Spinal leptomeningeal metastasis from cerebral glioblastoma multiforme presenting with radicular pain: case report and literature review

Abstract

Background: We present a case of spinal leptomeningeal metastasis from an intracranial glioblastoma multiforme that presented with radicular pain.

Case description: A 55-year-old man with a previously treated supratentorial glioblastoma multiforme presented with a 12-month history of thoracic radicular pain. MRI of the thoracic spine demonstrated an intradural extramedullary metastatic tumor deposit at the levels of T8-T10. External beam radiotherapy to the thoracic spine provided a minimal decrease in the intensity of the radicular pain. The lack of appreciation of the metastatic potential of the primary intracranial tumor resulted in delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion: Spinal leptomeningeal metastasis needs to be suspected in patients with a past history of intracranial glioblastoma multiforme, who present with the clinical features of radiculopathy or myelopathy. Awareness of this condition will facilitate appropriate intervention.