Abstract
Introduction
Spinal non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) seldom affect spinal cord as first presentation, as there are mostly extradural initially. Usually presented in dorsal region, they are mostly high degree, aggressive, type B on diagnosis. We report two cases with spinal cord compression as first clinical manifestation.
Patients and Methods
The case reports of two cases of primary vertebral lymphoma from our service were presented.
Results
A 65 year-old-man had months-long back pain with sudden sphincter-sparing paraparesis; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed prevertebral mass in T3 with vertebral body fracture and medullary compression. HIV testing was positive. Urgent decompressive surgery with tumor resection and stabilization yielded good recovery of motor function. A 69-year-old woman had 3 months of exercise-induced back pain and 10 days of paraplegia before coming to our service. MRI showed epidural invasion with medullary compression. Laminectomy and tumor resection were performed but without neurologic recovery. Burkitt lymphoma was diagnosed in both the cases.
Conclusion
We report two cases of aggressive NHL presenting as acute spinal cord compression requiring urgent surgical intervention. One of them on a background of undiagnosed HIV infection.