The Clinicopathologic Spectrum and Management of Primary Intradural and Dumbbell Spinal Tumors: Our Experience in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital.

Abstract

Background: Primary intradural and dumbbell spinal tumours, are most commonly found in the thoracic region. The presentation, diagnosis, and management are at times challenging. The primary treatment of choice is surgical resection; however, this could be challenging in resource-limited settings, especially for intramedullary tumours.

Methodology: A retrospective study of patients with primary intradural and dumbbell spinal tumours. The age, sex, and clinical presentation, duration of symptoms, spinal region, anatomic classification, the extent of resection, histology, and outcome of these patients were assessed, analysed, and presented.

Results: There were 31 patients comprising of 17 females and 14 males, respectively. The age range was 11 months to 76 years (mean age of 39.3 y). The thoracic spine was the most commonly affected (20 patients, 64.5%). The most common initial presenting complaints were: limb weakness/paralysis (87.5%) for the intramedullary group, axial pain (88.9%) for the intradural extramedullary group, and nonradicular pain (60%) for the dumbbell group.

Conclusion: Primary intradural and dumbbell spinal tumours are mostly benign or low-grade tumours and are commonly found in the thoracic spine. They are individually unique with respect to their diverse clinical presentations and peculiar histologic types. These eventually determine their treatment outcomes and quality of life.