Figure 4 (Left) Periodic Acid Shift (PAS) Stain (right) Mucin Stain

PATHOLOGY
The pathology findings indicate the real origin of these lesions, showing an epithelium of digestive or respiratory type lining the cavity of the cyst. A fibrous capsule, variable in thickness, is always present and the cysts are lined by epithelium varying from cuboidal to columnar and occasionally pseudo-stratified type . The epithelium is strongly PAS positive and rests on a connective tissue base. A varying number of globet cells are present within the epithelium and are responsible for the mucinous content. (8).Electron microscopy can reveal areas of ciliated epithelium whereas non ciliated cells wich microvilli are present in every case with characteristic surface granular glycocalyx coating. They possess features of secretory function, having prominent nuclei, and, as well, tight junctions are present (9).

In our patient, a typical fragment of foregut epithelium was found with secretory products: the secretory function gives support to the possibility of secretion of contrast inside the lesion, a fact never seen and described before in literature. In addition several calcifications have been found.

REFERENCES

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  5. Brooks BS, Duvall ER, El Gammal T, et al. Neuroimaging features of neurenteric cyst: analysis of nine cases and rewiew of literature. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2001 May 1993;14:735-746.
     

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  7. Pierot L, Dormont D, Oueslati S, et al. Gadolinium-DTPA enhanced Mr imaging of intradural neurenteric cyst. J Comput tomogr 1988; 12(5):762-764.
     

  8. Russell D, Rubinstein LJ. Pathology of tumors of nervous system. 5th edn. Baltimore: Williams et Wilkins; pp704-705, 690-695.
     

  9. Elmadbouth H, Halpin SFS, NealJ et al. Posterior fossa ephithelial cyst: case report and review of the literature. AJNR Am J Neuroraidiol 2001 20:681-685.
     

  10. Kallmes DF, Provenzale JM, Cloft H et al. Typical and atypical MR imaging features of intracranial eoidemoid tumor. AJR Am J Roentgenol 169:883-887.
     

  11. Ochi M, Hayashi K, Hayashi T, et al. Unusual CT and MR appearance of an epidermoid tumor of the cerebellopontine angle. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 1998;19:1113-1115.
     

  12. Tsuruda JS, Chew WM, Moseley ME, Norman D. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging of the brain: value of differentiating between extraaxial cysts and epidermoid tumors. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1990;155:1059-1065.
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