C6-T1 Intradural Extramedullary Ventral Meningeal Melanocytoma Resected Via Anterior Corpectomy with Reconstruction

Abstract

Background: Melanocytic lesions of the nervous system are thought to arise from leptomeningeal melanocytes, which are derived from neural crest and include diffuse melanocytosis, melanocytomas, and malignant melanomas. Meningeal melanocytomas are extremely rare benign lesions. The usual treatment of intradural extramedullary melanocytomas involves surgical removal through a posterior approach using a laminectomy or laminotomy.

Case description: We present a 30-year-old female harboring a C6-T1 ventrally located intradural extramedullary lesion compressing the cord anteriorly. The lesion was totally resected via an anterior approach with oblique corpectomy even if the usual treatment involves surgical removal through a posterior approach using a laminectomy or laminotomy.

Conclusions: There is no evidence of recurrence at 4-year follow-up records of the patient. We discuss the surgical approach of these rare lesions.

Keywords: Anterior approach; Corpectomy; Intradural extramedullary; Spinal meningeal melanocytoma.