We hypothesize that this procedure would be a potential addition to the present surgical methods under some circumstances.

Background Spinal lipomas are generally thought to occur as a result of failed primary neurulation. Failed primary neurulation allows invasion of mesenchymal tissue of mesodermic origin into the neural structure, leading to the formation of a spinal lipoma. Despite most spinal lipomas being regarded as the result of failed primary neurulation, some confusion in terms of the embryogenesis of spinal lipomas remains. Recently, a novel classification of spinal lipomas based on embryonic changes seen during primary and secondary neurulation was has been proposed. Case Description We present a case of an intradural–extramedullary spinal cord lipoma, associated with a subjacent subcutaneous lipoma at the cervicothoracic region. The patient presented with worsening neurologic symptoms, indicating ongoing cervical myelopathy. A subtotal resection along with posterior cervical stabilization was achieved, with mild improvement of neurologic symptoms. Clinical, pathologic, and radiologic records are reviewed. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first described case of a spinal cord lipoma with at such a location, one that cannot be fully categorized within the newly proposed classification system.

Bizarre parosteal proliferation of bone (Nora's lesion) is a known bony lesion that affects mainly hands and feet. In this article, we present the first case of spinal intradural extramedullary Nora's lesion along with the management. Radiologically, the tumor was initially diagnosed as a meningioma. However, histopathological analysis confirmed bizarre parosteal proliferation of bone. It was successfully managed by surgical resection followed by physical rehabilitation.

The paper describes clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of spinal cord tumor localized in the anterior portion of the craniovertebral junction in a 43-years-old patient after a course of stereotactic radiotherapy with the CyberKnife linear accelerator. The surgical treatment included microsurgical total removal of intradural extramedullary tumor at the level of the craniovertebral junction through far lateral approach with neurophysiologic monitoring. Good clinical results achieved in the early postoperative period were presented by restoration of muscle force in the limbs (regression of tetraparesis) and headache relief.

Primary spinal melanoma is too rare to have any systemic statistical data on the epidemiology of this disease. We report a 58-year-old woman presented with spastic gait for 10 days, preceded by chronic pain at her left anterior chest that progressively spread to her neck, left shoulder, and arm in half a year. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) displayed a well-enhancing focal intraspinal extramedullary tumor at C6/7 level. After surgical resection of the tumor and thorough studies to exclude extraspinal melanoma, the primary spinal melanoma is diagnosed. Postoperative MRI did not disclose any evidence of recurrence at 4 and 21 months later. We present the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of a patient with a primary cervical extramedullary spinal melanoma.

Intradural extramedullary metastatic melanoma is a rare entity with only 13 other cases reported in the literature.1 Of these, only 3 have been described in the cervical spine.2-4 Metastatic melanoma to the brain has historically portended a grim prognosis; however, due to the paucity of reported intradural lesions, the clinical course, including surgical findings, is less well known. This video illustrates a case of a 59-year-old man with new left arm pain and numbness found to have cervical intradural extramedullary metastatic melanoma (Video 1). This video also demonstrates surgical principles and techniques for removal of a rare cervical intradural extramedullary melanoma metastasis using standard cervical laminectomy with intraoperative ultrasound for tumor localization. Considering its rarity, visualizing the intraoperative resection is important for surgeons who may potentially treat such pathology. Patient consented for the procedures and for publication of the video.

Foreign bodies in the spine are most commonly traumatic and managed in an acute setting. A few case reports describe foreign bodies resulting in delayed neurologic dysfunction, most commonly iatrogenic or from penetrating injury. We present a 30-year old man with lower extremity weakness from an intradural extramedullary foreign body granuloma secondary to a thorn, which was initially thought to represent an aggressive malignant process with intra and extramedullary involvement on MR. Postoperatively, the patient endorsed a causative trauma several years prior. We also present a review of the few similar published cases as well as the described prototypical imaging features and pathologic process.

Capillary hemangiomas are common benign vascular tumors on skin and soft tissues, but developing as an intradural and extramedullary (IDEM) tumor in spine is extremely rare. In this report, we present IDEM tumor compressing thoracic cord in T2-3 level with extensive arachnoiditis below the tumor level in a 60-year-old man. The lesion was removed and histological diagnosis was capillary hemangioma. Prompt diagnosis and resection are important to avoid neurological deterioration from acute hemorrhagic condition. Simultaneous arachnoiditis may be originated from old subarachnoid hemorrhage associated tumor before diagnosis, and we suggest it as a helpful diagnostic feature to suspect vascular tumors such as capillary hemangioma.

Spinal cysticercosis is a very uncommon manifestation of neurocysticercosis, which is caused by the larvae of Taenia solium. Here, we present a rare case of isolated lumbar intradural extramedullary neurocysticercosis, initially thought to be Tarlov cyst. A 40-year-old man, presented with low backache for 1-year with radiation of pain to right leg for 3 months. The patient was treated successfully with the surgical removal of the cyst, followed by medical treatment. Spinal neurocysticercosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in high-risk populations, with new symptoms suggestive of a spinal mass lesion.

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become an increasingly popular treatment modality for spinal tumors due to its noninvasive and targeted approach. Whether SRS has the promise of relieving pretreatment symptoms and providing local tumor control for patients with intradural spine tumors is still debated. This review explores the current literature on SRS treatment for both metastatic and benign intradural tumors, with a focus on differential use for intramedullary and intradural extramedullary neoplasms. Although mortality rates from underlying malignant disease remain high, SRS may benefit patients with spinal metastatic lesions. Benign tumors have shown a promising response to SRS therapy with low rates of complications. Larger studies are necessary to determine the indications and outcome profile of SRS for intradural spinal neoplasms.

Neuroendocrine tumors (Carcinoid tumors) generally arise from enterochromaffin cells of gut and bronchi. Primary carcinoid tumors of spine are extremely rare and have been described in sacrum and coccyx. Primary carcinoid tumors involving the spinal cord are still rarer, and review of literature revealed only two cases reported. Our patient a 39-year-old male had diagnosed as a case of nerve sheath tumor (intradural extramedullary) at LV4 region on neuroimaging. However, postoperatively, the tumor turned out to be a rare primary spinal carcinoid tumor on histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining. Work up to rule out any other site in the body was negative. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of primary carcinoid tumor of the lumbar spine.

The spinal tumors could be extradural, intradural extramedullary, and intramedullary. The extradural tumors are located outside the thecal sac. The intradural extramedullary tumors are located inside the thecal sac and outside the spinal cord. The intramedullary tumors are located inside the spinal cord.