Chordoma in the lateral medullary cistern in a patient with tuberous sclerosis: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Chordomas are rare intracranial tumors. There are several reported cases of these tumors arising in patients with tuberous sclerosis (TSC), a neurocutaneous disorder inherited in autosomal dominant fashion that predisposes patients to hamartomatous and neoplastic lesions. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 38-year-old man with the diagnosis of TSC presented with the complaint of dizziness and near syncope. Imaging revealed a mass in the lateral medullary cistern that was found at the time of surgery to be a chordoma. The patient underwent a left far lateral approach for removal of the tumor. Upon opening of the dura, the tumor could be seen under the arachnoid. The tumor was carefully debulked within the limits of safety. The patient did well postoperatively and was referred to the radiation oncology department at our institution for follow-up radiotherapy of the tumor bed. CONCLUSION: This study presents an unusual presentation and location for a chordoma and contributes to the growing literature associating chordomas with TSC.