Neurenteric cyst presenting with stridor and dysphagia: case report and literature review

Abstract

Objective Neurenteric cysts are rare lesions that account for 0.7–1.3% of all spinal cord tumours. We report the first ever case of a neurenteric cyst presenting with stridor and dysphagia. A literature review on the presentation and management of these lesions is also included. Methods A MEDLINE search of articles using the terms ‘neurenteric cyst’, ‘intraspinal cyst’, ‘enterogenous cyst’, ‘intramedullary cyst’ along with diagnosis, presentation and management was performed. Suitable references from these articles were also reviewed. Results All published evidence on neurenteric cysts are either case series or case reports (level IV/V) with the largest case series reporting 23 patients from a single institution. Conclusion Neurenteric cysts are rare spinal cord lesions that usually present with focal neurological signs and managed within neurosurgical units. This is the first reported case of a neurenteric cyst presenting with upper aerodigestive tract symptoms warranting specialist ear, nose and throat input.