Spinal Extradural Arachnoid Cyst.
Joon Bum Woo1, Dong Wuk Son1, Kyung Taek Kang1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea.
Korean Journal of Neurotrauma
|November 19, 2016
Summary
Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts (SEACs) can be effectively treated by fenestrating the cyst and repairing the dural defect. This less invasive approach led to symptom resolution and cyst disappearance in two patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts (SEACs) are rare, arising from dural defects and cerebrospinal fluid accumulation.
- Treatment strategies for SEACs, particularly cyst management, remain debated, with options ranging from complete resection to conservative approaches.
Observation:
- Two patients, aged 72 and 33, presented with SEACs identified via MRI, extending from T12 to L4 and T12 to L2 respectively.
- Both patients underwent selective laminectomy with fenestration of the cyst and repair of the dural defect.
Findings:
- Surgical fenestration and dural defect repair resulted in dramatic symptom subsidence in both patients.
- Follow-up imaging confirmed complete disappearance of the SEACs in both cases.
Implications:
- Fenestration of SEACs offers a safe and effective alternative to complete cyst resection and multilevel laminectomy.
- This minimally invasive technique may be a preferred treatment for spinal extradural arachnoid cysts, potentially reducing recurrence and improving patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
4.6K
The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
4.6K
01:15Spinal Cord: Gross Anatomy
6.9K
The spinal cord resides within the protective confines of the vertebral column. It is the main pathway for information traveling between the brain and the body. It plays a fundamental role in nearly all bodily functions, from simple reflexes to complex motor movements. The spinal cord begins at the medulla oblongata at the base of the brainstem and extends downward, terminating at the conus medullaris near the first and second lumbar vertebrae. The spinal cord's length in adults is...
6.9K
01:11Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
1.7K
Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...
1.7K