INTRAMEDULLARY CAVERNOMA: CASE REPORT

Intramedullary cavernoma is a rare vascular malformation. It accounts for about 5 % to 12% of spinal vascular malformations and 3% of the intradural vascular malformations. It may be asymptomatic for a long time or be responsible for a progressive or sudden alteration of marrow functions. Its diagnostic relies on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the medulla and an anatomic pathology. Surgery constitutes its main management; nevertheless, surgery is not exempted from complications. We report a case of intramedullary cavernoma in a 24 year-old female patient, admitted for a slow spinal cord compression with a paraparesis that has been progressing for two years. MRI of the medulla objectified an intramedullary lesion at T7-T8. A complete exeresis of the tumor was performed on the patient, and intramedullary cavernoma was confirmed histologically. The clinical course was characterized by a partial aggravation of motor deficit. Through this case report, the authors discuss clinical and radiological aspects, as well as management of this rare disease.