P14.11.A AUTOGRAFT OLFACTORY STEM CELL TRANSPLANT FOR SPINAL CORD INJURY DEVELOPING INTO A PERSISTENT CERVICAL SPINAL MASS

Abstract BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) often causes detrimental loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic function. The central nervous system has limited regenerative potential and neuronal damage caused by SCI can be severe and even irreversible. To date, there is no established treatment for SCI, but stem cell transplantation has been suggested and studied as a potential treatment option. The theory behind using stem cells to treat SCI is that pluripotent stem cells have the ability to differentiate and acquire characteristics of target tissues. The potential to self-renew however also carries the risk of uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. MATERIAL AND METHODS We report a case of olfactory mucosal stem cell transplantation for traumatic SCI at the level of C6-7. Three years after transplant, the patient developed new neurologic symptoms of arm weakness. MRI showed a multilobulated mass at the site of the stem cell transplant. RESULTS After sustaining a spinal cord injury, the patient underwent an Olfactory stem cell injection. 4 years later a cervical spine debulking showed olfactory cells. Two additional surgeries over the next 3 years also showed olfactory cells. CONCLUSION This case demonstrates a disastrous complication of stem cell transplantation and highlights the need for additional studies to validate its use for treatment.