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Tailgut cyst: A case report in a 9-month-old infant
Vinayak Raje1, Vaishali Raje, Rahul K Patil
1Department of Neurosurgery, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University, Karad 415110, Maharashtra, India.
Insights
This case report highlights a rare tailgut cyst, a congenital anomaly arising from the embryonic hindgut. Complete surgical excision is the recommended treatment, with MRI aiding surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Surgical pathology
- Pediatric surgery
Background:
- Tailgut cysts, also known as retrorectal cystic hamartomas, are rare developmental anomalies.
- These cysts are believed to originate from remnants of the embryonic hindgut.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a rare case of a tailgut cyst in a 9-month-old infant.
- To emphasize the diagnostic utility of MRI and the efficacy of surgical excision.
Main Methods:
- A 9-month-old male infant presented with a gluteal swelling.
- MRI revealed a well-defined, hyperintense T2W1 lesion posterior to the sacrum and coccyx.
- Complete surgical excision and subsequent histopathology confirmed the diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Histopathology showed a cyst wall lined with stratified squamous epithelium, cuboidal epithelium, and nerve bundles.
- No evidence of malignancy was found.
- The cyst was completely excised.
Conclusions:
- Tailgut cysts are rare congenital anomalies typically found in the retrorectal space.
- Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice for diagnosis and complication prevention.
- Preoperative MRI is crucial for surgical planning.
Introduction:
Tailgut cysts or retrorectal cystic hamartomas are rare developmental anomalies that are believed to arise from the embryonic hindgut.
Presentation Of Case:
9 months old male infant was presented with swelling in the right gluteal region. MRI lumbo-sacral spine showed well defined round to oval lesion which is brightly hypertense on T2W1 and hypotense on T1W1 posterior to sacrum and coccyx with no evidence of connection to the thecal sac indicating cyst. Complete excision of the cyst was done. Histopathology report shows cyst wall partially lined with stratified squamous epithelium and cyst wall shows spaces lined by cuboidal epithelium and nerve bundles with no evidence of malignancy suggestive of tailgut cyst.
Discussion:
Tailgut cysts are rare congenital anomalies. Most commonly located in the retrorectal space. They are thought to be derived from the remnants of the embryonic hindgut. Age ranges from 4 to 73 years but an average presentation is at 35 years. Female to male ratio is 3:1. MRI is a good diagnostic tool for diagnosis of tailgut cyst. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice as this provides a definite diagnosis and prevents possible complications such as infection, fistula formation and malignant degeneration.
Conclusion:
The aim of presenting this case is its rarity. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Preoperative imaging with MRI is essential to plan the most appropriate surgical approach.
