Intradural synovial cyst of the atlantoaxial joint: a case report

Intradural synovial cysts of the cervical spine represent a rare disease entity, causing stenosis of the spinal canal and thereby leading to progressive myelopathy. In particular, at the cranio-cervical junction early intervention is necessary to prevent permanent neurological dysfunction. We present the case of a 74-year-old man who presented with moderate cervicogenic headache, gait disturbance and progressive left-sided weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine confirmed a left-sided cystic mass located anteriorly at the craniovertebral junction compressing the surrounding structures.

Surgical decompression was performed by means of a minimal left-sided laminectomy of C1. Postoperatively, the patients symptoms slowly improved, albeit a persistent ataxic gait.

Intraoperatively, a large intradural cyst was removed via a minimal suboccipital craniectomy combined with laminectomy of C1. Histopathological evaluation revealed a synovial cyst without any features of neoplasia. Despite not using craniocervical instrumentation, no clinical or radiological signs of atlantoaxial instability were observed up to 2 years after surgery.

Cystic lesions located at the atlanto-axial joint are a rare cause of cervical myelopathy. Preoperative imaging of the cervical spine should include not only MRI and computerised tomography (CT) but also dynamic imaging. Dorsal decompression without instrumentation prevents progressive neurological decline and may allow cord function to recover. If there is additional preoperative instability, instrumentation and fusion may be necessary.