Concomitant dermoid cysts of conus medullaris and cauda equina.

Dr. Asdrubal Falavigna – Rua General Arcy da Rocha Nóbrega 401 / 602 95040-290 Caxias do Sul RS Brasil. E-mail: [email protected] Spinal dermoid cysts are benign tumors that results from congenital or adquired ectodermal inclusions. Histologically they are characterized by the presence of dermal structures. These tumors account for 0.8%–1.1% of all primary spinal tumors with the majority occurring in the extramedullary or subdural juxtamedullary lumbosacral region, usually in the conus or cauda equina. In the pediatric population, the prevalence of dermoid tumors is much greater, with dermoids accounting for 5% to 17% of all intradural lesions in reported series. A higher incidence of dermoid cysts has been described in patients with spina bifida, dermal sinuses, myelomeningocele, hemi-vertebrae and syringomyelia. We present a rare case of an adult woman who presented with two separated dermoid cysts in the cauda equina and conus medullaris. The literature concerning to dermoids is also reviewed focusing on the tumor etiopathogenesis.