Intradural spinal metastasis to the cauda equina in renal cell carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature.
METHODS
Case description.


OBJECTIVE
To describe a case of intradural metastasis from a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) spread to the cauda equina, and review the pertinent medical literature.


BACKGROUND
Intradural spinal metastasis is rare, accounting for 6% of all spinal metastases. Only 7 cases of intradural metastasis from a RCC to the cauda equina have been previously reported.


METHODS
A 41-year-old male presented with a 1-month history of severe back pain radiating to both legs. The patient underwent a right nephrectomy for treatment of a RCC 1-year before admission. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a well-demarcated, intradural extramedullary mass at the L2 vertebra.


RESULTS
After a total laminectomy, total excision of the tumor was achieved followed by rapid improvement of the back pain. The tumor was histologically verified as metastatic RCC, identical to that of a previous tumor specimen. The patient was asymptomatic on the 1-year follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the majority of cauda equina tumors are primary tumors, intradural metastasis should be considered before surgery in patients with previously treated RCC.
Kim
Dae-Yong
DY
Department of Neurosurgery, Dong Gwang Ju Woori Hospital, Gwangju, Korea.
Lee
Jung-Kil
JK
Moon
Sung-Jun
SJ
Kim
Seok-Cheol
SC
Kim
Cheol-Su
CS
D000328:Adult; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000556:secondary*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D007796:Laminectomy; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011128:Polyradiculopathy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011859:Radiography; D012585:Sciatica / Q000209:etiology; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary*; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013346:Subarachnoid Space / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome