Brown tumor of the spine and progressive paraplegia in a hemodialysis patient.
Case report. To describe the radiographic features and management of spinal brown tumor and to document tumor mineralization after parathyroidectomy. Brown tumors are classic skeletal manifestations of hyperparathyroidism usually seen in severe forms. They are increasingly rare because hyperparathyroidism is now diagnosed and treated at an early stage. A case of brown tumor of the spine in a 37-year-old woman on chronic hemodialysis is described. The imaging findings before and after parathyroidectomy are discussed. In a woman on chronic hemodialysis, a brown tumor of T8 caused acute spinal cord compression with paraplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging provided an accurate evaluation of the lesion, and needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Emergent surgery was needed to relieve the spinal compression and stabilize the spine. The vertebral lesion underwent remineralization after parathyroidectomy. Brown tumor is a benign tumor that resolves after parathyroidectomy. When brown tumor arises in the spine, surgery may be needed to preserve neurologic function.
- Research Article
11
- 10.1016/j.spinee.2016.03.011
- Mar 17, 2016
- The Spine Journal
Multiple myeloma presenting with acute bony spinal cord compression and mechanical instability successfully managed nonoperatively
- Research Article
- 10.3390/neurolint17020022
- Jan 30, 2025
- Neurology international
Brown tumors are rare bone lesions associated with hyperparathyroidism, particularly secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), in chronic renal failure. While brown tumors commonly affect bones rich in marrow, the involvement of the sphenoid sinus is extremely rare and can present with neurological symptoms. This study reports a case of a sphenoid sinus brown tumor in a patient on hemodialysis, highlighting its clinical presentation and diagnostic challenges. A 31-year-old woman undergoing chronic hemodialysis presented with a severe headache, diplopia, and progressive vision loss in her left eye. Laboratory tests revealed hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, consistent with SHPT. The diagnosis was confirmed through a clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The clinical examination confirmed decreased visual acuity in the left eye. The laboratory results revealed serum calcium of 15.5 mg/dL, phosphate of 1.0 mg/dL, and PTH of 2000 pg/mL, consistent with SHPT. The imaging studies identified a brown tumor in the sphenoid sinus exerting a mass effect on adjacent structures. This case underscores the rarity of brown tumors in this location, with very few similar reports in the literature. Although rare, brown tumors should be considered in patients with SHPT who present with neurological symptoms or cranial lesions. An early diagnosis through biochemical and imaging studies is crucial to prevent severe complications. The management involves treating the underlying hyperparathyroidism, with surgical intervention indicated in cases of neural compression.
- Research Article
2
- 10.1378/chest.10-3268
- Dec 1, 2011
- Chest
A 32-Year-Old Man With Recurrent Kidney Stones and an Abnormal Chest Radiograph
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.ijscr.2025.111547
- Aug 1, 2025
- International journal of surgery case reports
Spinal brown tumors as a rare cause of spinal cord compression: Report of case series.
- Book Chapter
- 10.1093/med/9780197512166.003.0061
- Nov 1, 2021
Acute spinal cord compression with myelopathy is a neurologic emergency. Recognition of spinal cord compression, timely imaging, and treatment are important to restore and preserve neurologic function. This chapter reviews the causes and clinical approach to spinal cord compression. Traumatic and nontraumatic causes of spinal cord compression are addressed together because of their overlapping symptoms and management. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of peripheral nerve injury.
