J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1979 Mar;8(1):59-64.

Dermoid Cyst at the Conus Medullaris

• Ku YD
• Suk JS
• Rhim KS

Abstract

Dermoid cysts are very infrequent benign tumors of the spinal canal. They arise from epithelial cell rests that become sequestered during closure of the neural tube between the third and fifth fetal weeks. Consequently, they occupy midline or near midline position characteristically. If the cleavage of the cutaneous and neural ectoderm persists locally anywhere along the neuraxis, a dermal sinus is formed connecting the skin with neuraxis. We present a case of dermoid cyst at the conus medullaris which was confirmed on histologic examination. An eleven years old female patient was admitted to our department because of urinary incontinence and sensory disturbance at the saddle area. Motor weakness was absent. In the plain spine A-P view, widening of the interpedicular distance and flattening and erosion of the pedicle were noted at the L1 and L2 vertebra. The lumbar myelogram A-P view shows almost total obstruction with meniscus sign at the level of the L1 and L2 interspace. In the myelogram lateral view, the dye column was indented in a round fashion from the dorsal side at the L1 and L2 interspace. Under the impression of the intradural extramedullary mass, we performed total laminectomy and removal of the mass.

MeSH Terms

Conus Snail*
Dermoid Cyst*
Ectoderm
Epithelial Cells
Female
Humans
Laminectomy
Neural Tube
Skin
Spina Bifida Occulta
Spinal Canal
Spine
Urinary Incontinence