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Thoracic radiculopathy from a paravertebral mesothelial cyst
P Perrini1, N Benedetto, A M Buccoliero
1Neurosurgical Department, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. p.perrini@neurochirurgiafirenze.it
Acta Neurochirurgica
|June 29, 2006
Summary
This study details a rare case of a paravertebral thoracic mesothelial cyst causing dorsal radiculopathy in a young woman. Surgical removal revealed the cyst
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Paravertebral thoracic mesothelial cysts are exceedingly rare, with limited literature on their clinical presentation.
- Dorsal radicular pain can stem from various spinal pathologies, necessitating a broad differential diagnosis.
Observation:
- A young woman presented with T5 dermatome dorsal radiculopathy, indicating nerve root irritation in the thoracic spine.
- Surgical exploration via a transthoracic intercostal approach was performed for cyst removal.
Findings:
- The T5 intercostal neurovascular bundle was found to be intimately attached to the paravertebral thoracic mesothelial cyst.
- This anatomical relationship directly explained the patient's radicular pain symptoms.
Implications:
- This case highlights the paravertebral mesothelial cyst as a potential, albeit rare, cause of dorsal radicular pain.
- Consideration of this diagnosis is crucial for effective management of patients with unexplained radicular symptoms.