Clinical Analysis of Spinal Leukemia

ABSTRACT

As advances in the treatment of leukemia lead to further prolongation of the life span, secondary involvement of the nervous system becomes increasingly important. Especially spinal cord or cauda equina compression by leukemic cell is a medical emergency because delay in treatment often results in irreversible paralysi,s and loss of sphinctercontrol. The hospital records of 10 patients, who were admitted to the St. Mary's hospital of CUMC from January 1, 1988 to September 30, 1989 with the diagnosis of spinal leukemia were analyzed retrospectively and the results were obtained as follows; 1. The sex ratio(M F) of the patients was 91 and the age distribution rarnged from eighteen to fifty-six years with a mean age of 34.5 years. 2. The most common symptoms were pain, urinary difficulty, sensory change, and weakness etc. 3. The segment of spine involved was, approximately. 31% thoraic. 54% lumbar, and 15 % sacral. 4. Response to radiation treatment was excellent in 8 patients(80% ) especially in early treated group within 3days.