Papilledema and tumours of the cauda equina: a case report

PURPOSE: Bilateral papilledema is a rare symptom of cauda equina tumours. The authors report a case of neurinoma of cauda equina, which had a bilateral papilledema among its initial symptoms. CASE REPORT: A 28 years old man showed the presence of a bilateral papilledema; a cerebral MRI did not show any endocranial pathology. After three months the patient started suffering, especially at night, of right-leg-sciatica. A lumbar MRI showed a neurinoma of the cauda equina. The patient was operated and after surgery the papilledema slowly shrank. CONCLUSIONS: The tumours of cauda equina could cause endocranial hypertension and consequently a papilledema because of hyperproteinorachia. If there is a bilateral papilledema and the cerebral MRI does not show any endocranial pathology, there is the need for the examination of any spinal disorders.