Lumbosacral radiculopathy secondary to metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma: a case report.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective case report.

OBJECTIVES

To increase awareness of the fact that very serious and potentially devastating conditions can be associated with lumbosacral radiculopathy. To reinforce the need to have a definitive diagnosis before performing epidural injections in patients with radicular pain who are not responsive to conservative treatment.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of uterine leiomyosarcoma presenting with a lumbosacral radiculopathy.

METHODS

The authors describe the treatment and the radiologic, surgical, and pathologic findings in this patient.

RESULTS

Proper diagnostic work-up led to a diagnosis of metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma, which was managed with decompressive laminectomy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first reported case of a uterine leiomyosarcoma presenting with radicular pain. When a patient has not responded to conservative care, a definitive etiology for radiculopathy needs to be established before epidural steroid injection.