Intramedullary neuroma of the cervical spinal cord: case report

Intramedullary neuromas are rare tumors; only 37 cases have been described in the literature since 1931. The case of a 36-year-old woman presenting with an 8-month history of a progressive cervical myelopathy is reported. A diagnosis of a cervical intramedullary tumor was made by magnetic resonance imaging. A C3-C7 laminectomy and a near total resection were performed. Pathological examination revealed a neuroma; the various operative and pathological findings are presented. The existence of intraparenchymal neuromas is difficult to explain. Various pathogenic hypotheses are discussed. Microsurgical resection is considered the therapeutic option of choice for these entities.