A Pediatric Case of Spinal Intradural Epidermoid Cyst: A Rare Encounter

Intradural epidermoid cysts of the spine are rare congenital lesions. Their etiology is thought to stem from ectodermal remnants during embryonic development. They result in a diverse clinical presentation, often marked by an insidious onset and variable neurological deficits. Timely diagnosis is cr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2023-12, Vol.15 (12), p.e49970
Main Authors: Alsulami, Fahad N, Alotaibi, Fahad M, Alfraidi, Layan S, Alotaibi, Nasser F, Alnami, Razan E, Alotaibi, Mohammed F, Musllet, Reema M, Alharbi, Ahlam
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Back pain
Case reports
Cerebrospinal fluid
Clinical significance
Cysts
Family/General Practice
Fecal incontinence
Keratin
Magnetic resonance imaging
Meningitis
Neurosurgery
Pediatrics
Spinal cancer
Spinal cord
Urinary incontinence
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Summary:Intradural epidermoid cysts of the spine are rare congenital lesions. Their etiology is thought to stem from ectodermal remnants during embryonic development. They result in a diverse clinical presentation, often marked by an insidious onset and variable neurological deficits. Timely diagnosis is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes. We present the case of a 10-year-old male child presenting a six-month history of worsening back pain, intermittent leg weakness, and urinary incontinence. The physical examination revealed tenderness over the lower thoracic and lumbar spine, lower limb weakness, hyperreflexia, and sensory deficits. The diagnostic work-up, including cerebrospinal fluid analysis and magnetic resonance imaging, confirmed the presence of an intradural epidermoid cyst in the lumbosacral region. Surgical excision resulted in complete resection, with subsequent improvement in neurological deficits. This pediatric case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for unexplained neurological deficits. Characteristic imaging findings played a pivotal role in the diagnosis, guiding successful surgical intervention and achieving favorable outcomes.
ISSN:2168-8184
2168-8184
DOI:10.7759/cureus.49970