J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2002 Nov;32(5):481-484.

A Dumbbell-shaped Thoraco-lumbar Extradural Ganglioneuroma: Case Report

• Sun WS
• Jung YT
• Kim SC
• Sim JH

Abstract

Ganglioneuromas commonly arise from sympathetic ganglia. These neoplasm may be located wherever ganglion cells are normally found from skull base to pelvis including adrenal gland. Ganglioneuromas in spinal cord are very rare. We report a case of dumbbell-shaped extradural spinal ganglioneuroma. A 7-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital with a 20 day-history of both leg pain and a 10 day-history of progressive paraparesis. On magnetic resonance image, there was a dumbbell-shaped extradural spinal cord tumor in T11-L4 level. Two stage operation(First : Laminoplastic laminotomy of T11-L4 to remove the extradural portion of the tumor in the spinal canal, Second : Right retroperitoneal approach for the removal of paraspinal tumor located in L2-3 level) was performed. Pathologic diagnosis was a ganglioneuroma and paraparesis improved postoperatively.

Keyword

Ganglioneuroma; Dumbbell shape; Spinal cord tumor; Two stage operation

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Glands
Child
Diagnosis
Ganglia, Sympathetic
Ganglion Cysts
Ganglioneuroma*
Humans
Laminectomy
Leg
Male
Paraparesis
Pelvis
Skull Base
Spinal Canal
Spinal Cord
Spinal Cord Neoplasms