Dermoid in the filum terminale of a newborn with myelomeningocele.

Delayed occurrence of dermoid and epidermoid tumors after myelomeningocele closure has been reported in 16% of patients. Inclusion of cutaneous remnants at the time of surgical closure of the myelomeningocele has been accepted as the most common cause for the development of these intraspinal lesions. The finding of dermal elements (congenital dermoid) within the filum terminale of a newborn with myelomeningocele offers evidence of another mechanism for the delayed occurrence of these tumors in patients with myelomeningocele.