Noncommunicating spinal extradural arachnoid cyst causing spinal cord compression in a child
James K Liu1, Chad D Cole, Gregory T Sherr
1Department of Neurosurgery, Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA.
Journal of Neurosurgery
|October 22, 2005
Summary
This study reports a rare case of a noncommunicating spinal extradural arachnoid cyst causing spinal cord compression in a child. Complete surgical resection was successful without complications, highlighting the rarity and treatability of these pediatric neurosurgical conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Neurology
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts are uncommon causes of pediatric spinal cord compression.
- They are typically associated with congenital dural defects and communicate with the subarachnoid space.
- Noncommunicating variants are exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old girl presented with symptoms of spinal cord compression, including urinary urgency, lower extremity weakness, myelopathy, and gait ataxia.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large extradural arachnoid cyst from T8 to T12.
- Intraoperative findings confirmed an intact dura with no communication to the intradural subarachnoid space.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful en bloc resection of the spinal extradural arachnoid cyst via thoracic laminoplasty.
- Postoperatively, the patient experienced immediate improvement in motor strength and ambulation.
- No cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred after the surgery.
Implications:
- Noncommunicating spinal extradural arachnoid cysts are extremely rare pediatric neurosurgical entities.
- Their intact dural closure allows for complete resection without the need for dural repair.
- This case contributes to understanding the formation and management of these rare spinal lesions.
