Primary intradural myxoid chondrosarcoma: a case report and review in the literature

Objective and importance: Chondrosarcomas are extremely rare cartilaginous tumours that typically usually are associated with bone. Therapeutic experience with primary spinal mesenchymal chondrosarcomas is also extremely limited. The exact origin of rare intradural spinal chondrosarcomas remains obscure. We report the first case in the literature of a primary intradural myxoid chondrosarcoma. Clinical presentation: This 40-year-old man experienced a 3 month history with back pain. The results of his neurological examination were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)demonstrated at the T12 level intradural tumour. We could not identify this lesion as chondrosarcoma in preoperative period. Intervention: At surgery, a mass found attached solely to pia mater, with a normal arachnoid and dura mater overlying was seen. The mass was excised completely and microscopic examination identified a myxomatous chondrosarcoma. The postoperative course was unremercable. But a histological examination revealed primary myxoid chondrosarcoma. Experience with primary spinal mesenchymal chondrosarcomas is also extremely limited. We especially discussed to the histological examination. Conclusion: The differential diagnosis considered in the present case included meningioma, plasmacytoma, and non-neoplastic intradural spinal cord lesion. We emphasize the benefit of surgical resection without radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. This case presents the first case in the literature of an primary spinal intradural myxoid chondrosarcoma.