Analysis of the causes of delay diagnosis in the intradural extramedullary neoplasms

Abstract

Objective To investigate the reasons of delay diagnosis of the intradural extramedullary neoplasms. Methods Retrospective analysis of 62 cases of the intradural extramedullary tumors was done. Records of patients were studied for initial symptoms, symptoms at diagnosis, and time interval between onset of the initial symptoms and diagnosis using MRI. Results Most common initial symptoms for cervical vertebrae tumors were neck pain or pain radiating to one extremity,which accounted for 40% ,55% respectively; thoracic vertebrae were low back pain or pain radiating to one extremity, which accounted for 38% ,50% ;lumbar vertebrae were low back pain or pain radiating to one extremity,which accounted for 87%. The time intervals between onset of the initial symptoms and diagnosis using MRI for cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae were 12.5,14.8and 8.4 months respectively. Conclusion The patients with cervical tumors tended to have delayed diagnoses due to the time taken before visiting a physician. Tumors in the thoracic spine were missed because the symptoms were similar to more common degenerative lumbar disorders. Key words: Intradural extramedullary neoplasms; Diagnosis; MRI