Spinal leptomeningeal metastasis from cerebral glioblastoma multiforme presenting with radicular pain: Case report and literature review

Abstract

BACKGROUND We present a case of spinal leptomeningeal metastasis from an intracranial glioblastoma multiforme that presented with radicular pain. CASE DESCRIPTION A 55-year-old man with a previously treated supratentorial glioblastoma multiforme presented with a 12-month history of thoracic radicular pain. MRI of the thoracic spine demonstrated an intradural extramedullary metastatic tumor deposit at the levels of T8-T10. External beam radiotherapy to the thoracic spine provided a minimal decrease in the intensity of the radicular pain. The lack of appreciation of the metastatic potential of the primary intracranial tumor resulted in delayed diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSION Spinal leptomeningeal metastasis needs to be suspected in patients with a past history of intracranial glioblastoma multiforme, who present with the clinical features of radiculopathy or myelopathy. Awareness of this condition will facilitate appropriate intervention.