Findings from CT, MRI, and PET/CT of a primary malignant melanoma arising in a spinal nerve root.
Primary spinal malignant melanoma is an extremely rare condition. We here describe a case of a 71-year-old Asian female presenting with left upper extremity tingling sensation. Computed tomography (CT) showed a homogeneously enhanced mass occupying the left neural foramen at the C6-7 level. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed enhanced mass in intra- and extradural space compressing the spinal cord at this level. It also widened the neural foramen mimicking neurofibroma or schwannoma. Partial resection of the mass was performed. Pathologic diagnosis of the mass was malignant melanoma. Postoperative whole body positron emission tomography/CT scan demonstrated an intense (18)F-FDG uptake at the residual mass site without abnormal uptake at other sites in the body.
Lee
Nyoung Keun
NK
Department of Radiology, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University School of Medicine, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 411-706, Korea.
Lee
Byung Hoon
BH
Hwang
Yoon Joon
YJ
Sohn
Moon-Jun
MJ
Chang
Sunhee
S
Kim
Yong Hoon
YH
Cha
Soon Joo
SJ
Cho
Hyeon Je
HJ
D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004824:Epidural Space / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed