Neurenteric cysts, incidence and surgical treatment

Neurenteric cysts (NCs) of the central nervous system (CNS) are cystic congenital lesions that may occur anywhere along the neural tube. They are most common in the spinal region, in the lower part of the cervical and upper thoracic spine. Intracranial NCs occur rarely and there are only small series of patients published in literature worldwide. Microsurgical resection is the treatment of choice. We present our experience in treatment of NCs and review of literature.

Seven patients with NC of CNS who were operated at the Department of Neurosurgery of Comenius University at University Hospital Bratislava within nine years (2010-2018) were included in the study. The series was retrospectively evaluated with an emphasis on symptomatology, surgery and postoperative course.

In three of the seven patients, NC was localized intracranially, in the other four, NC was in the spinal canal. In three patients, a complete removal of NC was achieved (2 intracranial NC, 1 spinal NC). In other patients, a portion of the cyst wall was left to prevent the development of a postoperative neurological deficit. After surgery, the neurological symptoms were completely resolved in six patients, while in one patient, they were alleviated. In one patient, a complication occurred during the postoperatove course. There was no recurrence during the follow-up (3-111 months, mean duration 39 months).

In our series of patients with intracranial and intraspinal tumors, the incidence of NC was higher than presented in the published data. Our own surgical experience has shown that complete tumor resection is not always possible for intimate adherence to the surrounding structures. Leaving a tiny portion of the cyst wall allowed us to achieve good clinical results with no recurrence. Long-term follow-up of patients is required due to the risk of recurrence. However, it can already be stated that an adequate extent of resection leads to good clinical results (Tab. 1, Fig. 4, Ref. 33).