Spinal B cell lymphoma
Spinal cord compression as the initial manifestation of non Hodgkin lymphoma is rare and may occur in advanced stages of the disease.
It usually looks isointense or low signal (relative to the spinal cord) on T1-weighted images and high signal on T2-weighted images.
Contrast enhancement is usually intense and homogeneous.
Outcome
Functional outcome can be quite good, as can tumor outcome. Residual sensory deficits greater than motor deficits are not uncommon 1)
Case reports
2016
A 37-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of progressive numbness and paraparesis in both legs. The initial diagnosis was benign primary intradural extramedullary tumor including schwannoma and meningioma. Histopathological examination revealed diffuse large B cell lymphoma. While a well-defined T1 isointense mass is common in primary spinal schwannoma, the present case was atypical and had a yellowish neural component. The pathogenesis and radiological findings of spinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma are discussed and related literature is reviewed 2).
2007
Two patients presented with sensory deficits greater than motor deficits and gait disorder. Both achieved functional independence at the community ambulation level and tumor remission with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
B-cell epidural tumors are an uncommon cause of SCI. Functional outcome can be quite good, as can tumor outcome. Residual sensory deficits greater than motor deficits are not uncommon 3)