Dermoid Cysts of the Conus Medullaris Associated with Sacral Meningocele. A Case Report

Abstract

Spinal dermoid cysts are gradually progressive benign tumors that may be congenital or acquired. They account for 0.8% to 1.1% of all primary spinal tumors. MRI is the gold standard for the radiological assessment. Management is difficult for tumors involving highly eloquent areas such as the conus medullaris. In this report, we present a rare case of an adult woman with dermoid cysts in the conus medullaris associated with a sacral meningocele which was treated with a midline myelotomy that drained yellowish keratinous fluid and decompressed the cyst. No aggressive attempt at complete resection of the cyst wall was undertaken. The patient fully recovered, and her condition considerably improved after surgery and remains good at a 6-month follow-up.