Iatrogenic intraspinal epidermoid tumors
S. Batnitzky, T. R. Keucher, J. Mealey Jr and R. L. Campbell
Intraspinal epidermoid tumors may be congenital or acquired in origin.
Lumbar punctures performed with needles without stylets or with ill-fitting
stylets are responsible for the implantation of epidermal fragments into
the spinal canal and the resultant iatrogenic intraspinal epidermoid
tumors. Pain in the back or lower extremities is a striking clinical
feature in these cases. Myelography should be considered for every patient
who has pain in the lower extremities or back and who has had previous
lumbar punctures.
