title: Chemodectoma of the cauda equina.
abstract: We report a new case of chemodectoma of the cauda equina, in a 52-year-old male who presented with low back pain and sciatica, then rapidly developed cauda equina syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a tumor at the L2-L3 level. Complete excision was performed and the tumor was found to be a chemodectoma. Chemodectomas are rare neural crest tumors that are usually located at the neck. About 70 cases involving the cauda equina have been reported. Most are benign, although local recurrences occur in 4% of cases. A case with a cerebellar metastasis has been reported. Long-term follow-up should be provided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Ambroise Paré Teaching Hospital, Boulogne, France.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Straus
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Molcard
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Visot
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Epardeau
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: le Parc
mesh_terms: D002420:Cauda Equina; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010236:Paraganglioma, Extra-Adrenal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D010524:Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012585:Sciatica / Q000209:etiology