Desmoid tumor of the spinal canal causing scoliosis and paralysis.

STUDY DESIGN: This report describes a case of successful surgical excision of an intrathoracic paraspinal desmoid tumor with an intraspinous extension causing scoliosis and paralysis in a 12-year-old girl. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this report is to illustrate the potential spectrum of disease of a desmoid tumor and to make physicians aware of the rare possibility of an intraspinal extension of a paraspinal desmoid tumor. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Surgical excision of desmoid tumors in the pediatric population is the standard of care for initial treatment. There have been no clinical reports in the spine literature of a desmoid tumor causing scoliosis or of a desmoid tumor with an intraspinous extension causing paralysis. METHODS: The tumor was decompressed from a posterior approach followed by an anterior resection and an anterior spinal fusion. Two weeks later a posterior spinal fusion was performed to correct the spinal deformity. The patient also received radiation therapy after surgery for 5 weeks. RESULTS: The patient tolerated the procedure well, has been free of recurrence for 9 years, and is currently doing well. CONCLUSION: This case report should help expand the understanding of the spectrum of this uncommon tumor.