Intradural extension of a sacrococcygeal teratoma

J Pediatr Surg. 1993 Jun;28(6):770-2. doi: 10.1016/0022-3468(93)90322-c.

Abstract

Intradural extension of a sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is extremely rare and only well-documented in presacral tumors that have been associated with a familial history, anorectal stenosis, and sacral dysraphism. This case documents the extension of a type I SCT into the dural sac with attachment to the filum terminale. A full-term female was transferred to our tertiary newborn intensive care unit with a sacral mass measuring 12 x 13 cm. It protruded from the buttocks and displaced the anus anteriorly. Rectal examination showed no presacral component. Radiographs demonstrated calcification in the soft tissue mass and a normal-appearing sacrum with the last sacral segment not visualized. At operation during dissection of the cephalad component, the SCT extended into the spinal canal. Neurosurgical consultation resulted in a sacral laminectomy which revealed the tumor to be attached to the tip of the filum terminale. The tumor was removed in toto with all sacral roots preserved. The infant required a second operation to revise a wound dehiscence and suspected cerebrospinal fluid leak. The final pathology report was benign SCT. Follow-up at 2 years showed no recurrence, normal sphincter tone, and a normal computed tomography scan. This represents the first well-documented intradural extension of a Type I SCT with attachment to the spinal cord. This extremely rare occurrence requires awareness with the availability of neurosurgical support to expedite operative management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Sacrococcygeal Region
  • Spinal Canal*
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / congenital*
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / pathology
  • Spinal Cord Neoplasms / surgery
  • Teratoma / congenital*
  • Teratoma / diagnosis
  • Teratoma / pathology
  • Teratoma / surgery