Spinal-cord Compression in the Malignant Lymphomas

Abstract

Three cases of paraplegia complicating malignant lymphomas are reported. All were treated with chemotherapy. The results have been very encouraging, and a plea is made for more intensive trials of chemotherapy when there is cord involvement with lymphoma. A fourth case of paraplegia due to extramedullary haemopoiesis is included in this report. Cord compression from this cause is rare. However, interpretation of biopsy specimens may be misleading unless this condition is borne in mind. This is precisely what happened in the present case, where the biopsy appearances were thought to be compatible with a malignant lymphoma. Recovery was complete but treatment was probably unnecessary. © 1964, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.