Intramedullary neurenteric cyst without any associated malformation. One case evaluated by RMI and electron microscopic study

Spinal Neurenteric Cyst of the Ventral Cervicothoracic Junction With Klippel-Feil Syndrome as a Symptom of Progressive Myelopathy: A Case Report

Neurenteric cysts are rare and account for only 0.7%-1.3% of all spinal tumors. Spinal neurenteric cysts are associated with spina bifida, split-cord malformations, and Klippel-Feil syndrome, a rare congenital disorder characterized by fusion of two or more cervical vertebrae. Klippel-Feil syndrome is rarely accompanied by neurenteric cysts. In this case report, we describe a cervicothoracic junction neurenteric cyst associated with Klippel-Feil syndrome in a 30-year-old man who presented with a 2-month history of neck pain with radiation of pain into both arms and a 1-month history of weakness in the left arm. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine revealed an expansive intradural extramedullary cystic lesion anterior to the spinal cord at the cervicothoracic junction. The neurenteric cyst was removed using an anterior approach, accompanied by C5-C6 corpectomy. The patient's condition improved postoperatively, and he was discharged after postoperative MRI. Spinal neurenteric cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis in cases of vertebral developmental abnormalities concurrent with intraspinal cysts.

A Rare Case of Isolated Intramedullary Spinal Cord Cysticercosis

Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic disease often involving the central nervous system by Taenia solium and is commonly seen in developing countries. The majority of these cases have either isolated brain involvement or combined involvement of the brain and spinal cord. Isolated involvement of the spinal cord is very rare. We report the case of a 20-year-old Indian man who was hospitalized for progressive weakness in all extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a well-defined, round, thick-walled, peripherally enhancing lesion in the intramedullary region, a provisional diagnosis of isolated cysticercosis of the intramedullary region of the spinal cord was made. The patient improved upon needle aspiration of the cystic lesion after surgery, which on post-surgical histological examination confirmed the diagnosis by showing the presence of cysticerci.

Huge Ventral Cervicomedullary Neurenteric Cyst: A Rare Entity with Good Surgical Outcome and Appraisal

Neurenteric cysts are rare congenital lesions of benign nature that can be encountered at any level of the neuraxis, starting from the cranium down to coccyx. Rewarding outcome can be achieved with early diagnosis and complete removal of these benign lesions. Here, we report a case of a huge neurenteric cyst in an 11-year-old boy at the ventral craniocervical junction, a rarely reported entity with literature review. In this article, we focus on the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, radiological findings, surgery, and surgical outcome of this benign lesion, as we succeeded to have gratifying result following surgery in our instance.

A Rare Case of Isolated Conus Medullaris Neurenteric Cyst

Spinal neurenteric cysts are very rare congenital anomalies and are commonly associated with other spinal malformations. They are usually located in intradural, extramedullary location. We report a rare case of intramedullary conus medullaris neurenteric cyst without any associated spinal malformation diagnosed preoperatively by magnetic resonance imaging.

Neurenteric cysts: risk factors and management of recurrence

BACKGROUND

Neurenteric cysts are rare central nervous system lesions with excellent outcome after total excision. The authors report their experience in the management of these lesions, especially if recurrence occurs. Risk factors of recurrence were analyzed, which have never been reported according to the literature review.

METHODS

Twelve patients underwent surgical treatment for neurenteric cysts from April 1998 to July 2015. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, radiological, operative, and pathological findings for these patients. Correlations between clinical characteristics and recurrence were analyzed.

