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Spinal intramedullary ependymal cyst: a case report.
H Iwahashi1, S Kawai, Y Watabe
1Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Prefectural Hospital, Japan.
Surgical Neurology
|November 11, 1999
Summary
Spinal intramedullary ependymal cysts are rare tumors. Surgical intervention, including cyst wall removal and subarachnoid space communication, can lead to neurological improvement.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
Background:
- Spinal intramedullary ependymal cysts are exceptionally rare, with only seven pathologically confirmed cases documented.
- This study focuses on a rare case of a thoracic spinal intramedullary ependymal cyst in an infant.
Observation:
- An 18-month-old female presented with a thoracic spinal intramedullary ependymal cyst.
- Diagnosis was confirmed pathologically through light microscopy and immunostaining.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention involved partial cyst wall removal and creating a communication between the cyst and the subarachnoid space.
- The patient experienced significant neurological improvement following the surgical procedure.
Implications:
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging without myelography is recommended for diagnosing spinal intramedullary ependymal cysts.
- Surgical recommendations include cyst enucleation if feasible, or maximal cyst wall removal with creation of subarachnoid space communication.