Intramedullary Extension of Dorsally Located Neurenteric Cyst: A Rarity

A bstract Neurenteric cysts, rare benign tumors of the spinal cord, are foregut duplication cysts occurring as a result of incomplete resorption of the neurenteric canal. A 2-year-girl presented with spastic weakness and sensory loss to pain and temperature of bilateral lower limb without bladder and bowel involvement. On examination, she had spastic paraplegia with exaggerated deep tendon reflex, bilateral extensor planter response, and sensory loss below the L1 dermatome. CEMRI suggested the presence of a C7–T4 intradural extramedullary neurenteric cyst posterior to the spinal cord with intramedullary extension and the association of dysplastic T1–T2 vertebrae with midline fusion anomaly in the T2 vertebra. The patient underwent C6–T3 laminectomy along with partial T4 laminectomy with gross total excision of the cyst. The neurological symptoms improved post-operatively. The histopathological analysis report suggested neurenteric cyst. A diagnosis of neurenteric cyst should be considered even if the lesion is placed dorsal to the spinal cord, especially if associated with midline dysplasia or fusion defect of the vertebral body.