Multiple spinal meningiomas after tamoxifen therapy: a case report

Neurol Sci. 2003 Apr;24(1):37-9. doi: 10.1007/s100720300020.

Abstract

We describe a rare case of multiple spinal meningiomas and evaluate the possible relationship with tamoxifen treatment. We observed a 74-year-old woman who showed a spastic paraparesis gradually developed in the last year. The patient underwent left mastectomy for a breast cancer ten years earlier and was treated with tamoxifen for four years after surgical intervention. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed three spinal meningiomas at C6-C7, D6-D7 and D9 levels. Taking in account the tumor-inducing properties of tamoxifen and the extreme rarity of multiple spinal meningiomas, we suggest that tamoxifen may be the cause play a role in the genesis of the spinal meningiomatosis in the observed patient. Therefore, we propose the long-term clinical and neurological surveillance of patients who assumed tamoxifen, even for a short time, in order to survey the possible appearance of secondary tumours.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Meningioma / chemically induced*
  • Meningioma / diagnosis
  • Tamoxifen / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Tamoxifen