Intramedullary endodermal cyst including glial tissues in the spinal cord

Introduction: Spinal intramedullary endodermal cyst is a rare spinal cord tumour. In particular, an endodermal cyst that includes glial tissues is extremely rare. Herein, we present the case of an individual with a thoracic spinal cord intramedullary endodermal cyst, which includes glial tissues that achieved gross total resection by surgery. Case presentation: A 59-year-old man presented with a 10-month history of right thigh pain and numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-marginated 15-mm cystic lesion at the T7–T8 level. We performed cystectomy and achieved gross total resection. Pathological findings revealed an endodermal cyst, with the presence of glial tissues. No recurrence of cysts was observed upon MRI 2 years after the surgery. Discussion: Endodermal cyst is defined by pathological findings of a cyst lined by columnar epithelium of presumed endodermal derivation. To date, only 104 reported cases of intramedullary endodermal cysts have been reported; our report was the third case that showed the presence of glial cells in the cyst during pathological examination. Intramedullary cysts are generally difficult to completely resect, with many recurrences. Although we achieved gross total resection, careful follow-up is necessary in the future.