Long-Segment Intradural Extramedullary Teratoma of Dorsolumbar Spinal Cord in an Adolescent: A Rare Tumor with Review of Literature

Abstract

Spinal intradural extramedullary teratomas are rare tumors arising from more than one germ cell layers and are more common in children than in older age groups. Teratomas are more commonly seen in intracranial compartment and are extremely rare in the spine. They are difficult to diagnose pre-operatively and the definitive diagnosis is usually done by histopathologic evaluation. Intraspinal teratomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any intradural extramedullary tumor of the spine. We reviewed the literature and reported a rare case of intradural extramedullary teratoma in an adolescent located in dorsolumbar spine without any history of prior spinal procedure.

Keywords: Adolescent; intradural extramedullary; spinal; teratoma.