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Ependymal cyst presenting with lhermitte sign.
Paulo Roberto Franceschini1, Paulo Valdeci Worm2
1Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital Saúde, Caxias do Sul/RS, Brazil.
Global Spine Journal
|July 30, 2014
Summary
This case report details an unusual ependymal cyst in the conus medullaris, a rare spinal cord condition. Successful surgical decompression relieved the patient's debilitating leg pain, adding to the limited literature on this pathology.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Pathology
Background:
- Ependymal cysts are rare, benign tumors that arise from ependymal cells lining the central canal of the spinal cord.
- Cysts in the conus medullaris region are particularly uncommon, often presenting with subtle or nonspecific neurological symptoms.
- This report focuses on an ependymal cyst located in the conocaudal segment, highlighting its unusual presentation and management.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old woman presented with severe, shock-like pain radiating to her lower limbs.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed an ependymal cyst within the conus medullaris.
- The patient experienced significant neurological deficits attributed to the cyst's mass effect.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful surgical decompression of the conus medullaris ependymal cyst.
- Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with resolution of her lower limb pain.
- This case contributes to the collective understanding of ependymal cysts in this specific spinal location.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare spinal pathologies in the differential diagnosis of lower limb pain and neurological deficits.
- Successful surgical intervention for conus medullaris ependymal cysts can lead to significant symptomatic improvement.
- Further case reports are crucial for elucidating the natural history, optimal management, and long-term outcomes of these rare lesions.
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