Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis (ISCM) in renal cell carcinoma: a series of six cases.

Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis (ISCM) has been infrequently diagnosed during the clinical course of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). With the advent of more sensitive diagnostic procedures including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), more cases of ISCM have been documented. The management of these cases is particularly challenging as lack of prompt intervention often results in irreversible progressive neurological deficits. We describe the management and clinical course in six patients with RCC who developed ISCM. Two of these patients were treated surgically while four were treated with radiation therapy (RT). Although no major improvements in neurological function were noted, stabilizations were common. This prolonged their ability to live independently, a matter of utmost importance in these terminally ill patients.