Chronic posttraumatic lumbar intradural arachnoid cyst with cauda equina compression: case report

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Radiology
• Spinal Pathology

Background:

• Spinal arachnoid cysts are rare, often congenital, but can be acquired.
• Posttraumatic cysts are less common and can present with delayed neurological deficits.

Observation:

• A case of chronic lumbar intradural arachnoid cyst following trauma is presented.
• The cyst caused significant compression of the cauda equina.

Findings:

• Etiological factors, pathological characteristics, and clinical presentation were analyzed.
• Radiological findings were critical for accurate diagnosis and understanding the cyst's impact.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering arachnoid cysts in posttraumatic spinal presentations.
• Emphasizes the necessity of precise radiological interpretation for effective patient management.
• Contributes to understanding rare causes of cauda equina syndrome.