Abstract
A 32-year-old man was diagnosed to have acute myelogenous leukemia (M2) in January, 1983. Complete remission was achieved by the DCMP (Daunorubicin, Cytarabine, 6-Mercaptopurine, Prednisolone) therapy. In December, 1984, tumor forming leukemia as confirmed by CT scanning and biopsy developed in hematological partial remission to cause left facial nerve paralysis and a painful mass extending from the left retroperitoneum to peri-urinary bladder area. Irradiation was effective to reduce the size of the tumors and to improve symptoms. In May, 1985, acute complete paraplegia occurred below the 2nd thoracic level, which was proved by CT scanning, scintigraphy, and spinal tap to result from a spinal tumor. The neurological signs were not improved by any therapy, and the patient's condition gradually deteriorated with corresponding changes in signs and symptoms, and hematological findings. He died on May 26, 1985. A postmortum examination revealed a generalized invasion of leukemic cells, and compression necrosis and spongilosis of the spinal cord from the 2nd to the 7th thoracic level due to extradural tumor formation with leukemic cells.
