SPINAL DEFORMITY ASSOCIATED WITH NEURENTERIC CYSTS IN CHILDREN

Study Design. Neurenteric cysts are uncommon lesions originating from the primitive foregut that may involve adjacent vertebrae and spinal c ord. Little is known regarding the natural history of these cysts and associated spinal deformity in children. Five patients with these cyst s managed at the authors' institution from 1955 to 1993 were reviewed. Objectives. The goal of this retrospective review was to determine th e natural history of these cysts in children, and to assess the surgic al management in each of the five patients, Methods. Medical charts an d radiographic records were reviewed and, when possible, the patients were re-evaluated clinically. Results. All patients had significant an terior vertebral defects, and four had severe kyphosis at presentation . Major complications occurred in three of the four patients treated s urgically. Conclusions. Iatrogenic complications Of Surgical managemen t of these cysts can be limited by combined anterior and posterior app roaches, providing the most complete exposure and maximal stabilizatio n of the associated deformity.