- Research Article
- 10.3760/cma.j.issn.2095-7041.2019.03.004
- Jun 6, 2019
Objective To explore the clinicopathological features, imaging features and treatment of spinal cord myeloma in patients with spinal cord compression as the first symptom. Methods The retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted which the clinical data of five patients with spinal myeloid sarcoma confirmed by bone marrow aspiration and pathology from January 2014 to December 2017 in Changzheng Hospital. There were 3 males and 2 females, aged from 15 to 54 years old. the tumors were located in 3 cases of thoracic vertebrae and 2 cases of lumbar vertebrae. Four cases were treated with open surgery. After discharge, they were treated with chemotherapy and hematological tumors according to bone marrow puncture and pathological results. Another patient underwent conservative treatment (anti-inflammatory analgesia, nutritional support, chemotherapy, etc.). The observation items were analysed. Results All the 5 patients had a low back pain, three of them had a lower limbs weakness, and one of them was accompanied by paralysis of both lower limbs. X-ray examination showed no abnormal findings. CT and MRI showed bone destruction or soft tissue shadow. Bone marrow aspiration and postoperative pathological examination showed that five cases were leukemia including four acute myeloid leukemia(AML)and one chronic myeloid leukemia(CML). All patients' preoperative symptoms were relieved after treatment. All patients were followed up. One patient underwent IA regimen chemotherapy for five courses, and was treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It had been followed up for 28 months after surgery and still in good condition without tumor recurrence. The other four patients relapsed after chemotherapy, all died of infection, and the survival period was from 5 to 26.5 months. Conclusions Spinal cord compression caused by myeloid sarcoma as an initial symptom is rare. The imaging manifestations of the myeloid sarcoma are lack of specificity and and it is easy to be misdiagnosed. Bone marrow aspiration and pathological examination can confirm the diagnosis. When the symptoms of spinal cord compression occur, it is recommended to perform early tumor decompression. The allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and systemic chemotherapy should be performed after surgery. Key words: Sarcoma, myeloid; Leukemia; Spinal compression; Diagnosis; Treatment outcome
- Research Article
- 10.1186/s12903-025-07616-5
- Mar 12, 2026
- BMC oral health
Brown tumors are rare non-neoplastic bone lesions associated with hyperparathyroidism. They are uncommon in the jaws and are usually linked to primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism, while tertiary hyperparathyroidism is rarely reported, particularly in normocalcemic patients. This report aims to present a mandibular brown tumor in a patient with long-standing renal disease and normocalcemia, and to discuss the diagnostic challenges between secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism. A 41-year-old male on chronic hemodialysis with a history of parathyroidectomy presented with mobility of the mandibular second molar and vestibular swelling. Imaging revealed a radiolucent mandibular lesion, while histology showed multinucleated giant cells in a fibrous stroma consistent with a brown tumor. Biochemistry demonstrated persistently elevated parathyroid hormone (4868 pg/ml) with normocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. Whole-body bone scintigraphy showed diffuse skeletal uptake, and 18 F-fluorocholine PET-CT revealed parathyroid adenomas. The patient underwent a second parathyroidectomy with partial reduction of PTH levels, followed by calcimimetic therapy. The mandibular lesion showed signs of regression at follow-up, although parathormone levels remained inappropriately high. This case highlights the diagnostic ambiguity between refractory secondary and normocalcemic tertiary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients. It underscores the importance of considering hyperparathyroidism in the differential diagnosis of jaw giant cell lesions, the need for multidisciplinary management, and the lack of clear surgical criteria in normocalcemic cases.
- Supplementary Content
10
- 10.1038/ki.2011.290
- Nov 1, 2011
- Kidney International
Brown tumor: still an old disease?
- Research Article
- 10.1210/jendso/bvae163.421
- Oct 5, 2024
- Journal of the Endocrine Society
Disclosure: A. Kormanis: None. M. Anderson: None. M. McKnight: None. H. Darapu: None. Background/Objective: In this case, we present a rare and severe consequence of secondary hyperparathyroidism, a Brown tumor leading to spinal cord compression, in a young adult with end-stage renal disease. Case Report: A 26-year-old male with a medical history of polycystic kidney disease and IgA Nephropathy complicated by ESRD, history of brown cell tumors (s/p surgery) was admitted for hospitalization due to hypocalcemia after presenting to the Emergency Department with right lower extremity weakness. Examination revealed right hip flexor weakness and right foot clonus. Lab results showed serum calcium of 10.4 mg/dL . MRI displayed a 2.5cm X 3.7 cm soft tissue mass with circumferential encroachment of the epidural space leading to severe spinal canal stenosis of T4-T5 at the site of prior Brown tumor resection. Ultimately, the patient underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy with left cervical thymectomy, leading to an intra-operative PTH drop from >3500 to 247 pg/mL. Discussion: In the context of treating vertebral brown tumors, the consensus suggests that parathyroidectomy plays a crucial role in achieving both clinical and radiographical amelioration of the tumor. However, in cases like ours where paresis is present, surgical decompression of the tumor becomes imperative. Conclusion: The development of Brown tumors is a severe and rare long-term complication for hyperparathyroidism, and the location of a Brown tumor in the thoracic spine causing symptomatic cord compression is even more rare. Presentation: 6/2/2024
- Supplementary Content
157
- 10.1056/nejmra1516539
- Apr 6, 2017
- New England Journal of Medicine
Acute compression of the spinal cord is a devastating but treatable disorder. Diseases that cause acute spinal cord compression constitute a special category because they originate in the spinal column and narrow the spinal canal. This review addresses the disorders that account for most instances of acute spinal cord compression: trauma, tumor, epidural abscess, and epidural hematoma. The pathophysiological features and management of these disorders are similar to those of other acute and serious spinal conditions. The medical context of spinal cord compression determines the diagnosis and directs treatment. Traumatic cord compression is often self-evident. Cord compression in patients with . . .
