Primary atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor of spinal canal in a child: Case report and the literature review

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a rare embryonal tumor of the central nervous system (CNS), which accounts for approximately 1–2% of all CNS neoplasms. Spinal canal is extremely rare. To our knowledge, there are only 16 cases of spinal AT/RT in children reported in English literature so far. Here we first presented a rare primary spinal AT/RT in a child with multiple vertebral subarachnoid metastasis. She was accepted surgical treatment and the diagnosis was established pathologically. She died 3 months later with no further therapy. We discuss the clinical presentation, imaging, pathology, treatment and prognosis of spinal AT/RT in children with the literature review. •Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor(AT/RT) of spinal canal is a extremely rare embryonal tumor of the central nervous system(CNS)•To our knowledge,there are only 16 cases of spinal AT/RT in children reported in English literature so far.•We first presented a rare primary spinal AT/RT in a child with a multiple vertebral subarachnoid metastasis.