Metastatic spinal cord compression as initial presentation of occult follicular thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

Spinal cord compression is a rare complication of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), which may present late in the course of the disease. Spinal cord compression as the initial presentation of DTC is an extremely rare condition. We present a case of follicular thyroid carcinoma in a patient who presented for an evaluation of spinal cord compression. A thorough search of the literature revealed only 15 similar cases. We summarize the clinical characteristics, therapeutic regimens, outcomes, and prognoses of these cases. Additional management issues are also discussed, with a thorough literature review. Copyright © 2008 JMS.