Calcifying pseudoneoplasms of the neuraxis (CAPNON) in foramen magnum (cervicomedullary junction) region: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background and Importance Calcifying pseudoneoplasms of the neuraxis (CAPNON) is an extremely rare tumor, with nearly 150 cases have been reported in the literature. We present a case of CAPNON at foramen magnum (cervicomedullary junction). We also discuss the histological and radiological features of this rare pathology. Clinical Presentation A 35-year-old male patient presented to our center complaining of neck pain for the last 6 months and for the last 3 months has had headaches associated with nausea, blurred vision and papilledema. The patient’s magnetic resonance imaging showed the presence of right craniocervical junction intra-dural extramedullary tumor. Neuro examination showed no neurological deficits. He underwent midline suboccipital craniotomy with C1 laminectomy. The mass was completely resected, and histopathology confirmed it to be a CAPNON. Conclusion We presented a new case of CAPNON at cervicomedullary junction. The tumor was radically resected, without any complications. Resection of this kind of tumor is curative, and the need for post-operative chemo or radiotherapy is unnecessary, which depends on the outcome of future research and the long-term follow ups.