Spinal neurenteric cyst

A neurenteric cyst is a type of foregut duplication cyst, associated either with vertebral or central nervous system abnormalities. They are usually classified as spinal or intra-cranial.

The intraspinal cysts are usually extramedullary (80%) and ventral in location. They most commonly occur in the thoracic region (42%).

Pathology

They result from incomplete resorption of neurenteric canal.

Radiographic features

CT

The cyst is seen as hypoattenuating lesion which may show soft tissue attenuation.

MRI

It is the investigation of choice and the appearance depends on the variable protein content.

• T1: - variable variable signal intensity
• T2:- variable variable signal intensity

These lesions can recur and hence MRI is also used for follow up.