Cervical Intramedullary Neurenteric Cyst in an Elderly Patient

ABSTRACT

Intraspinal neurenteric cysts are rare congenital lesions that may occur either alone or in the context of a complex malformative disorder including vertebral, visceral and cutaneous abnormalities. Most of these lesions have an intradural extramedullary location. Rarely, intramedullary neurenteric cysts not associated with other malformations have been reported. A 72-year-old woman presented with a 5-year-history of progressive paraparesis(I/II), urinary retention. A magnetic resonance(MR) image revealed a C6-C7 intramedullary cystic lesion which was located ventrally to the spinal cord and no other spinal abnormalities. The cystic lesion were subtotally removed through posterior approach. On histopathological examination, fibrous connective tissue surrounded by cuboidal cells which contained mucin vacuoles were consistent with neurenteric cyst. Postoperative MR image showed the decompression of the spinal cord. Postoperatively, neurological deficits were improved. We report a case of neurenteric cyst occured in highly old age and unusual location.