Intravascular lymphomatosis presenting as an ascending cauda equina: conus medullaris syndrome: remission after biweekly CHOP therapy

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1999 Sep;67(3):403-6. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.67.3.403.

Abstract

A 63 year old man developed dysaesthesia in the legs followed by a subacute ascending flaccid paraparesis with sacral sensory and autonomic involvement. Intravascular lymphomatosis (IVL) was favoured by the presence of low grade fever and raised serum C reactive protein, CSF pleocytosis, raised lymphoma markers (serum LDH, soluble IL-2 receptor), and steroid responsiveness. Only muscle, among several organ biopsies, confirmed IVL. A cytogenetic study of the bone marrow showed chromosome 6 monosomy, as previously reported. The monosomy of chromosome 19, which bears the intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1, newly found in this case, may be related to the unique tumour embolisation of IVL. The CHOP regimen (six courses in 12 weeks) using granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) led to gradual resolution of myeloradiculopathy and laboratory supported remission lasting for more than 13 months. The biweekly CHOP with G-CSF support may be a choice of chemotherapy in averting rapidly fatal IVL.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Cauda Equina / pathology*
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / drug therapy*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / genetics
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscles / pathology
  • Prednisone / administration & dosage
  • Vascular Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Vascular Neoplasms / genetics
  • Vascular Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Vincristine / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Vincristine
  • Doxorubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Prednisone

Supplementary concepts

  • CHOP protocol