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Extradural giant multiloculated arachnoid cyst causing spinal cord compression in a child
Serdar Kahraman1, Ihsan Anik, Selcuk Gocmen
1Department of Neurosurgery, GATA, Etlik, Ankara, Turkey.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
|September 18, 2008
Summary
Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts can cause spinal cord compression. Surgical removal and dura repair are definitive treatments, though cerebrospinal fluid fistulas may require drainage.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts are rare, expanding lesions within the spinal canal.
- Enlargement can lead to progressive symptoms due to spinal cord compression.
- Associated factors include trauma, surgery, arachnoiditis, and neural tube defects; most are congenital.
Observation:
- A case report details a 9-year-old boy with mild paraparesis.
- Imaging revealed a multiloculated extradural arachnoid cyst with fibrous septa.
- The cyst extended from T4 to L3, causing anterior spinal cord compression and displacement.
Findings:
- The patient presented with mild paraparesis.
- A large, multiloculated extradural arachnoid cyst was identified.
- The cyst significantly compressed and displaced the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord.
Implications:
- Definitive treatment involves radical cyst excision and repair of the dural defect.
- Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid fistulas are a potential complication.
- External lumbar drainage may be necessary for managing cerebrospinal fluid fistulas.
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