Conus Medullaris Teratoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Teratomas are benign germ cell tumors that usually found out of their anatomical origin. Teratomas usually are found in sacrococcygeal area, gonads, mediastinum, cervicofacial region and intracranial fossa. Spinal teratomas are rare. In this study we describe a case of conus medullaris teratoma which was diagnosed based on imaging studies. The patient underwent surgery. We did bilateral laminectomy. The mass lesion had an obvious and rigid attachment to the conus medullaris. The wall of the lesion was resected as much as possible, but total resection of the lesion's wall could not be done due to changes in neural monitoring. Previous related studies are reviewed.

Toe Walking in a Formerly Preterm Child: Is it Just Cerebral Palsy?

“…6,7 Cervical and thoracic spine tumors comprise more than 90% of these lesions, and pediatric conus medullaris tumors of any subtype are rare. [8][9][10][11][12] The differential for a tumor in the conus includes pilocytic astrocytoma, ependymoma, hemangioblastoma, and developmental tumor. 13 Vascular malformations and abscesses may also be present as conus lesions.…”

“…Back pain, unilateral leg numbness, gait abnormalities, and lower extremity weakness have been described in pediatric patients with conus glioblastoma multiforme and teratoma. 11,12 One case described a 4-year-old girl with toe walking, leg pain, and frequent falls, found to have a cervical schwannoma, whose symptoms improved after tumor excision. 14 Bowel and bladder dysfunction have also been noted as presenting symptoms, although these are not as common as sensory deficits and gait abnormalities.…”