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| Year : 2000 | Volume
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| Issue : 2 | Page : 112-113 |
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| Epidural lymphoma - review of literature |
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HS Ballal, Ajit R Mahale, Rajesh Shetty, Mohan S Bhavikatti
Department of Radiodiagnosis, K M C Hospital, Attavar, Mangalore, India
Click here for correspondence address and email
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How to cite this article:
Ballal H S, Mahale AR, Shetty R, Bhavikatti MS. Epidural lymphoma - review of literature. Indian J Radiol Imaging 2000;10:112-3 |
How to cite this URL:
Ballal H S, Mahale AR, Shetty R, Bhavikatti MS. Epidural lymphoma - review of literature. Indian J Radiol Imaging [serial online] 2000 [cited 2021 Feb 26];10:112-3. Available from: https://www.ijri.org/text.asp?2000/10/2/112/30618 |
Sir,
The spinal epidural space is an uncommon presenting site for lymphomas. The occurrence of spinal epidural disease ranges from 0.1- 0.6% among cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) [1].
A twelve-year-old boy presented with low-grade fever for one and a half months which was intermittent initially and became high grade with chills for a week. The child had weakness in the lower limbs with back pain and was unable to walk for the last two days. On examination, there was Grade 0 power in the lower limbs.
A myelogram and CT myelogram (CTM) were performed. Myelogram showed evidence of minimal hold-up, thinning and anterior displacement of contrast in the thecal sac at T8. CTM showed a hypodense posterior epidural lesion causing thinning of the contrast column in the thecal sac with obliteration posteriorly at T7 and postero- laterally at T8.
Round cell sarcomas of the spinal epidural space have been recognized for years. They predominantly affect individuals above the age of 40 years, though younger individuals may also be affected. A male predominance is seen. Myelography usually shows complete obstruction of the thecal contrast column [1]. The early diagnosis and treatment of epidural lymphoma has an excellent prognosis. MRI helps in demonstrating the whole spinal canal, including extraspinal spread and is useful for follow-up [2].
The most common location is the mid-thoracic spine. These patients have a less favorable prognosis because of fewer radicular arteries to the spinal cord at this level and an increased chance of cord ischemia following epidural compression [3]. Extranodal presentation occurs in 15- 30 % of lymphomas. NHL is more likely to involve the epidural space than Hodgkin 's disease. Lack of bony involvement on plain radiographs provides a clue to the diagnosis of lymphoma. The overall mean survival of patients is 8-9 months with less than 10% surviving one year. Decompression with laminectomy and tissue diagnosis is mandatory [4].
Epidural lymphomas account for 9% of spinal tumors. Primary epidural NHL, "PENLS" is of unknown origin. Rubinstein believes that it derives from epidural lymphatic tissue. Both mass effect and compression contribute to symptomatology [5].
 References | |  |
| 1. | Bucy PC, Jerva MJ.Primary epidural spinal lymphosarcoma. J.Neurosurg 1962; 19: 142- 152.  |
| 2. | MacVicar D, Williams MP. C.T. scanning of epidural lymphoma. Clinical Radiology 1991; 43: 95-102. |
| 3. | Lyons MK, O' Neill BP et al . Primary spinal epidural Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: Report of eight patients and review of literature. Neurosurg 1992; 30: 675-680. |
| 4. | Perry JR, Deodhare SS et al . The significance of spinal cord compression as the initial manifestation of lymphoma. Neurosurgery 1993; 32: 157-162. |
| 5. | Salvatti M, Cervoni L et al . Primary spinal epidural Non-Hodgkins Lymphomas: a clinical study. Surg Neurol 1996; 46: 339-344. |
Correspondence Address:
H S Ballal
Department of Radiodiagnosis, K M C Hospital, Attavar, Mangalore
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
Figures
[Figure - 1], [Figure - 2], [Figure - 3], [Figure - 4] |
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