Spinal dermoid tumors are rare, benign, slow growing tumors. These tumors may become acutely symptomatic after rupture or infection. Excision of the lesion with long term close follow-up studies is required for the management of these lesions. We present a very rare case of ruptured conus medullaris dermoid cyst in a 22-year-old male presented with urinary retention and low back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging scan with contrast reveals a lesion in the cauda equina inseparable from conus medullaris with fat droplets within the central spinal canal extending up to the medulla. Patient was operated with laminectomy and near complete excision of the lesion was done. Patient's low back pain was relieved following surgery. However patient had persistent urinary incontinence and on clean intermittent self-catheterization. Histopathology was suggestive of dermoid cyst.
Cauda Equina ; Conus Snail ; Dermoid Cyst ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; Low Back Pain ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Rupture ; Spinal Canal ; Spinal Cord ; Urinary Incontinence ; Urinary Retention

This article on Asian Spine Journal was initially published without the word 'Canal' in the title.

We present a case of 24-year-old male presented with low back pain radiating to the left lower limb, tingling numbness and weakness of 6 months duration. Magnetic resonance imaging scan with contrast reveals an extradural mass at lumbosacral region. Patient was operated with laminectomy and complete excision of the lesion was done. Patient's radicular pain relieved following the surgery and weakness also improved. Histopathology was suggestive of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Patient received chemotherapy which was followed by radiotherapy. Primary Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the lumbosacral spinal epidural tissue is an uncommon lesion. Lymphoma involves the central nervous system in 5-11% of cases either at presentation of the disease or during its course. The spinal epidural tissue is involved primarily in 0.1-3.3% of cases with spinal cord compression being the commonest presentation. Excision of the lesion followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy is required to achieve cure.
Central Nervous System ; Humans ; Hypesthesia ; Laminectomy ; Low Back Pain ; Lower Extremity ; Lumbosacral Region ; Lymphoma ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Spinal Cord Compression ; Young Adult