Therapeutic Strategies and Prognostic Factors Based on 121 Spinal Neurenteric Cysts.

BACKGROUND: Limited data existed to guide the management of intraspinal neurenteric cysts (ISNECs). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk factors for progression-free survival (PFS), elucidate the radiological features of ISNECs, and propose a treatment protocol. METHODS: From 2003 to 2015, 121 patients with pathologically confirmed ISNECs treated at our institute were included in this study. Pertinent risk factors were evaluated. RESULTS: Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 55 (44.6%) patients; 106 (87.6%), 12 (9.9%), and 3 (2.5%) ISNECs were classified as Wilkins A, B, and C, respectively. After a median follow-up duration of 64.2 mo, recurrence occurred in 25 (22.7%) patients, with a median PFS time of 43.1 mo. The actuarial PFS rates at 5 and 10 yr were 73.2% and 66.2%, respectively. The actuarial overall survival rates at 5 and 10 yr were 100% and 97.6%, respectively. NonGTR (hazard ratio [HR], 5.836; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.698-20.058; P = .005), Wilkins B/C (HR, 3.129; 95% CI, 1.009-9.702; P = .04.8), and a history of surgical resection (HR, 3.690; 95% CI, 1.536-8.864; P = .004) were adverse factors. CONCLUSION: GTR and Wilkins A were favorable factors for PFS. If tolerable, GTR alone was advocated as an optimal treatment. Because of the benign nature and favorable prognosis, non-GTR was an alternative if GTR failed. Close follow-up was needed because of the recurrent tendency of ISNEC. Future study with a large cohort is necessary to verify our findings.