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Infected dermoid tumor causing tethered cord after myelomeningocele repair
Anushirvan Niknejad1, Farideh Nejat, Mostafa El Khashab
1Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Intramedulary dermoid tumors are rare tumors mostly found associated with dermal sinus tracts. Spinal dermoid tumor can occur after myelomeningocele repair. Infected dermoid tumors are reported in patients with dermal sinus tracts as well, but have never been reported subsequent to myelomeningocele surgery. Here, we report a rare association of infected dermoid tumor with tethered cord without dermal sinus tract in a child who had been operated for myelomeningocele during infancy.
Insights
This study reports a rare case of an infected spinal dermoid tumor in a child with a tethered cord, occurring after myelomeningocele surgery. This complication, previously undocumented, highlights potential risks following such procedures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Spinal Cord Pathology
- Congenital Anomalies
Background:
- Intramedullary dermoid tumors are rare, often associated with dermal sinus tracts.
- Spinal dermoid tumors can arise post-myelomeningocele repair.
- Infected dermoid tumors are typically linked to dermal sinus tracts.
Observation:
- A child, previously operated for myelomeningocele in infancy, presented with an infected intramedullary dermoid tumor.
- The tumor was associated with a tethered cord.
- Crucially, no dermal sinus tract was present.
Findings:
- This case represents the first reported instance of an infected spinal dermoid tumor occurring subsequent to myelomeningocele surgery.
- The absence of a dermal sinus tract challenges existing understanding of infection pathways in these tumors.
- The findings suggest a potential, albeit rare, complication of myelomeningocele repair.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering infected spinal dermoid tumors in post-myelomeningocele repair patients, even without dermal sinus tracts.
- Suggests that surgical interventions for myelomeningocele may create pathways for tumor infection.
- Underscores the need for vigilance and further research into the etiology and management of spinal dermoid tumors in this context.
