Iatrogenic spinal epidermoid tumour associated with tuberous sclerosis. A diagnostic pitfall.
We present a case of spinal epidermoid tumour that was probably caused by lumbar punctures. The tumour was detected on MRI in a child with tuberous sclerosis complaining of atypical low back pain. Preoperatively the tumour was considered to be a cystic astrocytoma of ependymoma of the conus terminalis. The association of tuberous sclerosis with a spinal tumour is rare but has been recorded in the literature. The diagnosis was an epidermoid tumour (E.T.). The MRI appearances were unusual for a spinal ET: the signal intensity changes were different from those reported in the literature and the presence of calcification and cavitation has not yet been reported. This case represents a diagnostic pitfall, since both entities were unrelated.
Demaerel
P
P
Department of Radiology, University Hospitals K.U. Leuven.
Casaer
P
P
van Calenbergh
F
F
Knapen
P
P
Wilms
G
G
Plets
C
C
Baert
A
A
D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004814:Epidermal Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014402:Tuberous Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*