Intradural iatrogenic epidermoid cyst at cauda equina: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Congenital (e.g., associated with spinal dysraphism) or iatrogenic epidermoid cysts (i.e., also called “pearl tumors”) represent approximately 0.5–1% of all intraspinal tumors.[1,10] Since Chiari first reported an intramedullary epidermoid cyst in 1883, over 100 other cases of spinal epidermoid cysts have been published.[1,4,5,10]

During the embryonic period, these lesions “grow” secondary to progressive invagination of epidermal elements into the neural tube.[3,4] However, they may also be attributed to the innoculation of epidermal components into the spinal canal secondary to trauma, surgery, or a lumbar puncture.[2,6]

The clinical symptoms/signs of these lesions reflect their location. Here, we present a 38-year-old female who developed an epidermoid cyst following two epidural anesthetics utilized for childbirth.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 38-year-old female with a surgical history of two cesarean sections performed with L2-L3 epidural spinal anesthesia presented with 6 months of increasing low back pain and right lower extremity L2-L4 paresthesias/tingling. For several years, she had tried various medications without improvement. She denied any history of trauma, infectious diseases, or surgeries related to her spine.

On physical examination, she had right iliopsoas, quadriceps, dorsiflexion, and plantar flexor weakness (4/5 level), diffuse hyporeflexia, and decreased pin/touch appreciation in the L3-L5 dermatomes. There was no evidence of underlying spinal dysraphism (sacral dimple, tuft of hair, or dermal sinus tract).

The magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine with and without contrast demonstrated a well-circumscribed intradural, extramedullary lesion at the L2-L3 level m (i.e., 3.76 × 1.25 × 1.56 cm) that was slightly hyperintense on T1, hyperintense on the T2 sequence, weighted images, with peripheral enhancement on the contrast study. All findings were consistent with an epidermoid cyst resulting in displacement right to left of the conus/cauda equina [Figure 1].

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Figure 1:: Noncontrasted and contrasted preoperative sagittal and coronal magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine demonstrating well-circumscribed intradural, extramedullary lesion at the L2 and L3 level, measuring 3.76 × 1.25 × 1.56 cm, from the right to left that is hyperintense on T2 and STIR but isointense on T1 but with peripheral enhancement on T1 postcontrast. Note the displacement from the right to left the cauda equine nerve roots.

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Surgery

The patient underwent a L2 laminectomy for resection of the epidermoid cyst. This was performed utilizing microscopic visualization, and required a midline durotomy. The lesion was nonvascularized, grayish, pearly, and friable with a well-defined capsule that was not adherent to the surrounding nerve roots of the cauda equina (i.e., more right sided) which was fully resected [Figure 2]. The histopathology revealed fibrous capsule with a flat, stratified keratinized epithelium with keratin sheets extending toward its lumen without any skin attachments, these findings were compatible with an epidermoid cyst [Figure 3]. Postoperatively, the patient’s prior neurological deficits resolved.

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Figure 2:: Microsurgical resection of epidermoid cyst (a) dural opening with displaced nerve roots and capsule of the tumor, (b) approach of the capsular portion and initiation of the debulking, (c) lesion with friable content, poorly vascularized with multiple adhesions to adjacent nerve roots, (d) total resection of the lesion without compromising nerve roots.

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Figure 3:: Microscopic image demonstrating the fibrous capsular portion, the keratinized stratified squamous epithelium as well as the keratin content without cutaneous attachments (H&E) (×40).

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DISCUSSION

Congenital (i.e., with spinal dysraphism) and iatrogenic intraspinal epidermoid cysts are quite rare, especially in the lumbar spine.[6] Rather, there are multiple reports of epidermoid cysts occurring following single or multiple lumbar punctures for intrathecal therapy, diagnostic puncture, or application of intrathecal anesthetics. In 2008, Reina et al. analyzed the characteristics of the lumbar puncture material and concluded that it occurred due to poor lumbar puncture technique.[4,6,8] Choremis et al. presented six cases of epidermoid implantation cysts in children aged 7–12 years, who had undergone multiple lumbar punctures for the treatment of tubercular meningitis.[1] Pear reported a series of three cases of iatrogenic epidermoid cyst of the spinal canal after lumbar puncture or discography.[7] Gibson and Norris reported that 70% of the skin fragments on the Tuohy needles after lumbar puncture are due to insertion of these needles without prior stylet placement or improper placement.[3]

CONCLUSION

Spinal epidermoid cyst accounts for <1% of all primary spinal cord tumors. Once identified on MR studies, gross total resection typically results in resolution of prior neurological deficits.