General Spine

Brian, M, Chin, MD MBA
Lubdha, Shah, MD, Non ASSR Member

Poster

Purpose

Primary sarcomas of the spine are a heterogeneous group of rare malignant tumors. Only single cases and small case series have been reported for the various mesenchymal sarcoma subgroups. Many studies have combined meningeal, brain parenchymal, and spine sarcoma cases, which can confound any correlation of clinico-pathologic features with radiographic characteristics. The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical presentation and radiologic appearance of primary sarcomas of the spine identified between 1990-2009 at two tertiary care centers.

Methods & Materials

A computer-based retrospective search of imaging and pathology databases for spine sarcomas, including atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors, was performed at the primary institution and adjacent associated primary children’s hospital for the periods of 1990-2009. Exclusion criteria were post-radiation sarcomas, metastatic sarcomas, or cases which had incomplete information, imaging, or followup. Review of medical records and imaging studies was performed.

Results

Seven patients with primary spinal sarcomas were identified, of which five met inclusion criteria. The mean age at presentation was 29 years (range 7-50). Clinical manifestations were generally nonspecific and all included neck/back pain. Two cases presented with progressive lower extremity paresthesia and weakness. The histologic subgroups included grade 2 chondrosarcoma (2), Ewingâ