[Spinal metastases of malignant gliomas].

PURPOSE

Extracranial metastases of malignant gliomas are rare. We report 2 cases with spinal metastases in patients suffering from glioma.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Two patients (33 and 57 years old) developed spinal canal metastases of a glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytoma Grade III respectively 25 and 9 months after surgical resection and radiotherapy. Both metastases were confirmed pathohistologically.

RESULTS

Intraspinal metastases were irradiated with a total dose of 12.6 Gy and 50 Gy. Treatment withdrawal was necessary in one patient due to reduced clinical condition. Regression of neurological symptoms was observed in the second patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal spread of malignant glioma should be considered during care and follow-up in glioma patients with spinal symptoms.