Extradural arachnoid cysts: a study of seven cases

Analysis of the management of 7 cases of extradural arachnoid cyst is presented. A brief review of the literature on the subject is presented. Seven cases of extradural arachnoid cysts were treated surgically between the years 1996 to 2002. These patients were analysed retrospectively. The average follow-up period was 32 months. Three patients were males and four were females and their ages ranged from 12 to 35 years. The patients presented with predominant complaint of progressive motor deficits. There were two cysts in the dorsal region, four in the dorsolumbar region and one in the cervicodorsal region. The extradural arachnoid cyst was located posterior to the dural tube and in the midline in six cases and all these cysts had bilateral multiple intervertebral foraminal extensions. In the case with a cervicodorsal cyst, the cyst was anterolateral to the dural tube and there was no foraminal extension. The surgery comprised of wide exposure of the cyst and radical marsupialization or resection of the cyst wall. There was no recurrence of the cyst during the period of follow-up. Radical resection of the walls leads to a lasting cure from extradural arachnoid cyst. The site of communication of the cyst contents with subarachnoid CSF could not be identified during the surgery in the series.     

Management of complex giant spinal arachnoid cysts presenting with myelopathy

A giant spinal arachnoid cyst is an unusual cause of progressive epidural compressive syndrome. The authors describe 4 cases of a "complex" subtype of this lesion and discuss aspects of surgical management. The patients presented with progressive spastic paraparesis and were found to harbor extensive spinal extradural arachnoid cysts with multiple septations and significant paraspinal extensions. Extensive laminotomy and excision of the cyst along with its extensions were performed in all cases. Compared with previously indexed cases of surgically managed extensive spinal extradural arachnoid cysts, the cases reported here are unique because of their complex nature. Curative treatment consists of radical excision inclusive of the paraspinal extensions as well as closure of a dural defect, if found. A laminotomy or laminoplasty should be performed to avoid postoperative instability related to the extensive exposure. Extended follow-up and instrumentation may be required in select cases.     

Spinal cord herniation associated with an intradural spinal arachnoid cyst diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging

Two rare cases of spinal cord herniation associated with intradural spinal arachnoid cyst are reported. A preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scan demonstrated the presence of spinal cord herniation, identified as a protrusion continuous with the spinal cord. Surgery upon the intradural spinal arachnoid cyst improved progressive neurological dysfunction. The authors postulate that spinal cord herniation occurred for the following reason: The pressure of the intradural arachnoid cyst on the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord caused thinning of the dura, leading to a tear and, thus, the development of an extradural arachnoid cyst. Along with the enlargement of intradural arachnoid cyst, the spinal cord herniated through the tear in the dura into the extradural arachnoid cyst.     

Intrasacral extradural arachnoid cysts

Three patients presented with rare intrasacral extradural arachnoid cysts manifesting as sensory deficiencies and pain in the lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging with various sequences identified the cysts. Two patients underwent surgery via laminectomy of the sacrum for cyst exploration and disconnection of the cyst with the dural theca. Postoperative outcome was favorable in these two patients. Intrasacral extradural arachnoid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis of low back pain.     

Spinal extradural meningeal cyst with spinal stenosis

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: To present a rare pathology causing a common disease. SETTING: Spine unit of the orthopaedic surgery department of a university hospital in Berlin/Germany. CASE REPORT: A 39-year-old female with an intraspinal extradural arachnoid cyst of the lumbar spine presented with intermittent radiating lumbar pain. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a dorsal spinal extradural arachnoid cyst at L3/4. After wide laminotomy L3, operative cyst resection and stabilisation at L3/4 by posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), major symptom relief occurred. CONCLUSION: Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts are a rare entity causing low back pain and intermittent radicular syndromes. They can be caused by arachnoid herniation through dural weak spots which are hereditary or occur after trauma. A ball-valve mechanism promotes growth. The main diagnostic tool for spinal extradural cysts is the MRI scan. Additionally, myelography is helpful to demonstrate fluid communication. Complete surgical removal of the cyst should be attempted to reduce risk of recurrence. If extensive decompression is needed for the surgical approach causing segmental instability, interbody fusion is recommended. The outcome depends on age, duration and degree of neurological damage.     