RESULTS

This series included six intracranial and six intraspinal cases. Total resection was achieved in 4 of the 12 cases and partial resection in 8. Six of the patients that underwent partial resection suffered from recurrence, and an additional operation was needed in five. Three of the recurrent intracranial lesions had refractory symptoms and were finally controlled through cyst-peritoneal or ventricle-peritoneal shunts. Risk factors of recurrence were revealed as age ≦30 years old (p = 0.02), subtotal resection in the first operation (p = 0.01), and size of supratentorial NECs >30 ml (p = 0.04). Two-thirds of recurrences occurred in the first 2 years after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

NECs express high recurrence rates when total excision cannot be achieved. The preoperative diagnosis error plays a major role leading to an incorrect surgical strategy and recurrence. MRI with FLAIR and DWI is recommended to improve the preoperative diagnosis. Although timely reoperation is indicated for symptomatic recurrence, adhesion may cause reoperation to become more challenging. C-P or V-P shunts are suggested as the second-line treatment, resulting in excellent prognosis. Patients with mucin-secreting cells noted histologically are susceptible to recurrence.

Cerebellar Enterogenous Cyst with Atypical Appearance and Pathological Findings

BACKGROUND

Intracranial enterogenous cysts are rare and occur mainly in the posterior fossa. These cysts are usually extra-axial, midline, anterior to the brainstem, or at the cerebellopontine angle. Intracranial intra-axial enterogenous cysts are extremely rare. We report a case of an intra-axial cerebellar enterogenous cyst in which diagnosis was difficult because the lesion resembled an arachnoid cyst in appearance and showed atypical pathologic findings.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 69-year-old woman had a 2-year history of progressive headache, giddiness, and unsteadiness of gait. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic lesion with isointensity to cerebrospinal fluid in the left cerebellar hemisphere, reaching into the fourth ventricle. The patient underwent fenestration of the cyst and creation of a communication between the fourth ventricle and cyst because the tight attachment of the cyst wall to the cerebellum prevented total removal of the cyst. Although pathologic examinations did not show findings typical of enterogenous cyst, the diagnosis was finally made based on the presence of basement membrane and immunohistochemical results.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of enterogenous cyst is based mainly on histologic findings, because characteristic findings on neuroimaging have not been defined. Although total resection of enterogenous cysts is recommended in general, partial resection while ensuring the cyst communicates adequately with the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid space with or without a shunt procedure may be useful if the cyst is adherent to surrounding neurovascular structures.

Clinical presentation and surgical outcomes of intramedullary neurenteric cysts

OBJECT

Intramedullary neurenteric cysts (NECs) are exceedingly rare lesions and have been previously reported in case reports. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical manifestations, radiological features, and long-term prognosis of patients with such lesions.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 13 patients with an intramedullary NEC. Each patient underwent MRI, laminotomy, and microsurgery. The accurate diagnosis was based on imaging and pathology findings. Each patient's follow-up status was determined through individual office visits and a structured telephone interview.

RESULTS

The series included 7 male and 6 female patients. Progressive or intermittent motor deficit was the main symptom associated with or without pain or sensory disturbance. Five cysts were located in the cervical cord, 1 in the cervicothoracic cord, 3 in the thoracic cord, and 4 in the conus medullaris. Concurrent malformations included scoliosis (3 cases), fusion of rib (1 case), enlarged spinal canal (1 case), tethered spinal cord (1 case), and ectocardia (1 case). Gross-total resection of the cyst was achieved in 8 cases, and subtotal resection (STR) was achieved in 5 cases. All patients were followed up, with a mean duration of 66.5 months. Cyst recurrence was observed in 4 cases after STR. In 2 cases the patients underwent reoperation; the other 2 patients remained clinically stable and did not undergo reoperation. At the last evaluation, neurological function was improved in 11 patients and remained stable in 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Intramedullary NECs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a middle-aged patient with intermittent neurological symptoms and concurrent malformations. Early surgery is advocated to prevent permanent neurological deficits. When gross-total resection cannot be achieved, maximally safe removal under the protection of intraoperative neuromonitoring is advised. Because of the high risk of cyst recurrence, routine follow-up MRI is needed. If a residual cyst shows obvious regrowth and results in neurological deficits, timely reoperation with a goal of STR should be performed.

