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Synovial cyst of dens causing spinal cord compression. Case report
W Choe1, I Walot, C Schlesinger
1Department of Pathology, University of California Irvine Medical Center.
Paraplegia
|December 1, 1993
Summary
A rare synovial cyst of the dens (odontoid process) caused spinal cord compression in a woman. Surgical findings confirmed the cyst, differentiating it from other suspected lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Synovial cysts are rare, particularly those originating from the dens (odontoid process) of the cervical spine.
- Spinal cord compression can result from various pathologies, necessitating accurate diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old woman presented with a year of progressive symptoms attributed to spinal cord compression.
- Cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large mass posterior to the dens, compressing the spinal cord at the cervicomedullary junction.
Findings:
- Initial radiological assessment suggested exuberant pannus formation or a foramen magnum meningioma.
- Surgical intervention and subsequent pathological examination definitively identified the lesion as a synovial cyst.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering synovial cysts in the differential diagnosis of cervical spinal cord compression.
- Accurate radiological interpretation and pathological confirmation are crucial for appropriate management of rare spinal pathologies.