Spinal extradural arachnoid cyst

Summary Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts are rare expanding lesions in the spinal canal. They usually present with progressive signs and symptoms caused by spinal cord compression if they enlarge. A comprehensive review about spinal extradural arachnoid cyst is made including the author’s own case of a 59-year-old woman with a 6-month history of progressive back pain radiating to both legs. Key points concerning the possible pathogenesis including symptomatology, diagnosis, and the implications for treatment are highlighted. Surgical treatment is curative and this rare clinical entity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal extradural lesions.     

Extra dural arachnoid cyst: case report

Extradural arachnoid cysts are uncommon expanding lesions in the spinal canal, which may communicate with the subarachnoid space. Usually located in the lower thoracic spine, they may cause symptoms by compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots. We report a case of an extradural thoracic arachnoid cyst revealed by progressive spinal cord compression. CT myelography and MRI enabled diagnosis. Rapid neurological improvement was observed after surgical resection.     

Spinal intramedullary teratoma with exophytic components: report of two cases and review of the literature

True intramedullary teratoma is an extremely rare tumor, with only seven cases reported in the literature. The authors present two personal cases of spinal intramedullary cystic teratoma of the conus medullaris with exophytic growth and some unusual aspects. Their cases are unusual not only because they were diagnosed by MRI but also because the monitored microsurgical removal of the tumor was apparently total, with excellent results, in clinical and neuroradiologic terms. We recommend early radical surgery whenever possible, when the patient's neurological status is still good. To prevent traumatizing adjacent spinal cord for cases in which the teratoma tightly adheres to the functional neurological tissue of the spinal cord with no cleavage plane, we do not recommend an aggressive surgical attempt. Because of the mostly benign nature of this disease, the symptomatic recurrence of such incompletely resected mature teratomas is slow and may eventually require a second surgical procedure. The relevant literature is also reviewed.     

Extradural thoracic arachnoid cyst. Case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE: To report an unusual and asymptomatic cause of cord compression treated surgically with good clinical outcome. METHODS AND MATERIAL: We report a case of extradural arachnoid cyst in the thoracic region and review the literature on the clinical, neuroradiologic and therapeutic features. RESULTS: A 17-year-old man, with unremarkable past medical history was referred to our institution of Neurosurgery, CHU Mohammed-VI, Marrakech, with progressive spastic paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a posterior extradural cystic lesion in the thoracic region from T6-T7 thoracic vertebra. The cyst was completely removed by posterior approach. An arachnoid cyst was confirmed at the histological study. Neurological symptoms improved after surgery. CONCLUSION: Given its infrequency, the diagnosis of arachnoid cyst should be suspected when a cystic lesion causes cord compression. Surgery is the treatment of choice, providing good clinical outcome.     

Spinal intramedullary ependymal cyst: a case report and review of the literature

Summary We report a rare case of spinal intramedullary ependymal cyst in a 44-year-old female and reviewed 12 cases reported in the literature. The patient presented with slowly progressive lower limb paresis. She underwent biopsy of the cyst wall and placement of a cysto-subarachnoid shunt with complete recovery at the follow-up examination 18 months after surgery. This is a benign lesion and appropriate management should be performed at an early stage of the disease.     

Off-pump excision of ventricular myocardial hydatid cyst: a case report and review of literature

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus. It has a worldwide distribution, but it is endemic in certain geographic locations. Hydatid disease can involve any body organ. Cardiac echinococcosis is a rare but potentially very serious complication of hydatid disease. This paper presents a case report of a myocardial hydatid cyst, which was totally excised without the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient was admitted to the hospital with non-specific symptoms and complaint of atypical chest pain together with palpitations. Transthoracic echocardiography with color Doppler imaging and computerized tomography with contrast were done for diagnosis and for deciding the strategy of operation. With the aid of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography and controlled fluid evacuation, curative excision was performed after confirming that there is no communication with the cardiac chambers. The patient recovered well and postoperative anti-helminthic therapy was instituted. The patient continues to do well after 4 years of follow-up.     

