Spinal ependymoma presenting as subtle neurological findings in a VA chiropractic clinic: a case report in differential diagnosis and appropriate use of diagnostic imaging.

BACKGROUND: Lhermitte's sign is a nonspecific historical and exam finding that carries with it a differential diagnosis of cervical myelopathy, multiple sclerosis, intradural tumors, or other central nervous system pathology. Regardless of the suspected diagnosis, further diagnostic investigation is indicated to determine etiology of symptoms.

CASE PRESENTATION: In this case, a 67-year-old male Veteran presents to a Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient chiropractic clinic with an insidious 6-month onset of neck pain with historical description of a positive Lhermitte's sign, a single episode of bladder incontinence, and mild changes in upper extremity manual dexterity. These subtle historical findings prompted referral for a brain and cervical spine MRI, revealing an ependymoma in the cervical spine. Urgent neurosurgical referral was made, and the patient underwent C3-C7 laminectomy, C3-T2 fusion, and tumor resection.

SUMMARY: This case represents an example of clinical reasoning in a VA chiropractic clinic when presented with subtle neurologic findings, and discusses the differential diagnoses and decision-making process to pursue imaging that resulted in appropriate neurosurgical management.