title: MRI features of a primary thoracic epidural melanoma: a case report.
abstract: We present the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings on a patient with a primary thoracic extradural spinal malignant melanoma. MRI showed a well-defined T1-hyperintense mass that was mostly of low signal on T2-weighted images. Surgery confirmed the presence of a well-encapsulated black-colored lesion which proved to be a melanoma. Extensive searches revealed no other foci of melanoma and no other lesions have appeared during a 6-month follow-up; thus, the diagnosis of primary melanoma was established. Extradural primary melanomas are exceedingly rare. We discuss their differential diagnosis and their probable etiology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510, USA.
authors.forename: Birsen
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Unal
authors.forename: Mauricio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Castillo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015174:Epidural Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D013899:Thoracic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome