title: Dumb-bell intrathoracic and intraspinal neurofibroma. Report of a case.
abstract: Neurogenic tumors of the posterior mediastinum commonly constitute an extraspinal portion of a dumb-bell tumor affecting the spinal canal. In a 42-year-old man with a history of back pain for more than 6 months and severe lower-limb paralysis and impaired urinary voiding for 20 days, chest radiography showed a posterior mediastinal mass and thoracic myelogram a total extradural defect at the level of T10. A computed tomography scan showed extension of this intrathoracic mass into the intraspinal space through the spinal foramen. In a single-stage operation, posterolateral thoracotomy and laminectomy were performed. This surgical approach avoids complications, notably from traction on the spinal cord.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D009455:Neurofibroma / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology