[Cauda equina syndrome leading to diagnosis of malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the spine].

INTRODUCTION

Malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a lymphoid proliferation. Peripheral neuropathies are observed in only 2-8% of cases.

CASE: We report a case in which cauda equina syndrome in a 29-year-old man led to the diagnosis of a painless non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the spine. Combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy produced spectacular improvement.

DISCUSSION: Infiltration of the cauda equina roots is rare in malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma and raises problems for positive diagnosis. The good outcome under treatment underlines the interest in considering this cause in disorders affecting the cauda equina, despite its rarity.