Journal de la colonne vertébrale

Spinal metastases of nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT) found in extragonadal location is a rare event and even more uncommon at the initial presentation. In this case report, we present a 20-year old male’s clinical presentation of spinal cord compression. He presented with paraplegia, neurologic bladder, and bowel dysfunction. Spinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) demonstrated 9th thoracic vertebra metastasis, and cord compression with edema. A chest computed tomography scan with contrast further revealed mediastinal and right infrahilar mass. Its histopathological features were consistent with Yolk Sac Tumor (YST). Further investigation using bone scintigraphy revealed spinal metastasis. This case represents a rare clinical presentation and disease manifestation of a metastatic extragonadal YST originating from the mediastinum and causing spinal cord compression in an adult male. Although it is rare, spinal cord compression should raise awareness and prompt evaluation for metastatic lesions given the rate of NSGCT metastasis and its associated poor prognosis.