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Atlantoaxial intraspinal juxtafacet cyst
Tetsuro Sameshima1, Keita Shibahashi, Toshiki Nozaki
1Department of Neurosurgery, NTT Medical Center Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. tetsurosameshima@gmail.com
Neurologia Medico-Chirurgica
|February 27, 2013
Summary
A rare juxtafacet cyst compressing the spinal cord was surgically removed in a patient with metastatic rectal cancer. The posterior surgical approach led to rapid symptom improvement, highlighting effective treatment for this unusual spinal tumor.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Neuropathology
Background:
- A 69-year-old male with metastatic rectal cancer developed progressive paralysis in his right arm and leg.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic mass posterior to the odontoid process.
Observation:
- The patient underwent partial transcondylectomy and C1 hemilaminectomy for suspected intradural extramedullary tumor.
- A transdural approach was used to remove the cyst, decompressing the medulla oblongata and cervical spinal cord.
Findings:
- Histological diagnosis confirmed the lesion as a juxtafacet cyst (ganglion cyst).
- This represents an extremely rare case of an atlantoaxial intraspinal juxtafacet cyst at the odontoid process level.
Implications:
- Surgical removal via a posterior approach resulted in rapid symptom improvement.
- This case underscores the successful management of rare spinal cysts causing neurological deficits.
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