J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1998 Mar;27(3):397-402.

Intramedullary Spinal Cord Metastasis: Case Report

• Kang SH
• Chung YG
• Kwon TH
• Lee KC
• Lee HK

Abstract

Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis is rare, but is being encountered with increasing frequency with the availability of more sensitive imaging techniques. RI is the most sensitive of these techniques, though it cannot differentiate between intramedullary spinal cord metastasis and other cord pathologies. Occasionally, therefore, surgical biopsy is indicated though optimal treatment after diagnosis remains controversial. Radical resection, radiation and chemotherapy significantly prolong survival, but many patients survive less than one year. The authors have encountered two cases of intramedullary spinal cord metastasis of small cell carcinoma of the lung. These are reviewed, together with literature describing adequate evaluation and management.

Keyword

Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis; Small cell carcinoma

MeSH Terms

Biopsy
Carcinoma, Small Cell
Diagnosis
Drug Therapy
Humans
Lung
Neoplasm Metastasis*
Pathology
Spinal Cord*