Primary spinal primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) is a rare occurrence and carries a poor prognosis. A 13-year old female patient acutely presented with pain in the thoracic region, bilateral lower limb weakness, bladder and bowel dysfunction. Clinically paraplegia with truncal weakness, lower limb deep tendon reflexes of both side were absent and planter reflexes equivocal bilaterally. Preoperative MRI of thoracic spine revealed D4-D6 extradural SOL. A D4-D5 Laminectomy and left Cortico transversectomy done. Pathological findings were consistent with PNET. The clinical, histopathological, and radiological findings of the patient are presented.

Background: Brain metastasis has been the most common primary intracranial space occupying lesion (ICSOL) in adult patients.The main systemic malignancies presenting with high tendency to invade brain parenchyma are –lung, breast, melanoma, renal and colon cancers etc. Aims and Objectives: To study the various radiological presentations in cases of intracranial metatstasis.      To assess the radiological presentations to differentiate metastasis from other differential diagnosis. Materials and Methods: The present cross sectional study was carried out amongst 32 patients who had been visited tertiary care hospital in Kolkata with radiological features and histopathology suggestive of metastatic lesion. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 46.56 years and the maximum number of cases presented in 5th and 6th decades of life. CT Scan showed 75% patient had metastatic lesion appearing hyperdense on plain study and 25% had lesion hypodense on plain CT Scan. On T1 weighted images- In 75% of patient the metastatic lesions were hypointense to brain parenchyma and in 12.5% they were isointense and 12.5% they were hyperintense.T2 weighted images- In 62.5% of patient the metastatic lesions were hyperintense to brain parenchyma and in 25% patients they were isointense and in 12.5% they were hypointense. Contrast Images – 37.5% of patients had homogenous enhancement and 50% had heterogeneous enhancement and 12.5% had ring shaped enhancement. In Biopsy about 75% the metastatic lesion turned out to be metastatic carcinoma. Conclusion: A thorough and systematic approach to radiological investigation is crucial for proper identification of intracranial metastatic lesions.

Background: The use of expandable cages in cervical spine has gained popularity over the last decade. They have been used in dorsal spine since long but were rarely used in cervical spine due to their high cost. Now, with more insight into their mechanics, many advantages have been noted over the fixed cages along with similar efficacy and with no added complications. Aims and Objectives: To study the benefits of expandable cage with incorporated anterior cervical plate over non expandable cage in cervical spine corpectomies. Materials and Methods: Ten cases of two level corpectomy were operated in each group and compared for intraoperative time, postoperative fusion rates and complications. Results: Intraoperative time was less in the expandable cage group. Fusion rates were comparable at 6 month follow up. No reported long term complication in both groups. Conclusion: Expandable cages are less frequently used in cervical spine due to their significantly higher cost but there are advantages such as decreased intraoperative manipulation and operative time, less damage to end plates and also useful in cases of poor bone quality.

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