Intramedullary spinal cord metastases: Report of three cases and review of the literature

Intramedullary spinal cord metastases (ISCM) is a rare, but devastating complication of malignant disease. Prognosis is poor, with an overall median survival (OS) of 4 months from the time of diagnosis. Yet, ISCMs are being increasingly diagnosed, related to advances and increased use of imaging and therapies that prolong survival in patients with cancer. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of ISCM is necessary for effective treatment, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred imaging technique. The optimal management of these patients is controversial because of the multitude of clinical circumstances and the lack of controlled studies on the efficacy of the different therapeutic approaches. Increased awareness of this rare entity may lead to an earlier diagnosis at a stage when neurological deficits are reversible, and therefore, more effective palliation may be achieved. Therefore, we carried out this retrospective research of 3 observations of ISCM, associated with a detailed review of the literature describing the diagnostic, therapeutic and evolutionary characteristics of this special rare entity. (C) 2020 Societe francaise de radiotherapie oncologique (SFRO). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Intramedullary spinal cord metastases (ISCM) is a rare and devastating complication of malignant disease with poor prognosis. Prompt and accurate diagnosis using MRI is crucial for effective treatment. The optimal management of patients with ISCM is controversial, but increased awareness of this rare entity may lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective palliation.