Syringomyelia associated with a spinal arachnoid cyst
1Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Korea.
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
|June 12, 2009
Summary
A rare case of spinal arachnoid cyst causing syringomyelia, leading to gait disturbance, was successfully treated with cyst removal. Follow-up MRI confirmed reduced syringomyelia, resolving symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Spinal Cord Disorders
Background:
- Syringomyelia, a disorder involving fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord, is typically not rare.
- Spinal arachnoid cysts are uncommon lesions.
- The co-occurrence of syringomyelia and spinal arachnoid cysts is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old male presented with gait disturbance and bilateral lower extremity numbness.
- Spinal MRI revealed a spinal arachnoid cyst compressing the spinal cord anteriorly.
- Syringomyelia extended from the cervical to the thoracic vertebral segments.
Findings:
- The spinal arachnoid cyst was identified as the cause of syringomyelia due to partial obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid flow.
- Surgical excision of the arachnoid cyst led to symptom relief.
- Post-operative MRI showed significant reduction in syringomyelia size.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for spinal arachnoid cysts to induce syringomyelia.
- Surgical intervention for spinal arachnoid cysts can effectively treat associated syringomyelia and neurological deficits.
- Understanding this rare association is crucial for diagnosing and managing complex spinal cord conditions.
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