title: Intraspinal epidermoid tumors in children: problems in recognition and imaging techniques for diagnosis.
abstract: Iatrogenic intraspinal epidermoid tumors are very rare. The similarity of the clinical manifestations of the tumor with other childhood problems can pose a problem in diagnosis. In addition, because of the lag in time between the lumbar puncture and the development of a symptomatic tumor, this relationship is overlooked and can cause a delay in diagnosis, as in the present report of four children. Magnetic resonance imaging was found to be superior to myelography in defining the tumor and its relationship to other structures inside the dural sac. All patients underwent surgical excision, with subsequent resolution of symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Alfred I. duPont Institute, Wilmington, DE 19899.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Caro
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Marks
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Keret
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Guille
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003287:Contrast Media; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004814:Epidermal Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008536:Meglumine; D009192:Myelography; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D008536:Meglumine; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA