Magnetic resonance imaging of multiple spinal extra dural arachnoid cysts: a case report

Extradural arachnoid cysts develop from protrusions of arachnoid herniating through a dural defect. Solitary lesions are more common than multiple lesions. This report is an uncommon multiple spinal extradural arachnoid cysts, illustrating the value of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis. A 42-year-old man presented with low back pain radiating into the left leg with associated paraesthesia. Magnetic resonance images showed two well defined expansile lobulated collections. These lesions expanded the spinal canal, appearing as both hyperintense and hypointense on T1 and T2 sequences respectively. The lesions were resected and the dorsal communicating channel was closed. He had remarkable pain reduction thereafter.