The Primary spinal cord tumors : A review of demographic characteristics in Pakistani population at a tertiary care center

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To evaluate the demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of patients with primary spinal cord tumors in a tertiary care center in Pakistan.

Methodology:
This retrospective observational study was done in the Department of Radiology, Punjab Institute of Neurosciences, Lahore, from January 2021 to December 2024. A total of 200 patients identified with primary spinal cord malignancies based on clinical and MRI findings were included. Demographic data, presenting complaints, tumor location, compartment type, and MRI signal characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results:
Of the 200 patients, 102 (51%) were female and 98 (49%) were male, with a mean age of 43.6 ± 15.2 years (range 7–78). The highest incidence occurred in patients older than 50 years (22.5%). The most common presenting symptom was backache (60%), followed by lower limb weakness (25%) and neck pain (28%). The thoracic spine was most commonly involved (39.5%), followed by cervical (33%) and lumbar (27.5%) regions. Intradural extramedullary and intramedullary tumors were nearly equal in prevalence (49.0% and 49.5%, respectively). On MRI, 74.5% of lesions were T1 hypointense, 72.5% were T2 hyperintense, and 75% demonstrated post-contrast enhancement. Neural compression was present in 12% of cases.

Conclusion:
Primary spinal cord tumors are uncommon but clinically significant lesions, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms leading to delayed diagnosis. MRI remains the cornerstone for lesion detection, anatomical localization, and preoperative evaluation. Recognition of characteristic demographic and imaging patterns may facilitate earlier diagnosis and tailored management.

Keywords:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), spinal cord tumors, demographics, intramedullary, intradural extramedullary.