Extradural spinal arachnoid cysts associated with spina bifida occulta

Summary Introduction. Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts are an uncommon cause of neural compression in children. Even more uncommon is the association of such cysts with spina bifida occulta. Material. Two girls, 12 and 8-years-old, presented with left leg pain, deteriorating gait, clinical signs of left L5 and S1 root compression, without bladder or bowel symptoms. The first patient had left foot drop. The second patient had muscle wasting and smaller left foot with pes cavus. Radiographs showed spina bifida occulta of S1 in both. MRI revealed an extradural cyst at the S1 level, indenting the thecal sac and the L5 and S1 roots. At operation in both patients a large arachnoid cyst arising from a small dural defect in the axilla of the left S1 root was compressing and displacing it and the dural sac. It was removed and the defect was repaired. The first patient improved with complete recovery of the foot drop. An MRI at 12 months showed no cyst recurrence. The second patient made good recovery initially, but at 10 months developed recurrent symptoms. An MRI scan showed recurrence of the cyst with root compression. On repeat exploration a different dural defect was identified in a more anterior position and was repaired. Discussion. The coexistence of extradural arachnoid cyst and corresponding bifid spinal segment has not been described previously. It raises the suspicion that the dural defect giving rise to the arachnoid cyst may be due to segmental dural dysgenesis in the context of the dysrhaphic neuroectodermal malformation.     

Extradural giant multiloculated arachnoid cyst causing spinal cord compression in a child

BACKGROUND: Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts are rare expanding lesions in the spinal canal. Enlargement may cause progressive signs and symptoms caused by spinal cord compression. They are associated with trauma, surgery, arachnoiditis, and neural tube defects. Most nontraumatic spinal extradural arachnoid cysts are thought to be congenital. DESIGN: Case report and literature review. FINDINGS: A 9-year-old boy with mild paraparesis was found to have an extradural multiloculated arachnoid cyst with fibrous septa at T4-L3 levels and anterior compression and displacement of the spinal cord. CONCLUSIONS: Definitive treatment of arachnoid cyst entails radical cyst removal and dura cleft repair. Formation of a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid fistula may require external lumbar drainage.     

Ventral Transdural Herniation of the Thoracic Spinal Cord: Surgical Treatment in Four Cases and Review of Literature

Summary  Background. A specific cause of progressive Brown-Sequard syndrome has been identified: a ventral herniation of the thoracic spinal cord through the dural sleeve on one side. Method. Four female patients who were affected by a progressive Brown Sequard syndrome related to a transdural spinal cord herniation have been investigated and were submitted to surgery and postoperative evaluation. Findings. The MRI scan showed atrophy and forward displacement of the spinal cord on one side and adhesion of the spinal cord to the dura mater. CT myelography demonstrated the disappearance of the premedullar rim at the level of the herniation and the shadow of the extradural herniation. Surgical treatment consisted in the excision of the arachnoid cyst when there was one, section of the dentate ligament, release of the adhesions, detachment of the spinal cord from the hernial orifice, and lastly suture of the dural tear or placement by a patch. Follow-up examination showed motor improvement with persistent sensory deficit in two cases and stabilisation in two cases. Interpretation. The cause of the dural tear, either traumatic or congenital could not be confirmed in the four cases. Symptoms probably occur when herniation fills the orifice and strangulation happens which explains the late appearance and progressive evolution of this myelopathy. Mobilisation of the herniated spinal cord back into the intradural space can be achieved by surgery and may stop the evolution of the symptoms and signs.     

Spinal extradural arachnoid cyst

Background contextSpinal extradural arachnoid cysts are uncommon expanding lesions. Idiopathic arachnoid cysts are not associated with trauma or other inflammatory insults. If they enlarge, they usually present with progressive signs and symptoms of neural compression.PurposeTotal removal of the cyst and repair of the dural defect is the primary treatment for large thoracolumbar spinal extradural arachnoid cysts causing neurogenic claudication. Laminoplasty may prevent spinal deformities in long segmental involvement.Study designA clinical case was performed.Patient sampleWe report a case of 25-year-old man with 1-year history of progressive back pain radiating to both legs. His diagnosis was dorsal intraspinal extradural cystic lesion longing from the level of T11 to L2 on magnetic resonance imaging.Outcome MeasuresThe patient's pain levels were noted as he reported. Physiologic outcome was assessed on pre- and postoperative motor and sensory examination.MethodsThe patient underwent a T11–L2 laminotomy and radical cyst wall resection was performed. A small communication with the subarachnoid space was seen at the level of T12. It was sealed with tissue fibrinogen after repair with primary suture. Titanium miniplates were used for laminoplasty.ResultsFollow-up magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated cyst resolution, and neurologic examination revealed no sensory and motor deficit.ConclusionExtradural arachnoid cysts are primarily treated with total removal of the cyst wall and closure of the dural defect. Surgical treatment is curative for this rare lesion.     

Usefulness of constructive interference in steady state (CISS) imaging for the diagnosis and treatment of a large extradural spinal arachnoid cyst.

