Thoracolumbar teratoma associated with meningomyelocele: common aetiology or coincidence?
BACKGROUND
The association of teratoma and neural tube defects is very rare.


METHODS
A case of teratoma resembling bowel within a meningomyelocele is presented and the literature reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
The hypotheses of a possible common aetiology for this association include a single dysembryogenic process and neoplastic transformation of heterotopic primordial elements incorporated in the defect.
Bosma
Jark Jan Daniel
JJ
Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital, Alder Hey, Eaton Road, Liverpool L12 2AP, UK.
Mallucci
Conor Lawrence
CL
May
Paul Laurence
PL
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D013724:Teratoma / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology