Neurothekeoma of the cauda equina: MR and CT Myelogram findings

Abstract

Neurothekeomas are extremely rare benign tumors of nerve sheath origin. We describe MR and CT Myelogram findings of an intraspinal neurothekeoma occurring in a 49-year-old white female who presented with back pain. MR imaging showed a well-circumscribed avidly enhancing intrathecal mass at L1–L2 lumbar spine level while CT Myelogram imaging showed an intradural soft tissue density mass filling the thecal sac at L1–L2 level. Neurothekeomas mimic ependymoma, schwanoma, and paragangliomas in radiologic appearance and may be included in the differential diagnosis of soft-tissue masses of cauda equina in an adult female patient. Additionally, neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists should be familiar with the benign nature of these masses.