We present a rare case of a symptomatic large extradural arachnoid cyst extending from the lower thoracic to sacral region in a 12-year-old boy, who presented with the signs and symptoms of spinal cord compression over 4 years. Since the pedicle of the cyst could not be delineated using conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cine-mode MRI, and computed tomography scan, partial resection of the cyst was initially performed, which significantly improved motor function. After the first operation, a single pedicle was clearly demonstrated by 3D constructive interference in steady state (CISS) MRI. Thus, additional surgery aimed at closing the dural defect was performed to prevent future enlargement of the cyst. The operative findings were consistent with those of 3D CISS imaging. Clinical and radiological features of this lesion are discussed, focusing on the usefulness of 3D CISS MRI for preoperative evaluation, and especially for delineating the pedicle in cases of large extradural spinal arachnoid cysts.     

Expansive duraplasty for the treatment of spinal extradural arachnoid cysts: case report

The authors report the case of a 25-year-old man with a thoracolumbar extradural arachnoid cyst who underwent expansive duraplasty. Symptoms, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging features, and intraoperative findings suggested the involvement of entrapment neuropathy in the manifestation of symptoms. To the authors' knowledge, this case represents the first evidence that expansive duraplasty can achieve complete resolution of the symptoms in a patient with a spinal extradural arachnoid cyst. The results indicate that duraplasty may be an alternative option in cases in which complete resection of the lesion is difficult and widening of the dural sac is necessary at surgery.     

Intradural cyst with compression of the cauda equina in ankylosing spondylitis

A cauda equina syndrome complicating long-standing ankylosing spondylitis was found to be due to a large multiloculated cyst. This differed from posterior dural diverticula identified in similar cases in that the cyst filled the lumbar canal with erosion of the upper lumbar vertebral bodies and chronic inflammatory changes were evident in the cyst wall. Cauda equina compromise in ankylosing spondylitis has several possible mechanisms including fibrosis following arachnoiditis, root damage by dural diverticula, and direct compression by arachnoid cyst.     

Hemorrhage into an intradiploic arachnoid cyst. Case report

Intracranial arachnoid cysts are relatively rare; it is believed that they account for only 1% of all intracranial space-occupying lesions. When they occur in the intracranial cavity, they usually develop in relation to an arachnoid cistern as a pocket of cerebrospinal fluid within two layers of arachnoid membrane. Five cases of intradiploic arachnoid cysts have been reported, but an arachnoid cyst presenting as an extradural mass has not been described before. The authors present an unusual case of hemorrhage into a massive intracranial extradural arachnoid cyst with no intradural communication.     

Headache caused by endocranial hypotension secondary to sacrococcygeal trauma in a patient with a congenital arachnoid cyst

Headache caused by intracranial hypotension after sacrococcygeal trauma, is a rare syndrome with very similar symptoms and physiopathology to post dural puncture headache. In both situations, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks through a dural tear, leading to a decrease in its pressure. A 13 year old patient presented a frontal and occipital positional headache, after undergoing sacrococcygeal trauma. In magnetic resonance images, the presence of a spinal arachnoid diverticulum (cyst) and CSF leak were confirmed. After the establishment of conservative medical treatment, complete clinical remission was observed. The diagnosis of intracranial hypotension headache syndrome is mainly clinical, once other possible headache etiologies have been discarded. Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to detect small CSF leaks, and in this case, magnetic resonance imaging clearly showed the existence of an arachnoid cyst. The presence of some meningeal diverticulums such as arachnoid cyst, constitute a risk to undergo this syndrome, due to the possibility of its rupture by minor traumatisms. The initial treatment should be conservative, as the dural tear seals spontaneously and the liquid is reabsorbed.     

Extradural Giant Multiloculated Arachnoid Cyst Causing Spinal Cord Compression in a Child

Abstract

Background: Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts are rare expanding lesions in the spinal canal. Enlargement may cause progressive signs and symptoms caused by spinal cord compression. They are associated with trauma, surgery, arachnoiditis, and neural tube defects. Most nontraumatic spinal extradural arachnoid cysts are thought to be congenital.

Design: Case report and literature review.

Findings: A 9-year-old boy with mild paraparesis was found to have an extradural multiloculated arachnoid cyst with fibrous septa at T4-L3 levels and anterior compression and displacement of the spinal cord.

Conclusions: Definitive treatment of arachnoid cyst entails radical cyst removal and dura cleft repair. Formation of a postoperative cerebrospinal fluid fistula may require external lumbar drainage.     

Twist technique for removal of spinal extradural arachnoid cyst: technical note

Study design

We document a spinal extradual arachnoid cyst treated by twist technique. The cyst is tightly adherent to the neural tissue or the dura, and the communication stalk is little or short.

