Case of the Week
Section Editors: Matylda Machnowska1 and Anvita Pauranik2
1University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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May 31, 2010
Spinal Dermoid
- Dermoid cysts arise from inclusion of ectodermal elements at the time of neural tube closure.
- Rare in the spinal canal.
- Most intraspinal dermoids are seen in the lumbosacral region (60%).
- Intramedullary or intradural extramedullary in location.
- Patients present with slowly progressive compressive myelopathy or radiculopathy.
- MRI is the imaging study of choice. Typically demonstrate heterogenous signal. T1 hyperintensity can be due to fat, cholesterol or sebaceous secretions. Cystic and solid areas can co-exist. Minimal enhancement can be seen.