Intraoperative View of a Multinodal, Paralysis-Inducing Spinal Melanocytoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Melanocytomas arising from the leptomeningeal melanocytes within the central nervous system are a rare occurrence, accounting for 0.06%-0.1% of brain tumors and having an incidence of 1/10 million people per year.^1-14 Here, we describe the case of 68-year-old male presenting with bilateral lower extremity weakness progressing to paralysis and urinary incontinence (Video 1). Upon examination, this gentleman had no sensation below T11. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple contrast-enhancing lesions with a major intradural lesion at level T11 arising from the ventrolateral surface and causing severe spinal cord compression. The multifocal nature of this tumor further adds to its rarity. Interdisciplinary indication for surgical resection of the intradural lesion was made. This was accomplished through a T11 laminectomy and concomitant T11-12 stabilization with neuromonitoring. Pathologic analysis of the resected tumor identified an S100+, HMB45+, pigmented melanocytoma. No complications occurred during the procedure. The patient was discharged to rehabilitation with persistent neurologic deficits. Routine follow-up is indicated given the high rates of recurrence and the multiple remaining tumor nodules.¹⁴.