Malignant spinal cord compression: Difference between revisions
(Created page with "==Background== *Suspect in pt w/ known cancer (esp lung, breast, prostate) + back pain *Occurs in thoracic location in 70% of pts ==Clinical Features== *Back pain (90% of pts) *...") |
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##Consider starting in ED if imaging is delayed | ##Consider starting in ED if imaging is delayed | ||
#Radiotherapy (emergent) | #Radiotherapy (emergent) | ||
==See Also== | |||
[[Spinal Cord Compression (Non-Traumatic)]] | |||
==Source== | ==Source== | ||
Tintinalli | Tintinalli | ||
[[ | [[Category:Heme/Onc]] | ||
Revision as of 04:53, 24 November 2011
Background
- Suspect in pt w/ known cancer (esp lung, breast, prostate) + back pain
- Occurs in thoracic location in 70% of pts
Clinical Features
- Back pain (90% of pts)
- Progressive and worse when supine
- Motor weakness (proximal legs)
- Sensory changes and bladder or bowel dysfunction (late findings)
Diagnosis
- MRI: modality of choice
- CT myelography: use if MRI unavailable
Treatment
- Corticosteroids
- Dexamethasone 10mg IV followed by 4mg PO or IV q6hr
- Consider starting in ED if imaging is delayed
- Radiotherapy (emergent)
See Also
Spinal Cord Compression (Non-Traumatic)
Source
Tintinalli