A Neurenteric Cyst Presenting as a Brainstem Tumor: Imaging and Clinical Findings

An 11-year-old girl presented with vomiting, nystagmus, and ataxia. MRI showed a partially enhancing medulla oblongata lesion and an adjacent nonenhancing cystic exophytic lesion. An exophytic brainstem tumor was suspected. Histologically, the lesion was identified as a neurenteric cyst (NC). On retrospective review, the NC was connected to the brainstem by a subtle sinus tract. This led to brainstem inflammation which reversed once the cyst was resected. We describe an unreported case of a patient with a NC at the craniocervical junction connected to the brainstem through a sinus tract and discuss the possible embryological abnormality and imaging features.

Duke Scholars

Author Stephanie Greene Neurosurgery