Background: Intramedullary spinal cord metastases represent 4–8.5% of the central nervous system metastases and affect only 0.1–0.4% of all patients. Those originating from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are extremely rare. Of the eight patients described in the literature with metastatic RCC and intramedullary cord lesion, only five were found in the cervical spine. Here, the authors add a 6th case involving an RCC intramedullary metastasis at the C1–C2 level. Case Description: A 78-year-old male patient presented with intermittent cervicalgia of 5 months duration accompanied by few weeks of a progressive severe right hemiparesis, up to hemiplegia. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination revealed an intramedullary expansive lesion measuring 10 mm×15 mm at the C1–C2 level; it readily enhanced with contrast. A total body computed tomography (CT) scan documented an 85 mm mass involving the right kidney, extending to the ipsilateral adrenal gland, and posteriorly infiltrating the ipsilateral psoas muscle. The subsequent CT-guided fine-needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of an RCC (Stage IV). The patient next underwent total surgical total removal of the C1–C2 intramedullary mass, following which he exhibited a slight motor improvement, with the right hemiparesis (2/5). He died after 14 months due to global RCC tumor progression. Conclusion: The present case highlights that a patient without a prior known diagnosis of RCC may present with an intramedullary C1–C2 metastasis. In such cases, global staging is critical to determine whether primary lesion resection versus excision of metastases (e.g., in this case, the C1–C2 intramedullary tumor) are warranted.

Background: The treatment of spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas (SSEHs), depending on the lesion size and myeloradicular involvement, can be surgical or conservative. Here, we present a 55-year-old patient who sustained a SSEH several months following a systemic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Case Description: A 55-year-old immunocompromised female (i.e., history 17 years ago of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, nodular sclerosis variant) recently developed a SARS-CoV-2 infection treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. She then reported the sudden onset of cervicodorsalgia after a slight cervical flexion/extension maneuver. The brain and cervicothoracic spine MRI studies documented a clival anterior spinal epidural hematoma with maximum spinal compression at the T1-T2 level; it also extended inferiorly to the T6 level. Two weeks later, the follow-up MRI showed a remarkable reduction in the anteroposterior diameter of the hematoma that correlated with significant neurological improvement and almost complete pain regression. She was discharged after a total 15-day hospital stay, with complete symptoms relief. Conclusion: We present a 55-year-old chronically immunocompromised (i.e., due to the history of Hodgkin’s lymphoma) female who, following a SARS-CoV-2 infection, developed an anterior SSEH extending from the clivus to the T6 spinal level that spontaneously regressed without surgical intervention.

Background: Spinal epidural abscesses are rare and are misdiagnosed in up to 75% of cases. Fever, back pain, and neurological deficits are part of the classical triad. Here, the authors report a patient with a L2–L5 spinal epidural abscess with the left paravertebral extension attributed to acute pyelonephritis. Case Description: A 54-year-old female presented with persistent low back pain and lower extremity weakness accompanied by paresthesias. Previously, she had been hospitalized with the left acute pyelonephritis. The lumbosacral MRI documented a T12/L5 anterior epidural abscess with ring enhancement on the contrast study; the maximum diameter of the abscess at the L2–L3 level contributed to severe cauda equina compression. She underwent a L2/L4 decompressive laminectomy with drainage of the intraspinal/extradural and paravertebral components. Intraoperative microbiological sampling grew Staphylococcus aureus for which she then received targeted antibiotic therapy. Fifteen days later, she was walking adequately when discharged. Conclusion: Thoracolumbar epidural abscesses are rare. They must be considered among the differential diagnoses when patients present with acute back pain, fever, and new neurological deficits following prior treatment for acute pyelonephritis.

Background: Intradural disc herniations (IDHs) are rare occurrences (0.26–0.30%), and most frequently involve the lumbar spine at the L4–L5 level. Here, we present a patient with an L1–L2 IDH and reviewed the current literature. Case Description: A 65-year-old female presented with the acute onset of bilateral paraparesis accompanied by urinary dysfunction. The lumbar MRI showed a mass at the L1–L2 level with caudal migration, accompanied by a positive “hawk-beak” sign. At surgery, consisting of a L1–L2 laminectomy, a large IDH was encountered responsible for marked cauda equina/root compression. Postoperatively, the patient immediately fully recovered. The literature we identified cited just seven similar studies of L1–L2 IDH. Conclusion: In a 65-year-old female, an IDH was anticipated at the L1–L2 level due to the combined MR findings of a large L1–L2 mass with caudal migration and the positive “hawk-beak” sign.

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Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) represents an important cause of infection, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Spondylodiscitis is unusual and may be associated with underlying causes such as drug abuse. Timely diagnosis and treatment are critical, as without this, patients will demonstrate progressive neurological deterioration. Here, we present a rare case of Mycobacterium mucogenicum spondylodiscitis in a 36-year-old male, along with a focused literature review. Case Description: A 36-year-old female with previous drug abuse presented with 3-years of progressive thoracolumbar pain. The MRI of the spine revealed paravertebral abscesses from Th10–L1 with vertebral lesions involving Th11–Th12 levels (e.g., vertebral body collapse/deformity and destruction of the posterior vertebral walls). After a needle CT-guided biopsy of the paravertebral tissues, real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification documented NTM; the final identification was M. mucogenicum. The patient then underwent a Th11–Th12 decompressive laminectomy, facetectomy, granulomatous tissue debridement, and posterior pedicle screw fusion from Th8–Th10, and L1–L3. Postoperatively, the patient’s pain resolved, and she was left with residual lower extremities dysesthesias; 6-months later, she could walk without assistance. Conclusion: Spondylodiscitis caused by M. mucogenicum is rare, and the medical and surgical treatment is comparable to that for other NTM groups.

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