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Lateral lumbar synovial cyst computed tomography diagnosis
1Department of Radiology, St. Agnes Hospital, Baltimore.
Maryland Medical Journal (Baltimore, Md. : 1985)
|June 1, 1990
Summary
A symptomatic synovial cyst was misdiagnosed due to its lateral lumbar spine location. This highlights the need to consider cysts in the differential diagnosis for lateral masses near the neural foramen.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Synovial cysts are benign fluid collections that can cause symptoms.
- Lumbar facet joint arthritis is a common degenerative condition.
- Masses lateral to the neural foramen can present diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A symptomatic synovial cyst was preoperatively misdiagnosed.
- The cyst's lateral location contributed to the misdiagnosis.
- The patient had degenerative facet arthritis.
Findings:
- The case highlights a synovial cyst presenting as a mass lateral to the neural foramen.
- Preoperative misdiagnosis occurred due to the unusual location.
- The cyst was associated with degenerative facet arthritis.
Implications:
- Synovial cysts should be included in the differential diagnosis of masses lateral to the neural foramen.
- Accurate preoperative diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management of lumbar spine masses.
- This case expands the understanding of synovial cyst presentation in degenerative lumbar spine disease.