Spinal Neurenteric Cyst in Association with Klippel-Feil Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Spinal neurenteric cysts, also known as endodermal or enterogenous cysts, are rare epithelium-lined structures of presumed endodermal origin. Congenital vertebral anomalies are frequently seen in patients with neurenteric cysts, most typically anterior spina bifida, butterfly vertebrae, and hemivertebrae. However, few series of intraspinal neurenteric cysts accompanied by Klippel-Feil syndrome have been reported previously.

CASE DESCRIPTION

Our purpose is to present the clinical, radiological, and histological results of a 29-year-old patient with a spinal neurenteric cyst associated with Klippel-Feil syndrome and to review previous reported cases of neurenteric cysts associated with Klippel-Feil syndrome. In our patient, cervical radiography demonstrated C5-T1 vertebral fusion and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large intradural cystic mass. The cystic lesion was removed successfully, and it was histopathologically diagnosed as a neurenteric cyst.

CONCLUSION

Neurenteric cysts should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of an intraspinal cystic mass seen in the setting of vertebral anomalies.

Spinal cysticercosis: an unusual presentation

Spinal intramedullary cysticercosis is an uncommon clinical condition that may mimic an intramedullary tumour and can lead to irreversible neurological deficits if untreated. We report a case of a 35-year-old man who clinically presented as Brown-Sequard syndrome, having thoracic cord cysticercosis at T11 level. MRI of the spine revealed a well-defined round intramedullary inflammatory lesion with scolex and perilesional oedema at D11 level.

Neurosurgical management of neurenteric cysts in children

OBJECT

Neurenteric cysts (NCs) are endothelium-lined structures of presumed endodermal origin. There have been few pediatric series of intracranial NCs reported previously. The authors present their experience in the management of these lesions.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all cases of NCs identified between 1977 and 2007 was carried out. Demographics, details of clinical presentation, surgical therapy, and outcome data were extracted.

RESULTS

Eleven cases were identified, involving 6 girls and 5 boys. The patients' average age was 4.6 years (range 1 day-14 years). Limb weakness was the most common presenting symptom. The location of the cysts was cervical in 2 cases, cervicothoracic in 4 cases, and thoracic in 3 cases. One cyst was anterior to the pons with extension to the left cerebellopontine angle and 1 cyst was at the craniocervical junction. Five patients had an apparently complete initial excision, with 1 recurrence. Four patients were initially treated with incomplete excision and/or cyst drainage, usually into an Ommaya reservoir. A neonate with a large cervicothoracic cyst died of multiple congenital anomalies without any intervention. All other patients were alive at last follow-up. One patient with a radiologically identified presumed cyst, which remained stable, was simply followed up. Several patients required multiple procedures and 1 patient developed hydrocephalus after aseptic meningitis and was treated with CSF shunting.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurenteric cysts are rare in the pediatric population. Total resection, if possible, provides the best long-term outcome. Incomplete excision may lead to multiple procedures, including cyst drainage, but can lead to long-term stability.

Intramedullary neurenteric cyst associated with a tethered spinal cord: Case report and literature review

Background:

Neurenteric cysts are benign tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) that represent 0.3% to 0.5% of all spinal cord tumors. They are usually extramedullary and found in the lower cervical and thoracic spine. Only 12.2% of neurenteric cysts are documented to be intramedullary.

Case Description:

The authors report a case of a 35-year-old female that presented with progressive weakness and loss of coordination in her legs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intramedullary cystic lesion in the thoracolumbar region and a low-lying conus medullaris suggesting tethered cord. The patient was taken to the operating room for detethering of her spinal cord and resection of the lesion. Pathologic examination of the tissue confirmed the diagnosis of a neurenteric cyst.

Conclusion:

A search of the literature since the advent of MRI showed 29 published cases of intramedullary neurentic cysts. Of the 24 published cases with a follow-up MRI, the average recurrence rate was 25% with a mean follow up of 51 months.

