HUGE INTRADURAL OSSIFICATION CAUSED BY A MATURE SPINAL TERATOMA

Adult-onset intramedullary teratomas: systematic review with outcome analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Intramedullary mature teratomas in adults are rare tumors that pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their diverse tissue composition and intramedullary location. This review, which includes an illustrative case, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of adult intramedullary mature teratomas through a systematic review of 89 cases.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, using keyword combinations in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases until June 2024. Inclusion criteria were adult patients (> 18 years) with histopathologically confirmed intramedullary mature teratomas. Statistical analyses examined relationships between the extent of resection (EoR), tumor location, and patient outcomes.

RESULTS

Among the 89 cases, the mean age was 39.94 ± 13.52 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.39:1. Tumors were most commonly located in the conus region (51.2%). Surgical resection was the primary treatment, with 43 cases undergoing partial resection and 33 gross total resection. No statistically significant differences in outcomes were found between EoR, sex, associated anomalies, or specific outcomes. However, younger patients showed improved outcomes for lower limb weakness and sphincter dysfunction. Recurrence was noted in three cases, all located in the conus.

CONCLUSION

Intramedullary mature teratomas require a nuanced approach that balances complete resection and neurological preservation. Early diagnosis and individualized surgical planning are crucial for optimizing outcomes. Despite the challenges, effective management is achievable, and ongoing research is essential to refining treatment strategies for this rare tumor.

Mature teratoma of conus medullaris: A case report and review of literature

In conus medullaris, mature teratomas are rare. We report a case of a 40-year-old man who presented with urinary incontinence, low back pain, and muscle weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass in conus medullaris (T11-L1), further confirmed as a mature teratoma by pathological examination. We identified 63 cases of conus medullaris teratoma over the past two decades by systematically analyzing the case reports. Findings demonstrated that most cases were diagnosed in the fourth decade of life, with the majority of cases (57.6%) being male. Lower back pain, radiating pain in the extremities, hypoesthesia, and urinary dysfunction are the most common clinical presentations among patients with teratoma of conus medullaris. Mature teratoma is the dominant pathologic subtype of teratomas in this region, comprising more than 95% of cases. Our case highlights the importance of considering spinal teratoma as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with urinary incontinence and lumbar pain.

Ossified upper thoracic intradural mature teratoma in a teenager - A technical case report with special emphasis on surgical strategy

Spinal teratomas are heterogeneous neoplasms and are extremely rare in the upper thoracic spine. They are sub-classified as mature, immature, or malignant. They may be calcified or rarely ossified; the latter posing a major surgical challenge due to surgical difficulties in safe removal. Clinicoradiologico-pathological and operative experience of ossified spinal intradural mature teratomas is extremely rare. We present a case of ossified upper thoracic intradural mature teratoma managed by microsurgical drilling and resection under neuromonitoring.

"Bones in the Medulla Oblongata?"-A Case Report of Intracranial Teratoma and Review of the Literature

Teratoma in the medulla oblongata is extremely infrequent and has been rarely reported. Severe and sustained brain stem compression resulting from these granitic tumors may cause potentially fatal impairment. Here, we reported a novel case of teratoma that occurred in the medulla oblongata. This 15 year-old boy suffered from a progressive gait disturbance and weakness of limbs for nearly 13 years. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed an unusual mixed mass in the medulla oblongata and C1-2 spine, which was confirmed as mature teratoma by histopathological examination. Then, surgical resection was performed, followed by postoperative continuous rehabilitation. After a period of rehabilitation, this patient is currently able to mobilize with sticks. No signs of local recurrence occurred. Conclusively, surgical removal is still the preferred treatment for teratoma.

Intramedullary cervical spinal cord teratoma

BACKGROUND

Intramedullary cervical spinal cord teratomas (ICTs) are extremely rare, and diagnosis and treatment are challenging. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of ICT.

METHOD

The presentation, imaging manifestations, diagnosis, management, surgery findings, prognosis and histology were reviewed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses guidelines. English-language studies and case reports published from inception to 2018 were retrieved. Data on presentation, imaging characteristics, diagnosis, management, surgery findings, outcomes, and histopathology were extracted.