Objective

To demonstrate the effectiveness of twist technique of closure of the communication stalk for the removal of spinal extradural arachnoid cyst.

Summary of background data

The standard treatment for a spinal extradural arachnoid cyst is complete excision of the cyst, followed by obliteration of the communication stalk and repair of the dural defect. To our knowledge, twist technique of the communication stalk for removal of spinal extradural arachnoid cyst has not been reported.

Methods

A 44-year-old woman presented with a 10-year history of pain and dysesthesia, initially in the posterior neck region and extending gradually to the distal portion of the right upper extremity. Pain and dysesthesia were exaggerated when she was lying down and relieved when standing or walking. She was diagnosed with an extradural arachnid cyst ranging from spinal regions T1 to T3 using MRI. Computerized tomography myelography revealed a mass located posterior to the spinal cord. Pooling of contrast medium was observed in the lesion indicating communication with the subarachnoid space. Laminectomy of the T1–T3 region was performed, preserving the spinous processes and the facet joints. A short communication stalk was found at the proximal root sleeve of right T3. This stalk was closed using twist technique.

Results

The patient experienced marked reduction of pain and dysesthesia after surgery, and the headache and blurred vision completely disappeared. Five days after the operation, she was discharged home in good condition. Postoperative 1 year later, the patient had completely recovered and resumed her normal life.

Conclusions

Twist technique can be seen safe and effective as another surgical option for spinal extradural arachnoid cysts containing a short stalk and dense fibrous adhesion with the dura mater.     

Primary spinal extradural hydatid cyst in a child: case report and review of the literature

Spinal hydatid cyst is a rare but serious condition. An 8-year-old boy presented with back pain, progressive weakness and numbness in both legs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar region showed a cystic lesion with regular contour located in extradural space. There was cerebrospinal fluid- (CSF-) like signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images. The lesion had excessively compressed the dural sac and caudal roots, and expanded to the L3 and L4 neural foramina. The case was explored with L2, L3, L4 laminectomy and the hydatid cyst was removed totally. The clinical presentation, diagnosis and surgical treatment of this rare case of spinal hydatid disease is discussed, and all available cases of primary extradural hydatid cyst reported in the literature are presented.     

老年腰椎椎管狭窄症患者术中硬膜囊撕裂位置及术中术后处理对策

目的探讨老年腰椎椎管狭窄症患者手术发生硬膜囊撕裂的解剖学机制,比较撕裂位置及术中、术后处理对策。方法回顾性分析2012年01月~2014年01月本院行腰椎后路手术的216例〉70岁老年患者,记录患者一般资料、病程时间、术前诊断、手术方式和节段、术中硬膜囊撕裂的位置、术后脑脊液漏情况和处理方法以及并发症等。结果共计151例患者入选,其中男89例,女62例,年龄70~93岁,平均78.12岁。术中发生硬膜囊撕裂共计34例,术后出现脑脊液漏23例,硬膜囊撕裂位置发生率硬膜囊后外侧〉根袖〉硬膜囊外侧〉硬膜囊腹侧。术中采取硬膜囊缝合修补、明胶海绵压迫、生物蛋白胶粘合等处理,术后常规给予预防感染、神经根脱水、补液等治疗,均于术后3~10 d拔管,3~4周切口愈合,全部患者未出现严重并发症。结论 〉70岁老年腰椎椎管狭窄症患者术中硬膜囊撕裂及术后脑脊液漏的发生率高于整体人群,且多位于硬膜囊后外侧及根袖,术中及时发现并仔细缝合或修补破损的硬膜、术后间断夹闭引流管、延长拔管时间能获得良好的效果。     

Non-communicating extradural arachnoid cyst of dorsal spine

Extradural arachnoid cyst in the spine is an uncommon cause of spinal cord compression in the paediatric population. Most reported cysts have communication with the intrathecal subarachnoid space through a small defect in the dura. The reported child had spinal cord compression caused by a large spinal extradural arachnoid cyst in dorsal spine that did not communicate with the intradural subarachnoid space. Surgical excision of cyst was done with recovery of neurological deficit postoperatively.     

Dural repair for intraspinal extradural meningeal cyst

A 52-year-old woman presented with an intraspinal extradural meningeal cyst in the thoracolumbar region manifesting as progressive sensory disturbance of the bilateral lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography myelography showed an extradural meningeal cyst extending from the T-12 to L-4 levels in the thoracolumbar region with a dural defect and a valve-like mechanism developed in the enlarging cyst. Operative findings revealed a dural defect that allowed communication between the extradural cyst cavity and the subarachnoid space. Surgical resection of the cyst wall and repair of the dural defect resolved the symptoms.