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Early surgery for intramedullary neurenteric cysts encouraged to prevent neurological damage
According to the results in a recently published study, intramedullary neurenteric cysts are rare and should be surgically removed early after diagnosis to prevent permanent neurologic deficits.
The researchers analyzed seven male and six female patients with an intramedullary neurenteric cysts. Each patient underwent an MRI, laminotomy and microsurgery, with progressive or intermittent motor deficit being identified as the main symptom associated with or without pain or sensory disturbance.
Researchers found 13 cysts: Five in the cervical cord, one in the cervicothoracic cord, three in the thoracic cord and four in the conus medullaris. They also noted three cases of scoliosis, one case of fusion of rib, one enlarged spinal canal, one tethered spinal cord and one case of ectocardia.
Researchers achieved Gross-total resection of the cyst in eight cases, and subtotal resection in five cases.
At the final evaluation, 11 patients experienced neurological improvement and two patients remained stable.
Researchers concluded if total resection of the cyst is not possible, the maximum safe removal under the protection of intraoperative neuromonitoring is advised. Additionally, routine MRI follow up is needed due to the high risk of cyst recurrence. – by Robert Linnehan
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.