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Glioependymal cyst in the medulla oblongata - A case report
Awfa Aktham Abdulateef1, Shuhei Morita1, Samer S Hoz2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo General Hospital, Nakano, Tokyo, Japan.
Background:
Glioependymal cysts (GECs) are rare benign lesions that can be found anywhere along the neuroaxis, with most of the reports denoting supratentorial location. Here, we introduce a rare case of successfully treated glioependymal cysts lying in an uncommon location, namely medulla oblongata.
Case Description:
A 69-year-old lady presented with progressive unsteadiness and swallowing disturbances, and brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a dorsally located lesion within the medulla oblongata; based on the presentation and radiological features, surgical intervention was deemed mandatory. The suboccipital midline approach was used to perform marsupialization of the cyst with shunting through a syringosubarachnoid shunt to prevent future recurrence, and the patient outcome was improved.
Conclusion:
Medulla Oblongata's location for glioependymal cysts proposed unique diagnostic and operative challenges that may require highlighting for practicing neurosurgeons.
