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Lateral meningocele with asymmetric canal stenosis: A case study
Gohar Mushtaq1, Iqbal Hussain2, Jalaluddin A Khan3
1Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia ; Metabolomics, LC/MS Metabolite Identification Division, 8865 Los Altos Dr, Buena Park, CA 90620, USA.
Abstract:
Lateral meningocele is a very rare disorder of unknown aetiology typified by the presence of protrusions of the arachnoid and the dura matter extending laterally through inter- or intra-vertebral foramina. We report here the case of a 52-year old male with abnormality of spine when presented with low back pain. The patient did not appear to have any neurological disorder. A computerized tomography (CT) scan was acquired from T12 to mid sacrum with multiplanar reformations. The results showed the presence of a left sided paraspinal cystic lesion projecting from the left neural foramen and extending into the left psoas muscle suggesting a lateral meningocele. In addition, a broad based central and left paracentral disc protrusion was also observed resulting in asymmetric canal stenosis. The patient is on regular follow-up while undergoing palliative treatment.
Insights
This case report details a rare lateral meningocele, a protrusion of spinal meninges, identified in a patient with low back pain. Diagnosis was confirmed via CT scan, revealing a paraspinal cystic lesion and disc protrusion.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
- Spinal Imaging
Background:
- Lateral meningocele is an exceptionally rare condition characterized by protrusions of the arachnoid and dura mater.
- These protrusions extend laterally through intervertebral or intravertebral foramina, with an unknown etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of lateral meningocele in a 52-year-old male presenting with low back pain.
- To illustrate the diagnostic findings of this rare spinal abnormality using advanced imaging techniques.
Main Methods:
- A computerized tomography (CT) scan was performed on the lumbar spine from T12 to the mid sacrum.
- Multiplanar reformations were utilized to analyze the spinal structures and identify any abnormalities.
Main Results:
- CT scan revealed a left-sided paraspinal cystic lesion originating from the left neural foramen.
- The lesion extended into the left psoas muscle, consistent with a lateral meningocele.
- Additionally, a broad-based central and left paracentral disc protrusion was noted, causing asymmetric canal stenosis.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a diagnosis of lateral meningocele in the presented case.
- The patient is undergoing regular follow-up and palliative treatment for the observed spinal abnormalities.
