Neurenteric Cysts of the Spinal Cord Mimicking Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

A 54-year-old man died following a 20-year course of intermittent neurologic symptoms. He carried a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, with most severe involvement thought to be in the spinal cord. At autopsy, two neurenteric (enterogenous) cysts were found to indent the anterior spinal cord — at the T4 and Tl I cord levels. Partial diplomyelia was present in the lumbosacral cord. These findings represent a unique combination of congenital abnormalities. Their embryogenesis and pathogenesis are discussed. © 1981, Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation. All rights reserved.