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Extramedullary spinal teratoma presenting with recurrent aseptic meningitis
Lucy L Mpayo1, Xiao-Hong Liu1, Man Xu1
1Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Pediatric Neurology
|May 21, 2014
Summary
Spinal teratomas are rare tumors that can cause recurrent meningitis. Early spine imaging is crucial for diagnosing spinal teratoma in patients with unexplained meningitis.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
Background:
- Spinal teratomas are exceptionally rare, accounting for less than 0.5% of all spinal cord tumors.
- These tumors often present with nonspecific symptoms and neurological deficits.
- Rupture of a spinal teratoma can lead to chemical meningitis.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old boy experienced recurrent aseptic meningitis and abdominal pain.
- Clinical examination revealed positive Kernig and Brudzinski signs.
- Spinal imaging identified a cystic lesion in the thoracic spinal cord.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful endoscopic cyst excision.
- Histopathology confirmed the lesion as an extramedullary mature teratoma.
- The teratoma's rupture mimicked symptoms of Mollaret meningitis.
Implications:
- Spinal teratoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent Mollaret meningitis.
- Prompt spinal imaging in cases of recurrent aseptic meningitis aids in early diagnosis and treatment.
- Timely intervention can significantly improve neurological outcomes for patients with spinal teratomas.