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Symptomatic spinal cord compression from an intradural arachnoid cyst with associated syrinx in a child: case report

David K Su1, Sudesh Ebenezer, Anthony M Avellino

  • 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. davidsu@uw.edu

Pediatric Neurosurgery
|April 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Symptomatic pediatric arachnoid cysts are rare, especially when associated with a spinal cord syrinx. This case highlights a rare presentation and successful surgical management, offering valuable insights for pediatric neurosurgery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Spinal Cord Imaging
  • Neurological Surgery

Background:

  • Intradural extramedullary arachnoid cysts are uncommon pediatric spinal tumors.
  • Spinal cord syrinx formation associated with arachnoid cysts is exceptionally rare in children.
  • Literature review indicates no previously reported pediatric cases with this specific combination.

Observation:

  • An 8-year-old child presented with progressive paraparesis and loss of bowel and bladder control.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intradural extramedullary arachnoid cyst.
  • A concurrent spinal cord syrinx was identified adjacent to the arachnoid cyst.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent surgical management for the arachnoid cyst and associated syrinx.
  • Postoperative follow-up demonstrated significant improvement in paraparesis.
  • This case represents a unique presentation of pediatric spinal pathology.

Implications:

  • This case expands the understanding of spinal cord syrinx etiology in pediatric patients.
  • Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can lead to favorable neurological recovery.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis of arachnoid cysts and syrinx formation is warranted.

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