Unusual giant intraspinal teratoma in an infant

Abstract

There are few cases of giant pediatric intraspinal teratoma. We report a case of a 4-month-old female baby with giant intraspinal teratoma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine revealed a large intradural tumor from the C7 to S2 level, with solid, cystic, and fatty components. Partial surgical removal of the tumor showed pathology of a mature cystic teratoma. The imaging diagnosis of intraspinal teratoma included the location, solid and cystic component, and fatty content. The MR techniques adopted included gradient echo sequences as used to detect teeth or calcification. The difficulties in surgical resection of this case are also presented.