title: Paraspinal chordoma mimicking a neurofibroma: a rare but important radiological pitfall.
abstract: We present an unusual case of a chordoma presenting as an extradural spinal tumour with extension through an expanded intervertebral foramen to form a large paraspinal mass. The magnetic resonance imaging appearances closely mimicked a neurofibroma; however, pre-operative biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of chordoma. This is, to our knowledge, the tenth reported case of chordoma presenting as a mass expanding the intervertebral foramen. Thus, while it is a rare form of chordoma, it can lead to a recognised radiological pitfall. Making the distinction from neurofibroma before surgery is essential, as radical dissection of chordoma is required to reduce the risk of local recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK. nkotnis@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Nikhil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kotnis
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goepel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002817:Chordoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009455:Neurofibroma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*