Glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like islands in the spinal cord: A case report and literature review

Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 May 13;101(19):e29237. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000029237.

Abstract

Rationale: Glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like islands (GTNI) is a distinctive neoplasm located in the cerebrum. Moreover, spinal GTNI is extremely rare. Herein, we present a case of spinal GTNI and review the related literature.

Patient concerns: A 38-year-old Chinese woman presented to our hospital with a 6-month history of neck pain and a 1-month history of dizziness.

Diagnoses: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large intramedullary mass spanning the length of the spinal cord from C1 to C4. Microscopic and immunohistochemical examinations of the tumor tissue revealed findings typical of GTNI.

Interventions: The patient underwent C1 to C4 intraspinal gross tumor resection.

Outcomes: Follow-up results showed that the patient had no recurrence 6 months after tumor resection.

Lessons: GTNI in the spinal cord is a highly rare neoplasm with poor prognosis. Therefore, clinicians and pathologists should differentiate GTNI from other benign glioneuronal tumors, and long-term follow-up of patients with spinal GTNI is necessary.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neuropil / pathology
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Spinal Neoplasms* / pathology