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Management of an unusual, recurrent neurenteric cyst in an infant: case report and review of the literature

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Abstract

Purpose

Neurenteric cysts are rare congenital remnants formed by a failure of separation between endoderm and ectoderm in utero.

Methods

We describe a case of a 7-month-old male with a large cervical neurenteric cyst presenting with intermittent neck stiffness and irritability.

Results

This cyst was resected, recurred, and required repeat surgery. The patient’s postoperative course included aseptic meningitis and hydrocephalus requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunt and later management of tethered cord, necessitating detethering.

Conclusion

Unique features of this case include the presence of intermittent pain symptoms, which may be attributable to cyst filling and emptying. Hydrocephalus is an uncommon finding that may be secondary to aseptic meningitis from cyst rupture. Tethered cord is also an unusual entity that can accompany this diagnosis, warranting additional imaging work-up and monitoring.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurological Surgery, Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

    Darian R. Esfahani, Yoon S. Hahn & Dimitrios Nikas

  2. Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Advocate Children’s Hospital, Oak Lawn, IL, USA

    Laura Burokas, Yoon S. Hahn & Dimitrios Nikas

  3. Department of Pathology, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn, IL, USA

    Henry G. Brown

Authors
  1. Darian R. Esfahani
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  2. Laura Burokas
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  3. Henry G. Brown
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  4. Yoon S. Hahn
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  5. Dimitrios Nikas
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Correspondence to Darian R. Esfahani.

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Esfahani, D.R., Burokas, L., Brown, H.G. et al. Management of an unusual, recurrent neurenteric cyst in an infant: case report and review of the literature. Childs Nerv Syst 33, 1603–1607 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-017-3487-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-017-3487-x

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