Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the spinal cord.
METHODS
Case report.


OBJECTIVE
To report a rare case of primary lymphoma of the spinal cord and to discuss therapeutic options.


BACKGROUND
Only few cases of primary spinal cord lymphomas are reported. Prognosis is often poor, and therapy is not yet established.


METHODS
A primary lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma of the thoracic cord in a 75-year-old woman was treated with focal radiotherapy (30 Gy) and three cycles of chemotherapy consisting of procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine.


RESULTS
Complete tumor response and partial recovery of neurologic symptoms were achieved. The patient was in complete remission at last follow-up (11 months after diagnosis).


CONCLUSIONS
Primary spinal cord lymphomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal cord tumors, especially in older patients. Combination therapy with radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be superior to radiotherapy alone in these tumors. Rapid initiation of treatment is essential to achieve recovery of neurologic function.
Pels
H
H
Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
Vogt
I
I
Klockgether
T
T
Schlegel
U
U
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae; D016896:Treatment Outcome