Spinal cord compression by arachnoid cysts

Spinal arachnoid cysts are considered to be rare entities, intradural locations are even less common. We report two cases of patients (two women aged 77- and 21-year-old) who presented spinal cord compression by intradural arachnoid cysts. For the second patient, repeated surgical procedures were necessary to improve the neurological status. After presenting the case reports, we expose the pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical features, and the surgical difficulties of treating this rare cause of spinal cord compression.     

Intramedullary arachnoid cyst in association with cervical spondylosis: case report

Background context

Intramedullary spinal arachnoid cysts are considered to be very rare, and only 11 cases have been reported previously. Development of such a cyst in association with marked cervical spondylosis has not been reported until recently.

Purpose

Brief review of reported cases and debate on likely treatment strategy when such a cyst is associated with symptomatic spondylosis.

Study design

To report the first example of a cervicothoracic intramedullary arachnoid cyst along with a symptomatic cervical spondylosis.

Methods

Evaluation of quadriparesis in a 58-year-old female resulted in detection of a cervical spondylotic stenosis that was accompanied with an intramedullary cystic lesion. Parallel management of both pathologies was through a wide laminectomy extending from the lower edge of C3 to T2 with subsequent fenestration and partial resection of the cyst wall via an appropriate dorsal entry root zone myelotomy. Cervicothoracic instrumentation from C3 down to T2 was done to prevent postlaminectomy deformity.

Result

Histopathological findings were consistent with the diagnosis of arachnoid cyst. Postoperatively, the patient exhibited marked improvement in neurologic status.

Conclusion

Through the review of the current case, first example from the literature, we concluded that surgery should target toward the proper management of both pathologies in a single-stage operation.     

Huge thoracolumbar extradural arachnoid cyst excised by recapping T-saw laminoplasty

Background context

Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts are rare expanding lesions in the spinal canal. Total removal of the cyst and repair of the dural defect is the primary treatment for symptomatic spinal extradural arachnoid cysts.

Purpose

To report the usefulness of recapping T-saw laminoplasty in treating huge extradural arachnoid cyst.

Study design

Case report.

Methods

We report the case of a 43-year-old man who presented with a 2-year history of progressive muscle weakness and numbness of the lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a huge extradural arachnoid cyst at the T12–L3 level extending into bilateral neural foramina and severe posterior compression of the spinal cord and cauda equina.

Results

The patient underwent total resection of the cyst and closure of the communication. En bloc recapping T-saw laminoplasty of T12–L2 including the T12–L1 and L1–L2 facet joints was performed to obtain extensive exposure and preserve posterior stability. Postoperatively, the patient achieved complete recovery of neurologic functions. Follow-up MRI demonstrated no recurrence of the cyst. Bone union after laminoplasty was obtained within 6 months.

Conclusion

Total resection of the cyst and closure of the communication is curative for this rare lesion. Recapping T-saw laminoplasty provides extensive exposure for removal of a large cyst while allowing complete preservation of the posterior spinal elements.     

Intramedullary arachnoid cyst: 3-year follow up after bilateral dorsal root entry zone myelotomy

Spinal arachnoid cysts are relatively uncommon an intramedullary location is believed to be extremely rare. A 35 year old woman, admitted with progressive weakness in the lower limbs, was diagnosed as having a thoracic intramedullary arachnoid cyst. After bilateral dorsal root entry zone myelotomy procedures and wide fenestration was performed, there was a dramatic and immediate recovery. This is the first intramedullary arachnoid cyst reported to be treated by this approach and the long term outcome discussed.     

