Intracranial neurenteric cyst mimicking an ependymoma: imaging features, pathologic correlation and review of literature

Intracranial neuro-enteric cyst: an illustrative patient and review

“…On MRI imaging, they are typically round and/or lobulated, well margined extra-axial lesions [ 2 , 3 ]. The signal intensity may vary with the protein content of the cyst with a classical appearance of T1 hypo intensity, T2 hyper intensity, with no contrast enhancement and no diffusion restriction on DW images [ 3 ], making the differential diagnosis with the epidermoid cyst, arachnoid cyst and neurocysticercosis [ 2 ]. However, NEC may show atypical characteristics with mild diffusion restriction and wall cyst enhancement [ 2 ].…”

“…The histopathological analysis of the wall shows endothelium lined structures of partially ciliated cuboidal to columnar cells. Pseudostratification can be observed in the epithelium at random intervals and characteristically has ciliated and goblet cells which makes them very resembling to the gastrinestinal tract [ 2 ]. Concerning the management, all authors agree on complete surgical excision in symptomatic patients [ 1 , 2 ].…”

“…Pseudostratification can be observed in the epithelium at random intervals and characteristically has ciliated and goblet cells which makes them very resembling to the gastrinestinal tract [ 2 ]. Concerning the management, all authors agree on complete surgical excision in symptomatic patients [ 1 , 2 ]. Incomplete removal, usually due to the location of the cyst or the adherence to neural structures, leads to a recurrence rate up to 40% [ 1 , 2 ].…”

“…Concerning the management, all authors agree on complete surgical excision in symptomatic patients [ 1 , 2 ]. Incomplete removal, usually due to the location of the cyst or the adherence to neural structures, leads to a recurrence rate up to 40% [ 1 , 2 ]. If not symptomatic, and because the majorities have been reported to be slow growing lesions, the monitoring by serial imaging is indicated [ 2 ].…”

Intra-Axial Neurenteric Cyst of Medulla. Case Report and Literature Review

“…NECs are rare congenital lesions that are thought to be a result of persistence of the neurenteric canal to arise from a persistent neurenteric canal connecting primitive gut and neural tube. As a result of separation failure of the canal NEC cavity lined with cuboidal or columnar epithelium and contains mucin-producing cells [3][4][5][6].…”