Abstract
Intraspinal tumors are uncommon. Positive diagnosis is based on medical imaging exams, in particular MRI. Anatomopathological examination allows for definitive diagnosis. Surgery is the treatment of choice for most of them. Prognosis is related to the histological type and patient´s initial clinical condition. We here report the histological profile and progression of intraspinal tumors in our department. We conducted a retrospective study over a period of 10 years. All operated patients with histology-confirmed intraspinal tumor (23 cases) were enrolled. Four unworkable records were excluded. The median time from symptom onset and first consultation was 79 days. Patients presented with spinal cord compression. In 11 cases this was characterized by slow onset. Seven CT scan and 14 MRI were performed, which showed 4 intramedullary tumors, 9 intradural, 1 extradural, and 5 of unknown site. Histological examination showed meningioma in 11 cases, neurinoma in 3 cases. In 7 cases, it confirmed the diagnosis based on Imaging tests (4 CT and 3 MRI). Macroscopically complete resection was performed in 14 cases; it was partial in 5 cases. After a 6-month follow-up period 6 patients had fully recovered, 9 partially. This study highlights diagnosis delays. MRI better defined the lesion, but its histological approach was limited. Meningiomas dominated. Complete resection was most often performed. The postoperative course was uneventful.