Cervical dermal sinus complicated with intramedullary abscess in a child: case report and review of literature.

Background: Dermal sinus tract (DST) is an uncommon spinal dysraphism presenting in childhood along the midline neuroaxis. Cervical DST less frequent is in association with intramedullary abscess. Methods: A 9-month-old baby was admitted to our unit suffering from right hemiparesis. Physical examination showed a cervical midline cutaneous fistula dripping a yellowish thick liquid. Cervical MRI showed at C5 level a sinus tract in continuity with a C3-C6 intramedullary lesion. Total removal of the fistula and the intramedullary lesion was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of dermal sinus and abscess. Results: Post-operative cervical MRI showed a complete removal of the spinal dysraphism, fistula, and intramedullary abscess. The baby showed a progressive clinical improvement and was discharged on day 10 post-surgery. Conclusion: Literature review confirms that an early diagnosis followed by prompt surgical spinal cord decompression gives a functional neurological recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]