Primary central nervous system lymphoma in the brainstem and cervical spinal cord: a case report and literature review

초록

Primary central nervous system lymphoma is an uncommon type of extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and lymphoma in the brain stem and spinal cord is rare. We report a case of primary lymphoma that developed from the medulla oblongata to the cervical spinal cord, which was considered inflammation or glioma before the pathologic report enabled the correct diagnosis. A 56-year-old male presented with decreased light touch sensation on the left hemibody and disequilibrium that had lasted for a month. On imaging, a T2-hyperintense lesion mimicking a glioma was found extending from the medulla oblongata to the spinal cord at C2. Open biopsy at the posterior column of the C1 area was performed and histopathology indicated a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. After a complete staging evaluation, chemotherapy was administered. Equivocal lesions on imaging should be diagnosed pathologically to provide sufficient information for proper management.

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