Spinal extradural arachnoid cyst: a case report

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neurology
• Spinal Surgery

Background:

• Spinal arachnoid cysts are uncommon causes of myelopathy.
• Extradural arachnoid cysts, particularly those of traumatic origin, are rare.
• Spinal cord compression can lead to significant neurological deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of delayed-onset extradural arachnoid cyst following trauma.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and management of such rare spinal pathologies.
• To emphasize the importance of considering post-traumatic cysts in the differential diagnosis of intraspinal lesions.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient with progressive paraparesis and neurogenic bladder.
• Diagnostic imaging using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the spine.
• Microsurgical exploration and repair of a dural defect.

Main Results:

• MRI revealed a large extradural cystic lesion compressing the spinal cord from T11 to L3.
• A dural defect was identified and surgically repaired.
• Postoperative follow-up showed a stable neurological status without further CSF leakage.

Conclusions:

• Delayed-onset post-traumatic extradural arachnoid cysts are a rare but important consideration in spinal cord compression.
• Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing these conditions.
• Microsurgical repair of dural defects can be effective in treating extradural arachnoid cysts.