Simultaneous spine extradural and intradural teratomas in a pediatric patient: A rare presentation with insights in the flawed migration of germ cells theory

Abstract

Spinal teratomas are infrequent lesions in the pediatric population. These lesions can be extradural, intradural or intramedullary. We present a case of an 8-month-old boy that was assessed for underdevelopment of motor milestones. The neurologic examination revealed hyporeflexia, decreased sensation and flaccid paraplegia. MRI of the spine revealed two simultaneous and independent lesions in the extradural and intradural compartment. A laminectomy was performed for the T4-T7 vertebrae with total resection of both lesions. The histopathological analysis confirmed both lesions to be mature cystic teratomas. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient remained with no recovery of neurological function. A debate takes place regarding the etiology of formation of these lesions in the spine. The simultaneous presentation of two independent lesions in this patient could contribute to define the flawed migration of germ cells theory as the etiology for formation of teratomatous lesions in the spine.

Keywords: Extradural; Intradural; Pediatric; Spine; Teratoma.