Korean J Spine.  2008 Sep;5(3):219-224.

Intramedullary Epidermoid Cyst in Thoracolumbar Junctiont: A Case Report

• Lee JH
• Shin JJ
• Hwang YS
• Kim TH
• Shin HS
• Park SK

Abstract

Intramedullary epidermoid cysts of the spinal cord are a rare disease. Around the world, there are few reported cases that involve the true intramedullary location. In this paper, we report a case of intramedullary epidermoid cyst which is not associated with congenital anomalies of the thoracolumbar region. A 53-year-old man suffered from lower extremity weakness, spasticity and fecal incontinence for 8 months. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 4 cm sized intradural intramedullary mass at the T11-L1 level. The tumor was resected through the posterior approach and complete removal of the mass was performed. Intraoperative and histological findings revealed an epidermoid cyst in the intramedullary region of the spinal cord. Although epidermoid cysts are very rare, these lesions should be considered in the differential diagnosis when an MRI is suggestive of an intradural, intramedullary mass. With early detection and complete resection, the patient had a good neurological outcome.

Keyword

Epidermoid cyst; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Intramedullary

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis, Differential
Epidermal Cyst
Fecal Incontinence
Humans
Lower Extremity
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Middle Aged
Muscle Spasticity
Rare Diseases
Spinal Cord