Spinal cord intramedullary cavernoma: A case report

Abstract

Background: Spinal Cord Intramedullary Cavernoma is a rare disease. It is a vascular disorder composed of capillary-liked vessels without intervening neurons within a spinal lesion. It may only be discovered incidentally or may be diagnosed after a neurologic deficit. Patients may present with weakness which could mimic other neurologic pathology.

Case: A case of a 65 year old with history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. He had previous microdissectomy of the lumbar L4-L5 disc. He presented with progressive lower leg paresis, urinary retention and obstipation. An MRI revealed a cavernous angioma at the T5 level.

Conclusion: A multitude of neurologic deficits could lead to a patient presenting with a Spinal Cord Cavernoma. Prompt imaging is warranted in cases presenting with the symptoms to allow appropriate diagnoses and treatment. The clinician must be aware of this rare, but debilitating disease complex.