Pilocytic astrocytoma of a spinal nerve root. Case report

J Neurosurg. 2002 Jul;97(1 Suppl):110-2. doi: 10.3171/spi.2002.97.1.0110.

Abstract

A case of pilocytic astrocytoma involving a spinal nerve root is reported. A 39-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of progressive pain and numbness, predominantly in the S-1 dermatome. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed an intradural lesion at the tip of the conus medullaris. The intradural tumor was excised as was the sacrificed nerve root. Histological examination showed a pilocytic astrocytoma in which there were unusual features of calcification and ossification. At 3-year follow-up review MR imaging demonstrated no residual tumor. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of a primary pilocytic astrocytoma, a tumor typically of central nervous system origin, arising from a spinal nerve root.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Astrocytoma / diagnosis*
  • Astrocytoma / pathology
  • Astrocytoma / surgery*
  • Calcinosis / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Ossification, Heterotopic / pathology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / pathology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Spinal Nerve Roots*