Spinal hydatid cyst mimicking arachnoid cyst on magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND: Primary spinal hydatid cysts are uncommon and account for 1% of all cases of hydatid disease. Echinococcus granulosus is most often responsible for the cyst hydatid. Intradural, extramedullary involvement is rare. When the cysts do not demonstrate typical magnetic resonance imaging findings, the differential diagnosis is more complex. METHOD: Case report. FINDINGS: An isolated primary hydatid cyst of the spine in a 35-year-old man that appeared to be an arachnoid cyst on preoperative radiographic examination. CONCLUSION: Hydatid cysts that lack the typical radiographic appearance may be mistaken for arachnoid cysts. Misdiagnosis has serious implications for surgical intervention and long-term care.     

Congenital sublingual teratoid cyst: a case report and literature review

Head and neck dermoid cysts comprise less than 10% of all dermoid cysts. The sublingual location is very rare. One hypothesis for their etiology is that they arise from entrapment of epithelial debris or rests during the midline fusion of the first 2 branchial arches. They are classified as epidermoid, dermoid, and teratoid cysts. Sublingual cysts are slow-growing lesions generally seen in the second and third decades of life. They are rare in childhood. The cysts may interfere with swallowing and breathing. Rarely, they may show malignant transformation. Surgical extirpation is the treatment of choice.     

Spinal extradural angiolipoma: report of two cases and review of the literature

Spinal angiolipomas are benign uncommon neoplasm composed of mature lipocytes admixed with abnormal blood vessels. They account for only 0.04–1.2% of all spinal tumors. We report two cases of lumbar extradural angiolipoma and review previously reported cases. We found 118 cases of spinal epidural angiolipoma (70 females and 48 males; age range 1.5–85 years, mean 44.03) spanning from 1890 to 2006. Prior to diagnosis 40.6% of the patients had weakness of the lower limbs. The interval between the initial symptoms and tumor diagnosis ranged from 1 day to 17 years (mean 20.2 months). Except for four cases diagnosed at autopsy, 109 patients underwent surgery and gross-total resection was performed in 79 cases (72.4%). Spinal angiolipomas are tumors containing angiomatous and lipomatous tissue, predominantly located in the mid-thoracic region. All angiolipomas show iso- or hyperintensity on T1-weighted images and hyperintensity on T2-weighted images and most lesions enhance with gadolinium administration. The treatment for spinal extradural angiolipomas is total surgical resection and no adjuvant therapy should be administered.     

Giant prebulbomedullary arachnoid cyst. Case report and review of the literature

Usual locations of arachnoid cyst are the middle cranial fossa in 50-60%, cerebellopontine angle (10%) and suprasellar area (10%). Most of these malformations are asymptomatic. Premedullar arachnoid cysts are extremely rare. All previous cases reported were operated. We report a case of an asymptomatic giant craniocervical junction arachnoid cyst with a follow up of five years. In 2002, an adolescent consulted for persistent cervical pain. Encephalic MR showed a giant ventral craniocervical junction arachnoid cyst. Neurologic examination was normal. Conservative treatment was decided with a clinical follow up and repeated MR in case of persistent cervicalgia. Craniocervical junction arachnoid cysts are anecdotic. Medical care cannot be standardized. Pathogenesis and management are discussed.     

Endless story of a spinal column hydatid cyst disease: A case report

We describe a case of multifocal relapsing hydatid cyst following multilevel thoracic corpectomy and 360° instrumentation surgery. A 41-year-old male patient presented with cord compression and paraplegia due to a multiseptated cystic lesion at T10-11 level. The cyst was excised with a combined anterior and posterior approach and 360° stabilization was performed. The patient received albendazole for 1 year after the surgery.The patient presented with paraparesis 5 years after the surgery. Cystic lesions between C2-T1 and T10-11 were detected on the spinal MRI and the patient was operated with removal of the lesions on both levels and adjuvant local 20% hypertonic saline application. The patient received albendazole for the postoperative 6 months.After 3 months from the surgery, the patient’s paraparesis recovered. There was no recurrence after 2 years from the last surgery.     

