Spinal cord injury caused by epidural B-cell lymphoma: report of two cases.
OBJECTIVE
Spinal cord injury (SCI) caused by cancer is increasing in incidence as the mean age of our patient population increases. Understanding the prognosis and functional outcome requires knowledge of diseases of the spinal column. This paper presents the unusual presentation of epidural B-cell lymphoma.


METHODS
Case reports.


RESULTS
Two patients presented with an unusual cause of SCI, namely B-cell lymphoma. Both patients presented with sensory deficits greater than motor deficits and gait disorder. Both achieved functional independence at the community ambulation level and tumor remission with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
B-cell epidural tumors are an uncommon cause of SCI. Functional outcome can be quite good, as can tumor outcome. Residual sensory deficits greater than motor deficits are not uncommon.
Chiodo
Anthony
A
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108, USA. tchiodo@umich.edu
D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D015174:Epidural Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery