Primary carcinoid tumor of medulla spinalis: case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Carcinoid tumors are slow growing neuroendocrine tumors which can originate from various sites within the body. A carcinoid tumor originating in the medulla spinalis has not previously been reported in the literature. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 33-year-old man, presenting with a five-month history of bilateral lower extremity pain, as well as paresthesia, and mild weakness in one lateral lower extremity. A lumbar laminectomy of L3 to L5 and en bloc resection of the tumor was performed. Postoperative histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor were consistent with that of a carcinoid tumor. There were no clinical or radiological signs of tumor recurrence or metastasis at the patient’s two year postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: During the differential diagnosis of medulla spinalis tumors, the possibility of a primary carcinoid tumor originating within the medulla spinalis should be considered. An accurate tumor classification is imperative to ensure that the most effective course of treatment is pursued. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40001-014-0071-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.