- Research Article
29
- 10.1007/s11255-010-9738-3
- Apr 28, 2010
- International Urology and Nephrology
Brown tumor or osteoclastoma is a lytic bone tumor, which is common in secondary hyperparathyroidism (1.5-13%) in chronic dialysis patients, mainly in those with untreated renal osteodystrophy. Brown tumor appears as a result from excess osteoclast activity and consists of collections of osteoclasts intermixed with fibrous tissue and poorly mineralized woven bone. It can be manifested as a single or multiple bone lesions. Although invasive, it has no malignant potential and should be distinguished from giant cell tumors of the bone. Two unusual cases of brown tumor in dialysis patients are reported. We present a first patient with five subtotal parathyroidectomies between 2002 and 2009 and a tendency toward recurrence of secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPTH). The double MRI check up could not reveal any ectopic parathyroid gland. Although the patient had permanently high PTH values, serum calcium level was never above the normal range. However, the brown tumor in the cervical spine was destructing the cervical vertebrae and required surgical intervention. Despite the conservative treatment with calcium and non-calcium-based binders and various forms of vitamin D, the patient's clinical and biochemical condition improved only after the use of cinacalcet. The second patient, a 58-years-old female on chronic hemodialysis since 1998, was found with high PTH serum levels in 2009. The development of sHPTH was scintigraphically confirmed and surgically treated. During the late 2008, she started feeling pain, numbness and swelling of the 3rd right hand finger, prior to the full clinical manifestation of the tumor. The CT scan of the right hand showed osteolytic changes and soft tissue destruction of the middle phalanx of the 3rd right hand finger. This formation corresponded to an unusual presentation of brown tumor associated with sHPTH. As expected, after the parathyroidectomy, there was no marked change in the destructed bone of the 3rd right hand finger middle phalanx, but only a gradual improvement in the subjective clinical condition of the patient. Based on these two reports, we would recommend that in cases of severe or recurrent sHPTH either total parathyroidectomy or early administration of calcimimetics should be considered. Furthermore, the implementation of regular checkup and treatment according to the KDIGO guidelines should be advised and clinical appearance of any bone tumor immediately checked for an association with sHPTH, which is a rather common entity in dialysis patients.
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100303
- Mar 1, 2026
- Brain Disorders
Spinal cord compression secondary to spinal extradural myeloid sarcoma in acute myeloid leukaemia: A case report and literature review
- Research Article
2
- 10.29819/ant.200312.0002
- Dec 1, 2003
- Acta Neurologica Taiwanica
Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the most lethal malignancy in Taiwan. Its initial presentation as acute spinal cord compression from epidural metastasis is rare. Because of newer treatment modalities and better control of the primary tumor, the mean survival has increased, making early diagnosis and detection of distant metastases of utmost importance. The authors describe a 60-year-old man presented with a sudden onset of bilateral lower limb weakness and a sensory level at T8. Plain film of the thoracic spine was normal. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine showed a large intraspinal epidural tumor at T6 level causing spinal cord compression. A diagnosis of HCC with epidural metastasis was made after surgical removal of the tumor mass.
- Discussion
- 10.1016/s2213-8587(15)00202-8
- Aug 6, 2015
- The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology
Primary hyperparathyroidism presenting as a brown cell tumour of the hallux
- Research Article
24
- 10.4103/1793-5482.131074
- Jan 1, 2014
- Asian Journal of Neurosurgery
Brown tumor (BT), also known as osteoclastoma, may appear in the context of primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Spinal cord compression due to the BT is extremely rare. We present here an unusual case of BT involving thoracal spine and mandible. A 26-year-old woman, who had been on hemodialysis for chronic renal failure for over 6 years, got admitted with dorsal pain and progressive weakness in her lower extremities and gait disturbances. Neurological examination revealed spastic paraparesis and symmetrically hyperactive tendon reflex in the lower extremities. She had hypoesthesia under T10 level. On physical examination, a swelling on the left side of her jaw was also detected. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed cord compression due to an extradural mass lesion at T8 level. A computerized tomography (CT) scan showed that this expansile lytic lesion was caused by the collapse of vertebra corpus (T8) at that level. CT of the mandible revealed an expansile lytic lesion on left arm of the mandible. Laboratory findings were nearly normal except parathormone level elevation to 1289 pg/mL (normal 30-70 pg/mL). Ultrasound examination showed enlargement of the parathyroid glands. The patient underwent an emergency decompression and stabilization surgery. The lesion was fragile and reddish in appearance and was easy to aspirate. The tumor was reported as “BT.” Her weakness in the lower extremities improved in the early postoperative period. Following surgical intervention, the patient was transferred to nephrology clinic for additional medical treatment.