RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Brown tumor, a non-neoplastic process resulting from excess osteoclast activity, is found in primary hyperparathyroidism (HPTP) and secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPTS). We report a rare case of multiple spinal cord compression by brown tumors. CASE REPORT: A 47-year-old male with end-stage renal disease caused by hypertensive nephrosclerosis, on hemodialysis for 10 years and diagnosed with severe HPTS, developed back pain and sudden onset of gait difficulties progressing to paraplegia. A previous computed tomography (CT) of the lumbosacral spine demonstrated a solid lesion, located in the body of the sacrum, at S1-S2 level, with fine bone edge sclerosis, suggestive of brown tumor. A magnetic resonance imaging without gadolinium injection was performed. The examination revealed an insufflating bone lesion at thoracic level (T5/T6). Posterior laminectomy was followed by tumor excision. Histopathological analysis showed osteoid tissue streaked by fibroplasia with hemosiderin granulation. CONCLUSION: Differential diagnosis of sudden neurologic deficits and paraplegia in renal patients with secondary HPPT must consider the possibility of brown tumor.