Primary Spinal Tumors and Masses in Children Publisher



Farzan A¹ ; Ahmadi P² ; Tasdighi E² ; Zinatzadeh MR³ ; Pourbakhtyaran E² Show Affiliations
Source: Iranian Journal of Child Neurology Published:2022

Abstract

Objectives Spinal cord tumors are rare in children, mostly presented with unspecific symptoms that might pose a problem due to their possible malignancy and further complications. However, there are limited data on spinal cord lesions in Iran. This study aimed to present a series of 37 cases of primary spinal tumors treated at the same institution and briefly review their pathology, symptoms, and site of occurrence. Materials & Methods In this study, 37 cases of spinal cord tumors and masses were selected within March 2007-2017, excluding spinal dysraphism. The data on age, gender, clinical presentation, location of the mass, and pathology were retrospectively collected. Results The mean age at diagnosis was 5 years and 8 months (standard deviation: 4.1 years). Moreover, 21 and 16 cases were male and female, respectively (male-to-female ratio: 1.31). Pathological findings included 9 neuroepitheliomas (i.e., 6 neuroblastoma, 2 ganglioneuroma, and 1 ganglioneuroblastoma/ganglioneuroma), 4 ependymomas, 3 primitive neuroectodermal tumors, 3 glial tumors, 4 neurodevelopmental tumors, 3 lymphomas, 1 hemangiopericytoma, and 1 neurofibroma. In addition, 26 (74.2%), 14 (40%), 6 (16.6%), and 4 (11.4%) patients had motor symptoms, pain, sensory symptoms, and urinary symptoms, respectively. The most common location of occurrence was the lumbosacral region. Conclusion In conclusion, while differing in pathological composition and location of tumors in comparison to other papers, this study presents possible presentations and/or expected pathologies in pediatric spinal cord tumors. © 2022, Iranian Child Neurology Society. All rights reserved.