Intraspinal Tumors in Infants and Children

In a series of 115 cases of intraspinal tumor in infants and children the initial diagnosis was erroneous in seven of 10 cases. The most common erroneous diagnoses were poliomyelitis and musculoskeletal deformities. Symptoms and signs which were noted frequently were pain, motor weakness, muscle spasm, change in bladder or bowel habits, musculoskeletal deformity, and sensory abnormalities. The authors emphasize findings which should direct attention to the possibility of intraspinal tumor in an infant or child and roentgenographic and laboratory studies which should be made to establish the correct diagnosis.