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Periodontoid synovial cyst causing cervico-medullary compression
A M Kaufmann1, W C Halliday, M West
1Section of Neurosurgery, University of Manitoba.
Background:
Periodontoid synovial cysts are rare lesions which may produce symptomatic cervico-medullary compression.
Method:
We report such a patient, whose progressive neurological deterioration required surgical treatment by transoral odontoidectomy and decompression.
Results:
The diagnostic and theraputic interventions are described, including a lumbar puncture which precipitated a transient loss of consciousness and respiratory arrest. Surgery achieved clinical improvement, without complications or need for operative stablization. Detailed neuropathology is presented, as well as a literature review.
Conclusion:
Appropriate neuroradiological assessment is required in patients with suspected cervico-medullary compression, and symptomatic periodontoid synovial cysts may respond well to transoral surgical decompression.