Intramedullary epidermoid cyst presenting with abnormal urological manifestations

Abstract

Study design: Report of an epidermoid cyst with intramedullary localization. Objective: To describe an atypical presentation of intramedullary epidermoid cyst. Summary of background data: Intramedullary epidermoid cysts are rare entities with a marked variability in the clinical presentation, essentially of neurological pertinence. Methods: Case report of a spinal epidermoid cyst in a 13-year-old girl presenting with urological symptoms: she had a 12-month history of recurrent low urinary tract infections, urinary frequency and nocturnal enuresis. A urodynamic evaluation was performed and showed the presence of involuntary bladder contractions with detrusor instability and low bladder compliance. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine demonstrated an intramedullary lesion of the dorsal spinal cord. Results: The mass was excised and 6 months after surgical excision, urological manifestations improved with decreased detrusor hyper-reflexia, increased bladder capacity and compliance and no later report of urinary tract infections. Conclusions: In our patient, unusual clinical manifestations of the tumor have delayed the diagnosis, but its complete removal has led to remission of symptoms. Detailed neurological examination and investigations are indicated in patients with clinical and urodynamic features, suggestive of neuropathic bladder.