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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
Pulsating Spinal Arachnoid Cyst as a Hidden Aggravating Factor for Thoracic Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Report of 3
Masahiko Takahata1, Takamasa Watanabe, Tsutomu Endo
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Case:
We report 3 cases of thoracic myelopathy caused by vertebral osteophytes and coexisting intradural spinal arachnoid cyst (SAC), which was difficult to diagnose on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Intraoperative ultrasound sonography revealed spinal cord impingement because of osteophytes and a pulsating intradural SAC. Repeated pincer compression on the spinal cord seemed to be associated with their paraparetic symptoms.
Conclusion:
In treating patients presenting with unexplained progressive myelopathy with small ossified lesion in the thoracic spine, close attention should be paid to a coexisting SAC as a hidden aggravating factor for thoracic myelopathy.
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