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Intraspinal neurenteric cysts in children
Chunquan Cai1, Changhong Shen, Weidong Yang
1Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P. R. China.
Summary
Intraspinal neurenteric cysts are rare congenital lesions in children, often located ventrally. Early diagnosis and surgical removal significantly improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Congenital Neuropathology
- Spinal Cord Imaging
Background:
- Neurenteric cysts are rare congenital, epithelium-lined cysts of the central nervous system.
- Predominantly found in the spinal cord, they can be associated with other congenital spinal anomalies.
- This study presents seven patients with symptomatic intraspinal neurenteric cysts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical manifestations, imaging, and surgical findings of intraspinal neurenteric cysts in children.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical intervention for symptomatic intraspinal neurenteric cysts.
- To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of seven pediatric patients (9 months to 10 years) with intraspinal neurenteric cysts treated between May 2000 and July 2006.
- Analysis of clinical presentations, imaging results (including MRI), and surgical outcomes.
- Surgical resection performed via lateral cervical or posterior approaches.
Main Results:
- All seven patients exhibited neurological symptoms.
- Cysts were predominantly ventral (6/7) and located in the cervical, cervicothoracic, thoracic, or lumbar regions.
- Five patients showed rapid symptomatic improvement following surgical resection.
Conclusions:
- Intraspinal neurenteric cysts in children are uncommon and typically ventral to the spinal cord.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the optimal diagnostic tool.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical resection are crucial for improving prognosis in pediatric spinal neurenteric cysts.
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