Spinal endodermal cysts without associated vertebral or other congenital abnormalities. Report of four cases and review of the literature.

Four cases of spinal cysts lined by simple columnar epithelium of endodermal origin, without associated vertebral or other congenital anomalies, are reported. Pathology, pathogenesis and nomenclature of such cysts are discussed. Misplacement of endodermal cells is though to be the common developmental error leading to the formation of such cysts, as well as of those replicating intestinal wall or containing other endodermal derivatives such as bronchial tissue.