Tardy spinal cord tumor following avulsive brachial plexus injury: Coincidental or causal?

Marie Noëlle Hébert-Blouin, Allen T. Bishop, Alexander Y. Shin, Cynthia Wetmore, Robert J. Spinner

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective Late neurologic deterioration after brachial plexus injury (BPI) is uncommon and may be caused by multiple etiologies. An unusual, previously unreported, case of late neurologic deterioration after BPI is presented. Methods A pediatric patient previously treated for a traumatic preganglionic BPI and presenting with neurologic deterioration 5 years after his injury is reviewed. Results Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography myelogram revealed spinal cord herniation at the same level of the previous nerve root avulsions. Surgical open biopsy demonstrated a spinal cord anaplastic astrocytoma. Despite craniospinal radiotherapy and different regimens of chemotherapy, he died 4 years later from leptomeningeal spread. Conclusion This case illustrates a previously unreported cause of late neurologic deterioration following BPI. The probable coincidental versus possible causal interrelationship of these two processes (BPI and spinal cord tumor) is discussed, but no conclusions can be reached.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)368-373
Number of pages6
JournalWorld neurosurgery
Volume74
Issue number2-3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010

Keywords

  • Astrocytoma
  • Brachial plexus injury
  • Spinal cord tumor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Tardy spinal cord tumor following avulsive brachial plexus injury: Coincidental or causal?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this