Quadriparalytic disseminated neurocysticercosis

Cysticercosis is the most common parasitic infection of the central nervous system. Cysticercosis infrequently affects the spine, but when it does, it can present with symptoms similar to other more common spinal diseases. Here, the authors report a case of disseminated cysticercosis, with simultaneous involvement of brain and the spinal cord. Initially, the patient was misdiagnosed as tuberculoma on the basis of cerebrospinal fluid examination and CT scan of brain and was being treated with antitubercular therapy. Later on the patient developed quadriparesis which was investigated and diagnosed to be disseminated neurocysticercosis.

Spinal intramedullary cysticercosis: a case report and literature review

Neurocysticercosis, involvement of the central nervous system by taenia solium, is one of the most common parasitic diseases of the CNS. However, spinal involvement by neurocysticercosis is uncommon. Here, we reported a 40-year-old woman with intramedullary cysticercosis in the thoracic spinal cord. MRI revealed two well-defined round intramedullary lesions at T4 and T5 vertebral levels, which were homogeneously hypointense on T1WI and hyperintense on T2WI with peripheral edema. Since the patient had progressive neurological deficits, surgery was performed to decompress the spinal cord. Histopathology examination of the removed lesion proved it was intramedullary cysticercosis. In this report, we also discussed the principles of diagnosis and treatment of intramedullary cysticercosis in combination of literature review.

Neurenteric cyst of the lower clivus

OBJECTIVE

Neurenteric cysts (NCs) typically arise as benign ventral intradural extramedullary developmental malformations of the spine which contain heterotopic epithelium resembling the intestinal or respiratory tracts. Intracerebral NCs are extremely rare, though the frequency of symptomatic reports and incidental findings is increasing, perhaps because of advances in neuroimaging. Recognition of the unique radiographic and histopathologic features of this entity is of growing importance in the treatment of cysts of the neural axis. We present an unusual case of an NC arising at the lower clivus.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 58-year-old man presented with occipitalgia, diplopia, a bilateral hearing deficit, and mild dysphagia. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 5 x 2 x 3-cm extra-axial cystic midline mass anterior to the brainstem at the lower clivus with posterior cyst wall enhancement.

INTERVENTION

The patient underwent a left lateral suboccipital total macroscopic resection of the lesion. Microscopic examination and histopathologic findings were consistent with a diagnosis of NC.

CONCLUSION

We describe the clinical presentation, imaging, and histopathologic characteristics, and discuss the diagnosis and surgical treatment of this rare lesion and related pathologic entities. Because of the remote possibility of delayed recurrence, even in cases of apparent total cyst wall removal, long-term serial imaging and a consideration of reoperation for recurrences is advisable.

Isolated spinal neurenteric cyst presenting as intramedullary calcified cystic mass on imaging studies: case report and review of literature

Intramedullary neurenteric cysts (NEC) without associated malformations are extremely rare and, to our knowledge, have never been reported in association with calcification. We report a unique imaging presentation as a partially calcified mass of an isolated intramedullary neuroenteric cyst of the lower thoracic spinal cord with pathologic correlation. The literature for isolated forms of intramedullary NEC since the advent of magnetic resonance imaging is also reviewed.

Intramedullary neurenteric cyst without concurrent malformation

Neurenteric cysts (NECs) are dysraphic lesions. They are usually extramedullary, the intramedullary forms are very rare. To our knowledge, only 10 cases of isolated intramedullary NECs have been reported. We report a case of intramedullary NEC without any associated dysraphic lesion. The clinical findings were: cervical pain and left hemicorporal weakness which predominated at the upper limb. Neuroradiological evaluation was performed by means of MRI which revealed a cystic lesion at C3-C4 level. A partial excision was performed and the diagnosis of NEC was established by histological study.

Excision of an asymptomatic cervical intradural neurenteric cyst through the anterior approach: a study of two cases and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Spinal neurenteric cysts are very rare lesions, especially after the second decade of life. They account for 0.3% to 0.5% of all spinal tumors and occur most commonly in ventral locations. The cysts are usually removed via a posterior approach.

PURPOSE

To present the clinical and radiologic results of patients with spinal neurenteric cysts who were treated via anterior approach procedures.

