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Review
. 2022 Mar 23;22(1):112.
doi: 10.1186/s12883-022-02645-x.

Primary intra- and extradural extramedullary mesenchymal chondrosarcoma with isolated punctate calcification: case report and literature review

Meigui Chen  1 , Qingquan Lai  2
Affiliations
Review

Primary intra- and extradural extramedullary mesenchymal chondrosarcoma with isolated punctate calcification: case report and literature review

Meigui Chen et al. BMC Neurol. .

Abstract

Background: Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MCS) is an ultra-rare, high-grade subtype of chondrosarcoma affecting both bone and soft tissues. Extra-skeletal MCS rarely occurs in intra- and extradural regions.

Case presentation: We presented a case of intraspinal dumbbell-shaped MCS at the T12-L2 level with isolated punctate calcification in a 19-year-old male complaining of progressive lower back pain. Surgical treatment for removal of the tumor was performed. The postoperative pathological result confirmed MCS. The patient showed symptomatic improvement and follow-up MRI showed no evidence of recurrence or metastasis for nearly 1 year after surgery.

Conclusions: CT and MRI play an important role in differential diagnosis for intraspinal MCS. MCS should be added to the differential diagnosis of intraspinal dumbbell-shaped tumors, especially when radiological examinations reveal punctate calcification in a homogeneous enhanced tumor without dural tail sign. However, the final diagnosis depends on histopathological results. Despite the good prognosis of intraspinal MCS, close follow-up after operation is still necessary.

Keywords: Calcification; Case report, Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, intra- and extradural; Dumbbell-shape.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Preoperative MR images. A Sagittal T2WI, B Sagittal T2WI with fat suppression, C Sagittal T1WI, D Sagittal T1WI with gadolinium enhancement, E Axial T1WI, F Axial T1WI with gadolinium enhancement. Dumbbell tumor could be visualized at the L1 level
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Preoperative CT images. A, B Axial images. C, D Sagittal images. CT images revealed isolated punctate calcification in the mass (arrows)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Postoperative histopathological findings. A The chondroid component stained positive for S-100 protein. B Round or spindle-shaped undifferentiated cells with island-like regions of cartilage C A biphasic pattern. D spindle-shaped undifferentiated cells stained positive for myogenin
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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