Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma involving the cauda equina and ocular cranial nerves: case reports and literature review.
Although rare, direct infiltration of the cauda equina by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) must be considered as a potential cause of subacute onset paraplegia. We present two cases of lymphomatous involvement of the cauda equina presenting with subacute paraplegia, each associated with a palsy of an oculomotor nerve. We highlight the need to use gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when investigating potential cauda equina lesions, since it is crucial in detecting and outlining the extent of disease. Differential diagnoses and treatment options for NHL involving the cauda equina are also discussed.
Institute of Neurological Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, University of New South Wales, High Street, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia. a.zagami@unsw.edu.au
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Zagami
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Granot
D020434:Abducens Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002420:Cauda Equina / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003287:Contrast Media; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D015840:Oculomotor Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D020335:Paraparesis / Q000209:etiology; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000209:etiology; D011128:Polyradiculopathy / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012888:Skull Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013256:Steroids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology; D017211:Treatment Failure
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003287:Contrast Media; D013256:Steroids; D005682:Gadolinium