Asian Spine Journal  2013;7(1):50-54

doi:10.4184/asj.2013.7.1.50

Ruptured Conus Medullaris Dermoid Cyst with Fat Droplets in the Central.

Mayur SHARMA 1 ; Rahul MALLY ; Vernon VELHO

Affiliations

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Keywords

Ruptured; Spinal cord; Dermoid cyst

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

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.