Detection of Spinal Dural Defect in Superficial Siderosis by Intraoperative Ultrasonography

Superficial siderosis of the central nervous system is a rare disease caused by repeated hemorrhages in the subarachnoid space. We describe surgical treatment of a case in which a tiny dural defect with fluid collection in the spinal canal was detected by intraoperative ultrasonography (US). After laminectomy, intraoperative US imaging confirmed epidural fluid collection around the ventral dural defect before incision of the posterior dura mater. Intraoperative US also showed a dural defect at the ventral and right side of the spinal cord. The ventral dural defect was repaired by direct sutures. After repair, intraoperative US imaging confirmed dural hole closure and resolution of the collected fluid. Intraoperative US is useful for detecting the level of dural defect before repair and confirming closure of the dural defect and successful resolution of fluid collection after repair.