Spinal cord ganglioglioma presenting as acute paraparesis

A 17-year-old male presented with acute onset paraparesis in the lower limbs. Urinary retention was present and the patient required catheterisation. Clinical examination confirmed severe bilateral lower limb weakness and a sensory level at T8. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a haemorrhagic intramedullary tumour extending from T8 to the conus. Microsurgical excision of the tumour was performed and the patient made a good functional recovery. The histology of the tumour demonstrated a ganglioglioma of the spinal cord. Acute paraparesis has not previously been reported with a spinal cord ganglioglioma. We discuss the clinical, diagnostic and pathological features of spinal cord gangliogliomas.