ABSTRACT
Chondrosarcomas are malignant cartilaginous tumors that usually affect the pelvic bone and long bones. Primary chondrosarcomas of the skull are rare, with the cranial vault being an even more unusual localization. We report a case of a 75-year-old man presenting with headaches and outgrowth of the parietal scalp. CT scan of the head showed an extracranial cystic well-rounded mass originating at the parietal suture and eroding through the adjacent parietal bone. The patient underwent an en bloc surgical resection of the mass, and histological examination confirmed a grade I chondrosarcoma.
ABSTRACT
Spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas are a rare consequence of long-term anticoagulant therapy. Their physiopathology remains poorly understood. This pathology carries a significant risk of morbidity. The purpose of this article is to report a case of a massive spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma extending on multiple levels, detailing the surgical technique used in its evacuation described for the first time in literature. This is a case report of an 80-year-old patient on anticoagulant therapy with a thoracolumbar spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma extending from T1 to L1 vertebrae. We share the clinical and radiological presentations, the surgical treatment, outcome and follow-up. The diagnosis of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma has to be considered in patients with acute brutal onset radiculo-medullary compression. Medullary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the exam of choice. Medical and surgical treatment must be started immediately after the diagnosis is confirmed. The prognosis remains poor despite a proper management, with debilitating complications.
