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A primary intracranial ependymal cyst

S Sarkar1, S Pervin, U Mazumder

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. saumitra_s2001@ yahoo.com

Mymensingh Medical Journal : MMJ
|July 20, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A rare giant ependymal cyst in an infant was successfully treated with neurosurgery. This congenital brain cyst presented with neurological symptoms, highlighting the need for surgical intervention in mass effect cases.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Developmental Neurobiology

Background:

  • Ependymal cysts are rare, congenital, benign intracranial lesions lined by ependymal cells.
  • These cysts can occur within the brain parenchyma or in the leptomeningeal space.
  • Giant ependymal cysts are exceptionally uncommon, particularly in infants.

Observation:

  • A 9-month-old male infant presented with new-onset epilepsy, drowsiness, and vision loss.
  • Neuroimaging revealed a giant ependymal cyst in the fronto-parieto-temporal region.
  • The cyst exhibited characteristics of a primary intracranial cystic lesion.

Findings:

  • Neurosurgical intervention, specifically the removal of the cystic lesion, resulted in a complete cure.
  • The case highlights unique clinical and neuroimaging features associated with giant ependymal cysts.
  • The cyst was confirmed to be an ependymal-lined, congenital, and benign lesion.

Implications:

  • Surgical management is crucial for ependymal cysts causing mass effect and increased intracranial pressure.
  • This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for pediatric intracranial cysts.
  • Further understanding of the pathogenesis and long-term outcomes of giant ependymal cysts is warranted.

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