Fatal Case of Giant Chondrosarcoma of Rib with Paraplegia: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION: Chondrosarcoma of rib encroaching spine and subsequently leading to paraplegia has never been reported in the literature. Association of paraplegia can often lead to misdiagnosis with a common disease like breast cancer or Potts spine causing a significant delay in treatment. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of a 45-year-old male with chondrosarcoma of rib with paraplegia who was misdiagnosed initially as Pott’s spine and was started empirically on anti-tubercular treatment for paraplegia and chest wall mass. Further work up at tertiary care center including detailed imaging and biopsy revealed features of chondrosarcoma. However, before any definitive treatment could be done; the patient passed away. CONCLUSION: Empirical treatment of paraplegia with chest wall mass for more common diseases like tuberculosis are often initiated without obtaining appropriate radiological and tissue diagnosis. This can lead to a delay in diagnosis and initiation of treatment.