Intramedullary Mature Teratoma in an Adult: A Case Report

Abstract

Intraspinal mature teratomas rarely occur in adults. There is little published information about the diagnosis and prognosis of adult-onset intradural spinal teratoma due to its rarity. We describe a rare case of adult intramedullary mature teratoma. A 36-year-old woman presented with complaint of a long-standing low back pain accompanied by progressive numbness of the lower extremities for a month. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intramedullary tumor extending between T11 and L3. Gross excision of mass was performed with no complications. Patient symptoms improved over time and she is still under follow-up. Intramedullary mature teratoma in adults is rare but reports suggest an increase in recent years. These tumors manifest themselves based on their location within the spinal cord and the affected surrounding nerve roots. MRI is the most helpful imaging modality. But definitive diagnosis is accomplished by histopathological examination. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment. For pure mature teratomas, gross resection is comparable with radical resection. In general, prognosis for these tumors is good, with most patients showing improved neurological status or stability after resection.