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Multiple meningeal cysts affecting the whole craniospinal axis. Case report
Satoshi Tsutsumi1, Yukimasa Yasumoto, Masanori Ito
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan. shotaro@juntendo-urayasu.jp
Neurologia Medico-Chirurgica
|August 27, 2009
Summary
Multiple meningeal cysts caused neurological symptoms in a 61-year-old female. Microsurgical resection relieved symptoms, suggesting cysts may stem from autoimmune reactions or undetected meningitis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Pathology
Background:
- A 61-year-old female presented with a 2-year history of trigeminal neuralgia, truncal ataxia, and worsening headache.
- Suspected Sjögren syndrome was noted, but no history of infection, trauma, hemorrhage, CNS malignancy, or drug use was reported.
Observation:
- Cerebral MRI revealed multiple meningeal cysts along the craniospinal axis, causing displacement of the trigeminal root and midbrain, cerebellar distortion, and ventriculomegaly.
- Symptoms were alleviated following microsurgical resection of the cyst walls.
Findings:
- Histological examination confirmed arachnoid cysts.
- No concurrent meningeal inflammatory reactions were identified.
Implications:
- The findings suggest multiple meningeal cysts can cause significant neurological deficits.
- Potential etiologies include undetected meningitis or autoimmune reactions affecting the arachnoid membrane.
- Microsurgical resection is an effective treatment for symptomatic meningeal cysts.
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