RESULTS

Ten articles involving 10 patients were selected. The lesions were located in the upper cervical vertebrae in 4 cases, whereas in the lower cervical vertebrae in the remaining 6 cases. In 5 cases, the lesions were located on the dorsal side of the spinal cord, and in the center of the spinal cord in the remaining 5 cases. Quadriparesis (60%), paraplegia (30%), monoplegia (10%), and neck pain (50%) were the main presentations. The lesion appeared as a intramedullary heterogeneous signal during an MRI scan, and the lesion signal would be partially enhanced after the contrast medium was applied. All patients underwent surgical intervention through a posterior approach. Neurological function improved postoperatively in all patients. Two patients with pathology confirmed to be immature teratomas experienced recurrence.

CONCLUSION

ICTs are extremely rare entities that are mainly located in the center or dorsal part of the spinal cord which mainly manifest as quadriplegia and neck pain. MRI is a useful modality that provides diagnostic clues. Surgery from a posterior approach is the primary treatment, and the effect of adjuvant therapy remains uncertain. The prognosis is mainly related to the pathological nature of the tumor and not the method of resection.

A comprehensive review of adult onset spinal teratomas: analysis of factors related to outcomes and recurrences

PURPOSE

Spinal teratomas are rare tumours noted in adults and are commonly located in the thoracolumbar region. Currently, there appears to be a lack of clear consensus regarding the management and prognosis of these lesions. A comprehensive review along with an illustrative case managed at the author's institute has been presented.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Online database search was performed for literature review.

RESULTS

A 26-year-old male presented with acute onset neurological deficits and imaging revealed features of conus teratoma. Subtotal resection was performed and patient achieved fair recovery. Including the present one, a total of 146 cases have been reported and were analysed. Mean age was 39.6 years (range 18-85 years) and males predominated. Limb weakness and backache were the commonest symptoms. Majority of the lesions were intramedullary and located in the thoracolumbar region. Complete resection (CR) was achieved in 45% of cases. All, except one, were mature teratomas. Recurrences were noted in nine (6.1%) cases. Outcome was good/excellent in 86 (60%) and fair/poor in 26 (18%) cases. The presence of pain, absence of limb weakness and CR were significantly associated with good outcomes. Furthermore, subtotal resection (STR) had significantly higher recurrence rates than CR. Four deaths (2.7%) were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Total surgical resection is the standard treatment and appears to be beneficial both in terms of outcomes and recurrences. Overall, recurrences are rare and may be managed by re-surgery. In addition, the present report is the eighth case of adult spinal teratoma with an acute onset presentation. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Mature Teratoma of Petrous Temporal Bone in an Infant: A Rare Clinical Entity

Laterally located intracranial mature teratomas are rare entities. We report an extremely rare case of an extra-axial mature teratoma of the left petrous temporal bone in an infant who was managed surgically. This is the second reported case of a mature teratoma of the petrous temporal bone in an infant.

Mature teratoma of the spinal cord in adults: An unusual case

Intraspinal mature teratomas rarely occur in adults. The present study describes an unusual case of adult intradural mature teratoma, which was completely resected. A 22-year-old female presented with an intermittent pinching pain in the lower right shank that had lasted for three months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results indicated a multicystic mass extending from the T12 to L2 vertebrae, and the tumors were certified as teratomas by a histopathological examination. The level of pain experienced by the patient was improved following the surgery. The present study also compared the literature concerning adult intradural mature teratoma, summarized the basic clinical characteristics and theory of origin of adult intradural mature teratoma and reviewed the available treatments for this disease.

Cerebral falx mature teratoma with rare imaging in an adult

Intracranial mature teratoma is a rare lesion in adults. Despite several intracranial mature teratomas had been reported not to be located at the midline region, no one was found to be within cerebral falx. Herein, we reported a 37-year-old female patient with an intracranial mature teratoma confined within frontal cerebral falx. Her main complaint was intermitted headache, which could not be relieved recently by taking painkiller. Excepting for mild papilledema, we did not find positive neurological signs on physical examination. CT scanning showed it was a round homogenously hypodense lesion with hyperdense signal at its rim. MRI revealed the lesion was 3.5 cm×3.6 cm×4.5 cm in volume, with uniformed hypointensity on T1WI, hyperintensity on T2WI and enhancement in the capsule. It was totally removed via inter-hemispheric approach, and we found the lesion was confined within the frontal cerebral falx. Postoperatively, it was proved histologically to be a mature teratoma. At three years of fellow up, neither neurological deficits nor recurrent sings on MRI was found. To our best knowledge, this is the first case of intracranial mature teratoma within cerebral falx.