Primary spinal epidural non-Hodgkin's diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A case report

Navigating treatment options for sacral spine lymphoma: A medical journey

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Early clinical presentations of spinal processes involving the epidural space are often vague and can mimic other spinal nerve impingements. Patients with NHLs frequently experience neurological problems due to metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC).

CASE PRESENTATION

In this case report, we present a 66-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLCBL) of the sacral spine after a recurrence of cauda equine syndrome. The patient initially presented with back discomfort, radicular pain, and muscle weakness, which progressed to weakness in the lower extremities and bladder dysfunction over a few weeks. The patient was treated by surgical decompression and the biopsy result revealed a diagnosis of DLBCL. Further workup proved the tumor is primary and the patient as treated with radio- and chemotherapy.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

The varied distribution of symptoms based on the spinal level of the lesion makes early clinical diagnosis of spinal NHL challenging. In this case, the patient's initial symptoms closely resembled intervertebral disc herniation or other spinal nerve impingements, which delayed the diagnosis of NHL. The abrupt onset and progression of neurological symptoms in the lower extremities and bladder dysfunction raised the suspicion of MSCC.

CONCLUSION

NHLs can present as metastatic spinal cord compression, which can cause neurological problems. Early clinical diagnosis of spinal NHLs is challenging due to the vague and varied presentations. A high index of suspicion for MSCC should be maintained in patients with NHLs who present with neurological symptoms.

Triple Expressor Lymphoma: Presentation With Acute Paraparesis Due to Spinal Cord Compression

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DBLCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Triple expressor lymphoma is a subgroup of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that exhibits simultaneous overexpression of the MYC, BCL2, and BCL6 genes. This entity is characterized by its aggressive behavior and its poor response to chemotherapy regimens traditionally used, such as the standard R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) regimen. This neoplasm can have varied clinical manifestations according to its initial location and usually has central nervous system (CNS) involvement. This article presents the case of a triple expressor lymphoma with spinal involvement at the level of the thoracic vertebrae in a previously healthy 34-year-old female patient, which lead to acute paraparesis due to spinal cord compression. Nevertheless, appropriate treatment with the DA-EPOCH-R (dose-adjusted etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and rituximab) regimen resulted in the recovery of the motor and sensory function of the lower extremities.

Primary Spinal Epidural Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Primary spinal epidural lymphoma (PSEL) comprises a group of tumors present only in the spinal epidural space with a histopathological picture of lymphoma and negative diagnostic workup for lymphoma at other sites. We present the case of an older male adult with primary spinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) presenting with spinal cord compression who was treated with surgery followed by high dose methotrexate in combination with RCHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, prednisone, vincristine, and doxorubicin). This case report and review of literature on DLBCL limited to the spine provide a novel chemotherapy regimen and a comprehensive perspective on the optimal management of these patients.

Primary B-cell Lymphoma of the Thoracic Spine: A Rare Cause of Spinal Cord Compression

Primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma arising from the spine is exceedingly rare. Spinal cord compression can be the first presentation of a patient with primary spinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Due to its rarity and vague clinical presentation, the diagnosis can be confused with tuberculosis of the spine, a more common disease in this country. We present a case of primary thoracic spine B-cell lymphoma in a 45-year-old lady who presented with spinal cord compression. This case highlights the importance of obtaining histopathological samples for examination and the treating physician should be vigilant on this rare cause of spinal cord compression. Treatment can be initiated promptly once the diagnosis is established as primary spinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma carries a dire prognosis.