Giant chordoma in the thoracolumbar spine: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Study design: Case report.

Purpose: We present a rare case of a giant chordoma in the thoracolumbar spine and review the current literature. We describe its complicated clinical progression, hoping to shed light on the clinical management of this complex tumor.

Methods: We present a previously healthy 41-year-old man who experienced progressive low back pain at T10-L2 for the past 2 years. A giant tumor was detected on magnetic resonance imaging, and aspiration biopsy was used to obtain a definite pathological diagnosis. The postoperative pathology confirmed that it was a chordoma. He underwent complete resection of the tumor and internal fixation of the vertebral bodies, which is a good way to control recurrence and preserve stability.

Results: Histopathology confirmed the tumor was a chordoma via immunohistochemical study of both the biopsy sample and the surgically resected tissues. There has been no recurrence or metastasis at the 30-month postsurgery radiographic examination. The internal fixation has remained stable.

Conclusion: Primary chordoma in the thoracolumbar spine is extremely rare. The treatment is difficult because the current literature is sparse and patients are rare. Complete resection and internal fixation are effective for reducing recurrences and metastasis.

Keywords: Chordoma; Spine; Thoracolumbar.