Intradural extramedullary spinal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: case report and literature review

Eur Spine J. 2011 Jul;20 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S330-5. doi: 10.1007/s00586-011-1783-9. Epub 2011 Apr 6.

Abstract

The authors present the case of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor that involves the cervical spinal cord meninges, presenting in a manner mimicking en plaque meningioma, which has never been previously reported. During the first surgical procedure, which did not involve exploration of the intradural space, inflammatory epidural tissue was found. We performed a second operation to remove the tumor that was finally intradural, dural-based and very tough. Imaging studies, surgical findings, and histopathological examinations were used to support the diagnosis. Intradural extramedullary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is a rare entity that has only been described nine times in the literature. Surgery remains the treatment of choice. Although histologically benign, spinal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor can be aggressive and requires a large resection and long-term follow-up of the entire central nervous system with magnetic resonance imaging.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Cervical Vertebrae / pathology
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery
  • Granuloma, Plasma Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Granuloma, Plasma Cell / pathology
  • Granuloma, Plasma Cell / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms, Muscle Tissue / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasms, Muscle Tissue / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Muscle Tissue / surgery*
  • Radiography
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / pathology
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / surgery*