J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2022 Jan;65(1):145-150. 10.3340/jkns.2021.0127.

Importance of Differential Diagnosis of a Possible Brain Tumor in Patients with Cervical Radiculopathy

• So JS
• Kim YJ
• Lee SK
• Cho CS

• KMID: 2523923
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2021.0127

Abstract

Lesions occurring simultaneously in the somatosensory or motor cortex of the brain and the cervical spine are rare. Brain tumors can cause similar symptoms to cervical lesions which can lead to confusion in treatment priorities. Moreover, if cervical disease is noticeably observed in radiologic findings of a patient complaining of cervical radiculopathy with non-specific electromyography results, it is common to no longer perform further evaluation. Here we introduce two cases where the cause of cervical radiculopathy was first considered to be the result of a degenerative cervical disease but was later discovered to be a result of a brain tumor.

Keyword

Radiculopathy; Paresthesia; Brain neoplasms

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Cervical computerized tomography scan showing prominent both foraminal stenosis (axial image white arrow) and uncovertebral joint hypertrophy (sagittal image white arrow).

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  Fig. 2. A : Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealing mild disc protrusion at the C5–6 disc level (white arrow). B : Preoperative MRI showing both foraminal stenosis at the C6–7 disc level (white arrow).

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  Fig. 3. Normal brain magnetic resonance imaging taken 2 years before the symptoms occurred.

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  Fig. 4. New brain mass found on brain magnetic resonance imaging taken 1 week after cervical operation.

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  Fig. 5. Degenerative change and protrusion of cervical disc (C5–6 level) having a compressive effect on spinal cord.

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  Fig. 6. Computerized tomography myelogram suggestive of left foraminal stenosis at C5–6 level due to bony spur (white arrow).

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  Fig. 7. Postoperative magnetic resonance images showing decompressed cervical C5–6 level but slight narrowing of the left foramen.

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  Fig. 8. Normal brain magnetic resonance imaging taken 15 months prior to admission to our hospital.

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  Fig. 9. A : A simple chest X-ray showing a large mass on the left upper lung (white arrow). B : A chest computerized tomography scan confirms a large mass on the left upper lung (white arrow).

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  Fig. 10. New brain mass found on brain magnetic resonance imaging.

Reference

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