Intradural Intramedullary Spinal Cord Glioblastoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Primary spinal cord glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains uncommon and typically affects males and patients during their fifth decade of life. Our case demonstrates a 77-year-old woman who initially presented with right arm paresthesia and limited range of motion and was subsequently diagnosed with primary spinal cord GBM. Our case illustrates an atypical and nonspecific neurological presentation highlighting that spinal cord GBM can have a more indolent course, unlike what current literature suggests. It also emphasizes the importance of considering a multimodal approach when managing atypical neurological symptoms and considering an early intervention, including magnetic resonance imaging, to rule out occult neoplasm in an appropriate clinical setting, thus preventing delay in the diagnosis. This case further emphasizes the role of molecular biomarkers of tumors, including isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation as well as methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promoter methylation status, that can independently guide and affect the treatment outcomes in this patient population.