Neurenteric cyst of the anterior cranial fossa: case report and literature review

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2011 Jul;153(7):1519-25. doi: 10.1007/s00701-011-1041-2. Epub 2011 May 13.

Abstract

Intracranial neurenteric cysts are rare congenital lesions that typically occur in the posterior fossa. We report a case of a 70-year-old gentleman presenting with gait disturbance, found to have a neurenteric cyst primarily arising from and expanding the sella turcica. A review of the literature revealed 27 reports of supratentorial neurenteric cysts. Clinical presentation, radiological characteristics, treatment, prognosis and embryological origin are discussed. Intracranial neurenteric cysts should be included in the differential with any well-demarcated cystic lesion without enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice, with good prognosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cranial Fossa, Anterior / pathology*
  • Cranial Fossa, Anterior / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neural Tube Defects / diagnosis
  • Neural Tube Defects / pathology*
  • Neural Tube Defects / surgery
  • Pituitary Diseases / diagnosis
  • Pituitary Diseases / etiology
  • Pituitary Diseases / therapy
  • Pituitary Gland / pathology
  • Pituitary Gland / surgery
  • Sella Turcica / pathology*
  • Sella Turcica / surgery