Treatment strategies of space-occupying intradural metastases of the cauda equina of nonneurogenic origin.
BACKGROUND
Compressive intradural metastases of the cauda equina are a rare site of metastatic spread in systemic cancer. So far, only few reports have been published with conflicting statements concerning a surgical versus nonsurgical approach.


METHODS
Five patients with symptomatic space-occupying intradural metastases of the cauda equina were analyzed retrospectively, focusing on the influence of surgical intervention on pain relief, neurological outcome and thus the patients' quality of life.


RESULTS
At the time of diagnosis, all patients were in an advanced metastatic state. Surgical resection was the primary treatment in four patients and radiotherapy in one. Despite infiltration of the cauda rootlets, gross total tumour resection could be achieved in two of the four patients treated surgically. Functional outcome was beneficial in these patients with marked and immediate relief of pain and improvement of motor function even following incomplete tumour resection.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical treatment of compressive intradural metastases of the cauda equina seems to be feasible with low operative risk and with the potential benefit of an immediate relief of pain and improvement in motor function and thus an increase in quality of life.
Löhr
M
M
Center of Neurosurgery, Department of General Neurosurgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
Tzouras
G
G
Kocher
M
M
Stenzel
W
W
Reithmeier
T
T
Klug
N
N
Hampl
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002420:Cauda Equina / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011128:Polyradiculopathy / Q000209:etiology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000379:methods; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery*; D013346:Subarachnoid Space / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome