[Neurenteric cyst of the posterior fossa. Case report and review of the literature]

Neurochirurgie. 2009 Feb;55(1):45-52. doi: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2008.03.006. Epub 2008 Jun 19.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Intracranial neurenteric cysts are rare entities. The term is currently used to describe epithelial cysts that are lined with a presumed endodermal-derived epithelium and are mostly located in the posterior fossa. Preoperative diagnosis is often difficult because of their clinical presentation, which may resemble a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and the radiological aspect, which can mimic vascular pathologies. We describe a posterior fossa neurenteric cyst in a 27-year-old woman, who presented with sudden headache as the only symptom and who was addressed to our hospital for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Diagnostic angiography was negative and MRI revealed a prepontine cystic lesion. The patient underwent a posterolateral approach on the right side, with subtotal resection of the lesion. We discuss the embryologic, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of these cysts and review the literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cranial Fossa, Posterior / pathology*
  • Cranial Fossa, Posterior / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neural Tube Defects / pathology*
  • Neural Tube Defects / surgery