Abstract
Spinal cord tumor is a rare but serious complication in patients with childhood leukemia. We report the clinical course and pathology in three children with acute leukemia and compared these with 12 similar patients under 20 years old described previously. The tumors extrinsic to but compressing the cord are the most common finding and the thoracic cord is the most common site of involvement. Treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be effective, but emergency laminectomy should be performed if there is rapid neurologic progression.
