Drop Metastases

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

Synonyms: Drop metastases

Drop metastases are metastases that spread caudally due to gravity. These are intradural extramedullary masses arising from intracranial masses[^1].

Epidemiology

Drop metastases occur in 5-30% of all children with a brain tumor, with medulloblastoma being the most common cause and accounting for about half of all drop metastases in children[^3]. Drop metastases occur in about 1% of all patients with glioblastoma[^1].

Tumor entities

Drop metastases can be caused by various intracranial tumors[^2]:

Location

Drop metastases occur most commonly in the lower thoracic spine as well as the lumbar spine[^1].

Symptoms

Drop metastases typically cause back pain and may be associated with corresponding neurologic deficits.

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