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Enterogenous cyst in the cervical spinal canal. Case report
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of the Ryukyus, School of Medicine, Okinawa, Japan.
Insights
This case study presents an intradural, extramedullary enterogenous cyst in a child. Diagnostic imaging and histological analysis confirmed this rare spinal cord mass.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Intradural and extramedullary spinal cysts are rare, particularly enterogenous cysts in pediatric patients.
- Enterogenous cysts are congenital anomalies arising from abnormal separation of the neurenteric canal during embryonic development.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old Japanese girl presented with symptoms related to a spinal cord mass.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass with a low-intensity signal compared to the spinal cord.
- The mass was located intradurally and extramedullarly.
Findings:
- Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an enterogenous cyst.
- Special stains including periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), alcian blue, and mucicarmine were utilized.
- Immunohistochemical staining for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and electron microscopy further supported the diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of comprehensive diagnostic methods for rare spinal tumors in children.
- Accurate histological and ultrastructural analysis is crucial for definitive diagnosis of enterogenous cysts.
- Understanding the embryological origin aids in differentiating these cysts from other spinal neoplasms.
Abstract:
The case of an 11-year-old Japanese girl with an intradural and extramedullary enterogenous cyst is presented. A mass giving a low-intensity signal in comparison with the spinal cord was demonstrated on magnetic resonance imaging. Histologically, the diagnosis was confirmed on specimens stained with periodic acid-Schiff, alcian blue, mucicarmine, and immunohistochemical staining of carcinoembryonic antigen, and by electron microscopy.