抄録
An older case of spinal teratoma was reported. The patient, a 51-year-old female, was referred because of gait disturbance. Neurological examination revealed a slight motor weakness (L4-S3), sensory disturbance (L5-S1) in the right lower leg and right positive Babinski's sign. Plain X-ray film of the spine showed flattening of the pedicles (Th12-L2) and scalloping of the vertebral bodies (Th11-L4). A metrizamide myelogram demonstrated a complete block at the Th12 vertebral level. Spinal computed tomography revealed high density and low density areas and calcification. Th11 through L3 laminectomy was performed and a solid white tumor with a cyst was subtotally removed. The postoperative course was uneventful. A histopathological examination of the tumor showed it to be a teratoma.
Among the 68 previously reported cases of the spinal teratoma, ten were elderly or above 40 years of age. In the elderly cases, the tumor locations were mostly limited to the lumbosacral region. In this case, spinal computed tomography was very useful in making the preoperative diagnosis.
