Migration of lumbar disc herniation: an unusual case.

We illustrate a patient with a migrating lumbar disc fragment that caused a change in radicular symptoms from the L3 nerve root on one side to the L5 nerve root on the contralateral side, documented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our patient presented with 3 months of L3 pain on the right side with sensory and motor changes. Over a 24-hour time period, the right leg pain disappeared and he developed left leg pain attributable to left L5 nerve root compression. Investigation with MRI revealed an epidural mass, which was hypointense on Tl-weighted and T2-weighted images that had migrated, initially compressing the right L3 nerve root, to now compress the left L5 nerve root. The patient did not wish to pursue surgery. Disc fragment migration patterns are discussed. We conclude that extruded disc fragments may migrate distant from their initial origin.

Intradural neurotropic spread of malignant mesothelioma. Case report and review of the literature.

This 54-year-old man with a history of right-sided malignant mesothelioma presented with signs of a partial spinal cord syndrome. The tumor had invaded the lower trunk of the brachial plexus and spread along the T-1 nerve root beneath the arachnoid onto the spinal cord itself. Mesothelioma, despite its known predilection for local spread, is rarely encountered within the spinal canal. Neurotropism is commonly encountered in facial malignancies; however, it has never been reported to affect the brachial plexus and spinal cord.

Endoscopic treatment of spinal epidural hematoma.

We report the use of a spinal endoscope via a limited cervical laminotomy to evacuate a spinal epidural hematoma. The patient was a 75-year-old male with a 32-year history of ankylosing spondylitis. Following a low speed motor vehicle accident he developed a cervicothoracic epidural hematoma without an associated fracture. Despite a rapidly improving neurological state, his rapidly deteriorating cardiorespiratory state required systemic anticoagulation necessitating decompression of the hematoma. The hematoma was successfully removed via a limited C6 and C7 laminotomy using the endoscope and a malleable disposable aspirator. We conclude that epidural hematomas can be readily evacuated via endoscopic techniques without extensive laminectomy. This technique may be used for approaching intraspinal pathology in high risk patients where extensive exposure may be contraindicated.

Paraganglioma of the cauda equina with associated syringomyelia: case report.

We present an association not previously described in which the rare entity of paraganglioma of the cauda equina was found in association with syringomyelia of the cervico-thoracic cord. The patient, a 50-year-old woman presented with a long history of lower back pain with recent onset of sciatic pain and altered sensation in the right leg. Surgical resection of the tumor with intraoperative syringostomy of the syrinx has led to eradication of all symptoms and at 5 months shows no evidence of residual pathology.

Vascular neurofibromatosis affecting the internal carotid artery: a case report.

A patient with von Recklinghausen's disease presented with a right sixth nerve palsy. Investigations demonstrated unilateral dolichoectasia of the intracranial carotid artery and sphenoid wing dysplasia. This case demonstrates an association not previously documented, that of unilateral fusiform dilatation of the carotid artery with sphenoid wing dysplasia in the presence of classical neurofibromatosis.

Spinal epidural leiomyoma occurring in an HIV-infected man. Case report.

A case of spinal epidural leiomyoma is reported in a 52-year-old man infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The tumor arose in the epidural region at the T-3 vertebral level, and the patient presented with radicular pain in the right T-3 dermatome. While soft-tissue tumors such as Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphomas have been well documented in association with HIV infection, this is the first reported case of primary spinal leiomyoma. Isolated cases of leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas in unusual locations have been reported, notably in pediatric HIV-positive patients, perhaps indicating a causal relationship. This case may represent further evidence of such an association.

Paragangliomas of the sellar region: report of two cases.

Two cases of paraganglioma arising from the parasellar region are presented. Both occurred in middle-aged women who sought treatment of headaches but who had no endocrinological dysfunction; one case was associated with ophthalmoplegia from cavernous sinus involvement. Diagnosis in both cases was confirmed by typical histological appearance and cytochemical demonstration of immunoreactive chromogranin in tumor cells. The pathological features and possible pathogenesis of parasellar paragangliomas are discussed.