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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
02:30
Endoscopic Approach for Colloid Cyst Resection
Published on: May 23, 2025
Ependymal cyst in the conus medullaris
Satoshi Nagano1, Kosei Ijiri, Ryodai Kawabata
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
Summary
This study presents a rare intramedullary ependymal cyst in the conus medullaris. Surgical removal successfully treated the patient
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pathology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Intramedullary ependymal cysts are rare dysembryoplastic lesions.
- Only seven cases of conus medullaris ependymal cysts have been pathologically confirmed.
- This report details a unique case in a 64-year-old female.
Observation:
- The patient presented with thigh and foot pain and numbness.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) identified a cyst compressing the spinal cord.
- No sensory or motor deficits were observed in the lower extremities.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the cyst led to complete symptom resolution.
- Histological analysis revealed a cyst lined with neuroepithelial cells.
- The cyst wall lacked a basement membrane and showed reactivity to anti-keratin antibodies.
Implications:
- This case highlights the successful surgical management of conus medullaris ependymal cysts.
- The findings contribute to understanding the neuroepithelial origin of these rare tumors.
- Long-term follow-up confirmed no recurrence three years post-surgery.
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