Isolated thoracic intradural extramedullary epidermoid cyst: A technical note

Abstract

Background: Congenital, acquired, and iatrogenic spinal epidermoid cysts (EC) are very rare. Methods: A 62-year-old female patient presented with a 5-month history of progressive paraparesis leading to paraplegia secondary to a posterior compressive intradural extramedullary lesion at the T7 level. The patient underwent a laminectomy/durotomy for gross total tumor excision. Results: Histopathology confirmed the lesion was an epidermoid cyst. Although her spasticity improved within 5 weeks, she only regained partial lower extremity motion (i.e., 3/5 motor function). Conclusion: Patients presenting with the acute/subacute onset of paraparesis secondary to spinal EC should undergo timely gross total cyst resections to optimize neurological outcomes.