STUDY DESIGN

This report is composed of two cervical neurenteric cyst cases that are compared with published studies.

METHODS

We present two patients, 41- and 39-year-old women, each with a cervical intradural neurenteric cyst. Both of these patients had apparent neck pain without neurological deficit. MRI revealed neurenteric cysts located at C7 and C7-T1 levels. After anterior corpectomy, the intradural cysts were removed, and then fusion was performed.

RESULTS

The postoperative period went well. The follow-up cervical MRI studies were performed at 3, 6, and 18 months postoperatively, and there were no abnormalities found.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has led to the conclusion that although neurenteric cysts are rare in adults, they can still be present with only persistent neck pain and without neurological deficits. This may lead to misdiagnosis. The importance of MRI is not controversial in the early diagnosis. An anterior approach may be considered the first preference for surgical technique in patients with ventrally located neurenteric cysts.

Spinal Neurenteric Cysts in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Era

OBJECTIVE:

Neurenteric cysts are derived from displaced entodermal tissue. They are infrequently found in the ventral spinal canal with varying degrees of success in their removal. Experience with 10 such individuals is critically analyzed to aid in the diagnosis and management.

METHODS:

Ten patients, ages 4 through 55 years, with neurenteric cysts were encountered in the last 20 years. This series included three females and seven males; seven children and three adults. The follow-up periods ranged from 3 to 18 years. Three cysts were located at the ventral cervicomedullary junction, five in the midventral cervical spine, and one thoracic and one lumbosacral. The symptoms reflected the location.

RESULTS:

Six of the 10 patients had associated bony abnormalities such as bifid clivus, hemivertebrae, segmentation failures at the site of the lesion, and blocked vertebra. The patient with the thoracic spinal lesion (age, 55 yr) had symptoms from early childhood. A diplomyelia at the site of the lesion was seen in one individual and tethered spinal cord in the same adult and in a young child. Two patients had undergone laminectomy for aspiration and partial resection before referral to our institution at the time of recurrence. Cervicomedullary junction lesions were approached via the far lateral transcondylar approach; two of the cervical intramedullary lesions were resected via a ventral corpectomy with radical resection and interbody fusion. The goal in each case was complete resection to avoid recurrences.

CONCLUSION:

Spinal neurenteric cysts are ventrally located, usually intradural and extramedullary, but may insinuate into the spinal cord. They are isointense on T1 images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images on magnetic resonance imaging without true enhancement. These lesions may be associated with block and hemivertebrae with a predisposition to the craniocervical region. Partial resections have led to recurrence and arachnoiditis.

Intramedullary neurenteric cysts of the spine. Report of three cases

Neurenteric spinal cysts are infrequently occurring dysraphic lesions that are caused by persistent or abnormal communication among neuroectoderm, notochord, and endoderm. They are generally located at the intradural, extramedullary compartment of the low cervical or upper spinal canal. They occur primarily in infants and in young adults in combination with other congenital abnormalities. The authors report on three cases of lower-thoracic and thoracolumbar intramedullary neurenteric cysts that atypically presented in adult patients in whom there was no concomitant malformation. These lesions appear notable for location, clinical presentation, intraoperative findings, and imaging features.

Endodermal cyst of the cervical spinal cord with associated partial fusion of the vertebrae

A case of a 43-year-old woman with an intradural endodermal cyst at the C4 spinal cord level is presented. The lesion manifested with progressive neck pain and weakness of lower extremities. The presumptive diagnosis of extramedullary benign cystic lesion was established after MRI examination. Coexisting partial fusion of the C5-C6 vertebral bodies was found on X-ray films. The patient was cured by resection of the cyst wall, performed by laminectomy. Pathological examination revealed a cyst wall lined with ciliated cuboidal cells, resembling the respiratory epithelium. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen expression in the lining of the cyst. Endodermal cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraspinal cystic lesions, especially those associated with vertebral anomalies.

