Neurenteric Cyst at Craniovertebral Junction: An Uncommon Presentation

Sharif Al Qadhi¹, Simin Laiq², Neeraj Salhotra^1, , Jospaul Lukas³, Zahra Al Hajri², Bashar Al Tunbi¹, Fahad Al Kheder¹, Mohammad Hashim¹, Muna Al Jabri² and Afaf Rashid Al Hatmi¹

¹Department of Neurosurgery, Khoula Hospital, Muscat, Oman

²Department of Neuropathology, Khoula Hospital, Muscat, Oman

³Department of Neuroradiology Neuropathology, Khoula Hospital, Muscat, Oman

Cite this paper:
Sharif Al Qadhi, Simin Laiq, Neeraj Salhotra, Jospaul Lukas, Zahra Al Hajri, Bashar Al Tunbi, Fahad Al Kheder, Mohammad Hashim, Muna Al Jabri and Afaf Rashid Al Hatmi. Neurenteric Cyst at Craniovertebral Junction: An Uncommon Presentation. American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2021; 9(8):407-410. doi: 10.12691/ajmcr-9-8-6

Abstract

Neurenteric cysts, also known as endodermal cysts and enterogenous cysts, are rare benign cysts. Neurenteric cysts may be associated with congenital malformations, such as spinal dysraphism, or may occur as solitary lesions. Most are located in the spine, in the intradural, extramedullary and intraspinal space. Rare examples may occur intracranially, and rarer examples may occur at the craniovertebral junction. Clinically, solitary neurenteric cysts present with mass effect symptoms such as compression of spinal cord and adjacent nerve roots. We present a case of a 28-year-old male patient with a histologically confirmed neurenteric cyst located at the cervicomedullary or craniovertebral junction with presenting symptoms of neck pain and severe debilitating weakness of all four limbs. The patient underwent successful surgical resection, with gradual improvement in his symptoms. We also present a review of literature, including the clinical features, histological characteristics, and management options for patients with neurenteric cyst in the craniovertebral junction.

Keywords:
Neurenteric cyst enterogenous cyst cervicomedullary junction craniovertebral junction far-lateral approach

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