title: An Achilles tendinosis masking an intramedullary astrocytoma.
abstract: We report the case of a 53-year-old male with a right Achilles tendinosis, who complains about a mild gait disorder starting after walking several kilometers. In the following months he develops neurological symptoms. MRI lumbar spine shows an intramedullary tumor at level Th12. A biopsy confirms the diagnosis of an intramedullary astrocytoma. Primary intramedullary tumors are relatively rare. Clinical presentation is often insidious. The authors want to make a point to reconsider a diagnosis in case it does not explain completely the anamnestic or clinical findings. According to the literature there is no optimal approach to the management of these tumors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.
authors.forename: Jeroen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stappers
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, ZNA Middelheim Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Piet
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Herregods
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, ZNA Middelheim Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Rudi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chappel
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, ZNA Middelheim Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Didier De
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Surgeloose
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.
authors.forename: Gaëtane
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Stassijns
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019468:Disease Management; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016138:Walking
keywords: Astrocytoma; intramedullary tumor; meningeal spread; tendinosis