Spinal angiolipoma: case report and literature review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Spinal angiolipoma (SAL) is an uncommon clinico-pathological entity. DESIGN: Single case report. METHODS: Retrospective data analysis. FINDINGS: An obese woman with a 1-year history of progressive spastic paraparesis and acute deterioration underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine, the results of which suggested a tumor compressing the thoracic spinal cord. The histopathological examination of the completely resected tumor revealed an epidural angiolipoma. CONCLUSIONS: This case report offers a reminder that SAL should be considered in the differential diagnosis of long-standing, slowly progressive paraparesis. It remains unclear whether an increased body mass index might be a contributing factor to the development of SAL.     

Intramedullary spinal tuberculoma presenting as a conus tumor: a case report and review of the literature

Intramedullary spinal tuberculoma is a rare form of central nervous system tuberculosis. Although tuberculosis is unusual in the west, it is still prevalent in Asia and Africa. We report a case in which the diagnosis was made histologically without evidence of symptoms of systemic tuberculosis. The lesion, located in the conus medullaris, mimicked a conus tumor. The patient was a 20-year-old man who presented with a history of progressive leg weakness, urinary urgency, and impotence. There was no history of, or recent contact with, tuberculosis. A diagnosis of an intramedullary tumor in the conus medullaris was made by MRI. The patient underwent a T11-L1 laminectomy and total resection of the lesion with microsurgical technique. Histologic examination revealed a granulomatous lesion containing Langhans’ giant cells, inflammatory cells, and caseating necrosis. Antituberculous medication was instituted as soon as the diagnosis was made. Neurologic symptoms and signs slowly improved postoperatively. A combination of microsurgical resection and antituberculous chemotherapy should be the choice of treatment for intramedullary tuberculomas. Received: 11 January 1997 Revised: 1 April 1997 Accepted: 17 April 1997     

Vertebral hydatid cyst infection (Echinococcus granulosus): a case report

Spinal echinococcosis is a rare but serious condition. Within bone tissue hydatid cysts enlarge by daughter cyst formation. The value of drug treatment in bone echinococcosis is questionable. The aim of surgery is therefore removal of all the cysts. The best way to achieve this is at the first operation early in the progress of the disease. An anterior or circumferential approach is generally required to give the necessary accessibility. Owing to diffuse spread of the infection within the bone and the canal, recurrence is common. If neurological deterioration occurs, reintervention is necessary.     

椎管内蛛网膜囊肿临床表现及其手术方式

目的:分析椎管内蛛网膜囊肿的临床表现、手术方式及其治疗效果,为椎管内蛛网膜囊肿诊断和手术治疗方案的合理选择提供依据.方法:回顾分析21例椎管内蛛网膜囊肿临床表现、手术方式及术后效果,男9例,女12例;年龄21～55岁,平均36.15岁;病程2个月～3年,平均6.2个月.21例椎管内蛛网膜囊肿中1例发生于颈段、1例发生于胸段、19例发生于骶部,表现为受累神经支配区的放射性疼痛、感觉异常、功能障碍.16例经CT结合椎管造影明确诊断,其余通过MRI明确诊断.8例采用囊肿切除、囊颈部结扎、硬膜重叠紧缩缝合手术;11例囊肿壁与神经难以分离,采用囊肿壁部分切除、交通口肌肉堵塞、硬膜紧缩缝合手术;2例串珠状囊肿,其交通口未能找到,采用囊肿开窗引流、囊壁部分切除、硬膜重叠紧缩缝合、游离肌肉压迫固定.结果:19例患者获得随访,随访时间2个月～5年3个月,平均21.2个月.囊肿切除、囊颈部结扎手术组的优良为6例,囊肿壁部分切除、交通口肌肉堵塞组的优良为8例.结论:椎管内蛛网膜囊肿是蛛网膜的先天性畸形,以骶部椎管好发,大多数临床表现为受累神经的功能异常;具有手术指征的病例,术中应根据囊肿开口、囊肿壁是否能与神经分离等情况选择不同的囊肿处理方法.