Thoracic Vertebral Ganglioneuroma: Treatment with 3D Printing Technology and Neurological Outcome of Spinal Cord Compression

Background: Ganglioneuroma (GN) is a very rare neoplasm of the central nervous system, accounting for 0.1% - 5% of all brain tumors and less than 10% of the lesions occur in the spinal cord. Because of the low incidence, there are few reports at home and abroad. It can occur in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines of the spine.Method: In this case, we describe a rare GN that occurs in the thoracic 6-8 spinal canal and extends into the thoracic cavity in a 5-year-old female. Her symptoms were progressive sensory abnormalities in both lower limbs and weakness of both lower limbs for one year. The patient underwent detailed investigations including CT, MRI and 3D printing technology. Before operation, 3D model of tumors and corresponding tissue structures was printed at the ratio of 1:1 in size. As far as we know, this is the first case of spinal GN treated with 3D printing technology in the English literature.Results: The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and no evidence of tumor recurrence could be demonstrated on clinical examination. Histopathological diagnosis was GN for all resected tumors.Conclusion: In conclusion, resection of intraspinal GN occurring simultaneously in the spinal canal and thoracic cavity is effective for improving the symptoms of patients. Preoperative 3D printing based on imaging data is helpful to visually identify the location of tumors in the spinal canal and the degree of compression of spinal nerve roots before operation, and to judge the key part of compression of spinal cord by tumors during operation.