Intracranial neurenteric cyst with post-operative chemical meningitis and vagal nerve palsy

Abstract

Intracranial neurenteric cysts are rare congenital lesions that, though benign, are difficult to diagnose radiologically given their similar imaging appearance to other intracranial cystic lesions. We present a case of a 21-year-old female with a pathologically proven, symptomatic neurenteric cyst in the premedullary cistern. Superimposed on this uncommon diagnosis were also rare post-operative complications of chemical meningitis and vagal nerve injury. We review the current literature surrounding intracranial neurenteric cysts, their imaging characteristics, differential diagnosis, therapeutic options, and potential complications related to their resection.

Keywords

• Neurenteric cyst
• Chemical meningitis
• Vagal nerve palsy
• Post-operative complications