Metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor to the thoracic and lumbar spine: first reported case and surgical treatment

Background contextMetastatic epidural spinal cord compression from gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is a rarely reported phenomenon.PurposeTo describe the surgical management of metastatic GIST to two noncontiguous regions of the spinal column.Study designCase report.MethodsReview of the medical chart, radiographic studies, and relevant literature.ResultsThe patient underwent direct surgical decompression and stabilization of the cervicothoracic junction and the lumbar region during treatment of two distinct sites of metastatic pathology.ConclusionsTreatment of epidural compression from metastatic GIST with direct decompression and stabilization is safe and feasible.