Abstract
Due to the rare occurrence of chordomas extra-axially, these lesions have not earned a great deal of consideration in the clinical and radiographic differential diagnoses of extra-axial paraspinal lesions. We describe a case of a patient with a surgically resected extra-axial chordoma and review the radiologic characteristics of chordomas as an entity in the spectrum of extra-axial lesions. A 47-year-old man presented to our institution with four months of intermittent parethesias, pain, and subjective weakness in the left leg. MR imaging of the lumbar spine demonstrated a large heterogeneously- enhancing paraspinal lesion extending from the left L3-4 neural foramen into the psoas muscle. The patient underwent a CT-guided needle biopsy demonstrating features consistent with a chordoma. He then underwent a left retroperitoneal approach and en bloc resection of the lesion from the vertebral column. Pathology confirmed chordoma as the diagnosis. EACs are a rare but important consideration in the diagnosis of extra-axial lesions of the central nervous system.
Highlights
Chordomas are histologically benign but locally aggressive tumors which originate from embryonic remnants of the primitive notochord
We describe a case of a patient with a surgically resected extra-axial chordoma and review the radiologic characteristics of chordomas as an entity in the spectrum of extra-axial lesions
Given the diversity of therapeutic and prognostic factors associated with extra-axial lesions of the spine, the aim of this case report is to discuss the radiological features of chordoma versus a spectrum of other lesions in the differential diagnosis of extra-axial lesions
Summary
Chordomas are histologically benign but locally aggressive tumors which originate from embryonic remnants of the primitive notochord As such, they arise from persisting elements of the fetal axial skeleton anywhere from Rathke’s pouch to the coccyx. They arise from persisting elements of the fetal axial skeleton anywhere from Rathke’s pouch to the coccyx These tumors account for approximately 1% of all intracranial tumors and 4% of primary bone tumors involving the spine [1]. They may occur at any age but are most commonly found in adults ages 30 60 and are more common in Caucasians. Given the diversity of therapeutic and prognostic factors associated with extra-axial lesions of the spine, the aim of this case report is to discuss the radiological features of chordoma versus a spectrum of other lesions in the differential diagnosis of extra-axial lesions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
