Symptomatic cervical perineural (Tarlov) cyst: a case report
A H Zibis1, A H Fyllos2, D L Arvanitis1
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
Hippokratia
|October 6, 2015
Summary
This case study highlights a rare cervical Tarlov cyst successfully treated with conservative management. Conservative treatment for cervical perineural cysts can significantly improve radicular symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Perineural (Tarlov) cysts are typically benign, asymptomatic cerebrospinal fluid collections found in the sacral spine.
- Cervical spine Tarlov cysts are rare and can present with neurological symptoms.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old woman presented with a 3-week history of right C6 radicular symptoms.
- Magnetic resonance imaging identified a Tarlov cyst at the C5-C6 level in the cervical spine.
Findings:
- Conservative management, including a cervical collar, NSAIDs, and activity modification, was initiated.
- The patient experienced a 90% improvement in symptoms 24 months post-diagnosis.
Implications:
- This is the first reported case of a cervical Tarlov cyst treated conservatively without steroids.
- Cervical perineural cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy.
