A hemodialysis patient unable to walk - brown tumor as the culprit: Case report and review of the literature

Introduction: Brown tumors are benign lesions caused by hyperparathyroidism and characterized by increased osteoclast activity and mass effect, which can lead to paraplegia when the spine is involved. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is common in patients on long-term hemodialysis therapy. Case report: We report the case of a 48-year-old man on regular dialysis who presented with leg weakness as well as back pain and was diagnosed with secondary hyperparathyroidism and thoracic spine tumor. Since the spinal cord was compressed, T12 mass excision combined with spinal canal decompression was performed under general anesthesia. Post-operative pathology demonstrated abundant fibrovascular tissue and osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells with hemorrhage and hemosiderin pigment deposition. The patient was diagnosed with brown tumor. Following operation, the patient recovered well. He remains on regular hemodialysis with follow-ups and unaffected activities 10 years later. Discussion: In dialysis patients with combined spinal tumors, brown tumors should be considered. For patients presenting with symptoms of spinal cord compression, surgical resection can lead to a favorable prognosis.