Retained medullary cord and caudal lipoma with histopathological presence of terminal myelocystocele in the epidural stalk

Abstract

Background: The retained medullary cord (RMC), caudal lipoma, and terminal myelocystocele (TMCC) are thought to originate from the failed regression spectrum during the secondary neurulation, and the central histopathological feature is the predominant presence of a central canal-like ependyma-lined lumen (CC-LELL) with surrounding neuroglial tissues (NGT), as a remnant of the medullary cord. However, reports on cases in which RMC, caudal lipoma, and TMCC coexist are very rare. Case Description: We present two patients with cystic RMC with caudal lipoma and caudal lipoma with an RMC component, respectively, based on their clinical, neuroradiological, intraoperative, and histopathological findings. Although no typical morphological features of TMCC were noted on neuroimaging, histopathological examination revealed that a CC-LELL with NGT was present in the extraspinal stalk, extending from the skin lesion to the intraspinal tethering tract. Conclusion: This histopathological finding indicates the presence of TMCC that could not be completely regressed and further supports the idea that these pathologies can be considered consequences of a continuum of regression failure during secondary neurulation.