Unruptured Spinal Dermoid Cyst with Progressive Paraplegia

Abstract

Intramedullary dermoid cysts without spinal dysraphism are uncommon tumors. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature. We report a case of a 63-yearold woman with a spinal intramedullary dermoid cyst without rupture, but with progressive paraparesis and bladder dysfunction. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed a large cystic lesion with inhomogeneous contrast enhancement and compression of the conus medullaris. Operation and histopathological examination confirmed a dermoid cyst. A follow up MRI imaging and examination was performed 4, 8 and 20 months after the operation. This case report adds to the few previous reported cases of intramedullary unruptured dermoid cysts and summarizes the latest literature.