Interdural spinal cyst following lumbar puncture: illustrative case
Anja Šerbec1, Igor J Kocijančič2, Fajko Bajrović3,4
1Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana.
Journal of Neurosurgery. Case Lessons
|May 25, 2026
Summary
Interdural spinal cysts are rare, developing after lumbar puncture and causing posture-dependent pain. Surgical repair of the dural layers effectively resolves symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Imaging
- Pathology
Background:
- Interdural spinal cysts are rare lesions between dura mater layers, unclassified traditionally.
- Only 12 cases reported, with two in the lumbar region.
- This is the first reported lumbar interdural cyst as a complication of lumbar puncture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of a lumbar interdural cyst.
- To highlight its development as a complication of lumbar puncture.
- To discuss diagnosis and effective surgical management.
Main Methods:
- A 44-year-old woman presented with posture-dependent radicular pain post-lumbar puncture.
- MRI and CT myelography identified a cystic lesion at L3-4.
- Surgical exploration confirmed an interdural cyst, followed by dural layer suturing.
Main Results:
- The interdural cyst was confirmed surgically.
- The cyst communicated with the subarachnoid space.
- Postoperative resolution of radicular pain was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Interdural spinal cysts can arise from lumbar puncture, causing persistent spinal pain.
- Consider interdural cysts in patients with unexplained, posture-dependent pain after lumbar puncture.
- Suturing dural layers effectively treats these cysts and resolves symptoms.
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