Neurenteric cyst at the craniovertebral junction: A report of two cases
A 7-year-old girl presented with complaints of gradually progressing neck pain of 7 months duration. The pain was localized in the neck and aggravated with neck movements. On examination, she had no focal neurological deficits and her laboratory investigations were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) done revealed an intradural extramedullary lesion extending from C1 to C4 region, located ventrolateral to the upper cervical cord []. The patient underwent C1, C2 hemilaminectomy and subtotal excision of the lesion. Postoperatively, the patient had relief from neck pain. The histopathologic examination (HPE) was suggestive of NC.\nThe patient was advised regular follow-up. However, the patient had recurrence of symptoms 6 months post-surgery and a repeat MRI done showed recurrence of the lesion. The patient was re-operated. This time, a right far-lateral approach was taken to facilitate access to the cyst located ventral to the upper cervical nerves. The cyst was decompressed and the cyst wall was completely excised []. Postoperative period was uneventful. The HPE showed a cyst lined by columnar mucinous epithelium [].