Neurenteric CYST of the craniocervical junction. Case report

Abstract

Neurenteric cysts are uncommon benign endodermally-derived epithelial-lined cystic lesions of the central nervous system. We report a case of neurenteric cyst in the craniocervical junction and review of the literature.A 17-year-old boy complained of a 9-month history of progressive headaches. Neurological examination did not reveal any abnormalities. A computed tomography scan was performed demonstrating a hypodense lesion in the craniocervical junction and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an approximately 19 × 24 × 23 mm prebulbar cyst that induced posterior displacement of the medulla. Four months later, the patient developed right hemiparesis and limitation of his neck movements. Further MRI showed that the lesion had increased a little in size. Given this, a suboccipital craniotomy was performed with right C1 laminectomy, achieving complete excision of the cyst, and the peribulbar region and the lower cranial nerves were released. After 4 months, he was asymptomatic and playing football again, and 3 years later, MRI did not demonstrate any signs of growth.

Keywords

• Neurenteric cyst
• Craniovertebral junction
• Enterogenous cyst