Objective: To discuss a case of leptomenigeal disease mimicking a lower lumbar disc lesion and accompanying neurological deficit.

Clinical Features: A 62 year old male presented with a 3-4 day history of left low back and left posterior thigh pain. The patient had a previous history of non-specific low back pain for approximately 10-25 years, which was relieved in the past by manual therapy. He was also currently being treated by a medical oncologist with chemotherapy for low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which was considered stable.

Intervention and Outcome: After a favourable initial response to therapy, the patient developed a noticeable left-sided limp. Computed tomography scanning of the lumbar spine and pelvis was then performed, which revealed a mild posterior annular bulging of the intervertebral disc at the L4/5 level. The patient was then treated with axial lumbar spine traction but on review two days later had also developed a left sided facial droop, consistent with a Bell's palsy. A subsequent magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain and lumbar spine revealed sites of abnormal enhancement of multiple cranial nerves, the cauda equina and the vertebral bodies L1 and L5. The findings were consistent with widespread leptomeningeal disease or leptomenigeal carcinomatosis and unfortunately the patient died as a direct consequence of the disease approximately three weeks after diagnosis.

Conclusion: Although relatively rare, leptomenigeal disease must considered as a differential diagnosis in a patient with a history of carcinoma who presents with low back pain and/or any neurological signs and symptoms.

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