Presacral neuroenteric fistula in a newborn presenting with an epidural abscess: case report and review of the literature

We describe a newborn infant (<24 hours of age) who presented with mild swelling on the back and buttocks attributable to a neuroenteric fistula complicated by an epidural parasacral abscess infected with mixed coliforms. Epidural abscesses in infancy are extremely rare, and one has not been observed previously in the newborn period. The infant was surprisingly mildly affected. Prompt intervention led to an excellent outcome. Coliforms may colonize the infant gut in <24 hours, even in the developed world. Unexplained swellings on the backs of infants should lead to a search for underlying malformations and an early surgical review, which is best conducted with a combined pediatric surgical and neurosurgical approach.

Iso-intense neuroenteric cyst in the lower cervical spine treated with ventral resection and anterior fusion utilising sternal notch exposure: case report, technical note and literature review

A 36-year-old female patient with a long-standing asymptomatic lower thoracic scoliosis presented with sensory symptoms involving all limbs. MRI scan demonstrated a rounded ventral intradural mass causing major deformity of the cervical cord at C6 and C7 levels. Unlike most previously reported neurenteric cysts, the MRI signal characteristics of this mass were such that it could not be determined if it is cystic or solid, being iso-intense on T1- and hyperintense T2-weighted images. Resection was performed through a median corporectomy of C6 and C7, the lesion being found to be a neurenteric cyst with an attachment to the anterior median fissure of the cord. Strut graft and cervical locking plate fixation from C5 to C6 was facilitated by extending the cervical incision into the sternal notch, with detachment of left-sided strap muscle insertion. The patient made an excellent recovery with complete resolution of neurological symptoms and solid fusion. The postoperative course was complicated by an anterior cervical CSF collection which resolved spontaneously within 2 months. The literature regarding this rare condition and its management is reviewed. Although the majority of intraspinal neurenteric cysts are situated ventral to the cord, most reports of excision have been from a dorsal approach. Drainage and subtotal excision of neurenteric cysts have been previously advocated; however, the recurrence rate is such that complete excision is advocated. This is facilitated by a ventral approach. A simplified method of utilising the sternal notch exposure is reported. The literature regarding the anatomical peculiarities pertinent to the sternal notch approach, and the reported literature regarding spinal neurenteric cysts is reviewed.

Intramedullary neurenteric cyst with a false mural nodule: case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE

Spinal neurenteric cysts are rare congenital lesions that may occur either alone or in the context of a complex malformative disorder including typical vertebral and cutaneous abnormalities. The interest of the case of a spinal neurenteric cyst described here lies in its rare intramedullary location and in the false mural nodule image on the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scan. A further distinctive feature is the association with a cleft spinal cord.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 28-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of progressive paraparesis and urinary retention. A magnetic resonance imaging study disclosed a T8-T9 intramedullary cystic lesion with a mural nodulelike formation on the posterior face.

INTERVENTION

A posterior midline myelotomy exposed a cystic lesion that had translucent walls and contained a milky fluid. No mural nodules were found. Once the cyst had been emptied, a collateral finding was a cleft that was clearly observed in the anterior spinal cord. The histological diagnosis was a neurenteric cyst. Retrospectively, the nodular lesion found on the preoperative scan was attributed to mucinous clots deposited at the bottom of the cyst.

CONCLUSION

This case report demonstrates that neurenteric cysts can vary widely in radiological appearance, depending on the contents of the cyst. These differences become especially important if the associated stigmata are lacking and the preoperative diagnosis rests on magnetic resonance imaging scan appearance alone.

Intramedullary neurenteric cysts of the spine. Case report and review of the literature

This case of a 68-year-old woman with a low-thoracic intramedullary neurenteric cyst is notable for clinical presentation, cyst location, intraoperative findings, and imaging characteristics. The patient's postoperative course was complicated by neurological deterioration and a neuropathic pain syndrome. Potential causes of these complications are discussed, as are possible ways to reduce the risk of their occurrence.