Metastatic tumor to the intradural-extramedullary region of the cauda equina is very rarely reported with only a few cases previously reported in Japan.
We report a rare case of metastatic tumor to the cauda equina derived from lung cancer.
A 41 year-old-man had radiation therapy and chemotherapy for lung cancer in our hospital. Three months later, he developed lumbago and this gradually worsened until he was, finally admitted to our department complaining of muscle weakness in both legs, gait disturbance and urinary disturbance.
A nodular mass was found in the dural sac at the level of L3 vertebrae on MRI. The myelogram showed total block at the level of the L3 vertebrae.
Surgery (Laminectomy and resection of the tumor) was performed and the histological diagnosis of the tumor was adenocarcinoma. Clinical symptoms hardly improved and the patient died three months later.
Although it is very rare, should be kept in mind the possibility of metastatic tumor to the cauda equina in patients with primary malignant tumors.
