Spinal Cord Malignant Melanoma with Leptomeningeal Metastasis: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

The authors report a rare case of spinal malignant melanoma with leptomeningeal metastasis. A 35.year.old female had suffered from motor weakness and paresthesia in the lower extremities for 1 month. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed intradural mass at T8 and T9 level. Total laminectomy T6 to T9 and grossly total removal of the intradural mass were performed. Histopathological investigation confirmed the malignant melanoma. Seven days after operation the patient complained of headache, dizziness, and pain on neck and left upper extremity, so brain and cervical MRI were checked. MRI showed multifocal parenchymal lesions which were compatible with the leptomeningeal metastasis of the malignant melanoma. The prognosis of malignant melanoma with leptomeningeal metastasis is very poor. The clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features are reviewed.