[connect2maryk]

#11506

Dear Dr. Corenman,

My question this evening is concerning the multiple lucencies in vertebra C2 and T2. I had completed all labs for multimyeloma and they were negative. My daughter’s boss’s husband is an oncologist. After reviewing the scan he too, believes as well they are benign. The neurosurgeon I see on campus has suggested an MRI to be repeated in 6 months to be safe. He said that a bone biopsy was, “No walk in the park.” I have also seen a “movement” neurologist (Upper right quadrant pain and neuropathy). He ordered a brachial plexus MRI w/wo contrast for the neuropathy and pain in my right upper quadrant. The results were no lesions, no compression, musculature was normal, right lung apex was unremarkable. No lymphadenopathy was seen. The report again noted multiple hemangioms/lipomas redemonstrated with C2-T2.
Is it possible the multiple hemagiomas are causing weakness and pain in my neck, right arm, right shoulder and shoulder blade? The diagnosis that was given before the MRI (brachial plexus) was brachial plexus neuritis. This was after an examination. My husband said that every time I was tested for sensations on my right side with the pin tip I felt it was the dull end. I know the lower portion could be from my spondylothesis or previous schwannoma surgery, but this upper body pain has me unable to drive a car, blow dry my hair, etc…
The neurosurgeon said he can fix the neuropathy for my legs and feet with invasive bone fusion, but I am still trying to fine answers for this debilitating pain in the upper quadrant. He himself was at a loss. Many, Many thanks in advance, Mary

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#11513

I would agree that a new MRI in six months is a good idea. Hemangiomas normally do not cause lucency in the bone so a follow-up is a good idea.

Hemangiomas are normally benign findings on an MRI examination. There are very rare circumstances these can be compressive but it does not sound like yours fit that description.

“Weakness and pain in neck, right arm, right shoulder and shoulder blade” could have many different diagnoses. Look up “Parsonage Turner syndrome” and “Thoracic outlet syndrome” on this website to understand some types of neuropathy similar to your complaints.

You mention previous schwannoma surgery. Where was this performed?

You mention neuropathy in the legs and a spondylolisthesis. These could be related or not. See the section under isthmic or degenerative spondylolisthesis to understand how nerve compression can be related to these disorders.

Dr. Corenman

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.

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