Spinal epidermoid cyst with sudden onset of paraplegia

J Cancer Res Ther. 2009 Oct-Dec;5(4):290-2. doi: 10.4103/0973-1482.59913.

Abstract

Spinal epidermoid cysts, whether congenital or iatrogenic, are relatively uncommon in the spinal cord. When they occur, the typical location is in the subdural, extramedullary space of the lumbo-sacral region. We describe an unusual presentation in a 3-year-old male child which mimicked astrocytoma clinicoradiologically. The child developed sudden onset of inability in walking and weakness of both lower limbs after a fall. There was a dramatic reversal of symptoms after surgery. Histopathology revealed an epidermoid cyst of the spine. On the first follow-up visit at 3 months, the child was asymptomatic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Epidermal Cyst / complications*
  • Epidermal Cyst / pathology*
  • Epidermal Cyst / surgery
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Paraplegia / etiology*
  • Paraplegia / surgery
  • Spinal Diseases / complications*
  • Spinal Diseases / pathology*
  • Spinal Diseases / surgery