An 82-Year-Old Man Is Brought to the Emergency Department After

An 82-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after multiple falls.  He has had severe back pain over the last month, for which he has been taking over-the-counter pain medication without significant relief.  Over the last week, the patient has noted weakness in his legs bilaterally, and his gait has become unstable.  Medical history is significant for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, and gout.  The patient has lost 6.8 kg (15 lb) in the last month due to poor appetite.  Rectal examination reveals an enlarged, firm, nodular prostate.  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's current symptoms?

A) Aggregates of malignant cells in the intramedullary spinal cord
B) Compression fracture of the vertebral body
C) Extension of neoplastic cells into the epidural space
D) Intervertebral disc protrusion with spinal cord compression
E) Spondylosis resulting in spinal stenosis

Correct Answer:

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