CORRELATION OF SPINAL CORD INJURY WITH DEVELOPMENT OF SPINAL ARACHNOID CYSTS: TWO CASE REPORTS

JRM-CC, 2021 · DOI: 10.2340/20030711-1000066 · Published: August 26, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Pain Management Surgery

Simple Explanation

Spinal cysts are cerebrospinal fluid pockets that may compress the spinal cord. They may present with different symptoms; for example, sensory disorders, pain, loss of strength and difficulty walking. We report here 2 patients with a spinal cord injury with spinal arachnoid cysts. In the case of patients with worsening symptoms, surgery is the gold standard of care. Regular follow-up is necessary; and both patients reported here needed revision surgery.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

2 patients with spinal arachnoid cysts

Evidence Level

Case Reports

Key Findings

1
Spinal arachnoid cysts may present with a heterogeneous clinical picture.
2
Both cases required surgery with immediate improvement. However, after a few months both patients needed a revision due to recurrence.
3
If cysts are not clinically apparent, a conservative treatment with careful observation can be a justifiable option.

Research Summary

SAC are rare lesions that may present with a constellation of neurological symptoms: paraesthesia, neuropathic pain, paresis and gait disturbances, just like a (progressive) spinal cord injury due to compression of the spinal cord. SAC may also be acquired, as the result of a traumatic spinal cord injury. The pathogenesis remains a matter of debate. If cysts are not clinically apparent, conservative treatment with careful observation could be a justifiable option. However, in patients with progressive or recurrent symptoms, surgery is the gold standard of treatment.

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Importance of MRI

MRI is crucial for diagnosing SAC, showing a spinal extramedullary space-occupying mass with CSF characteristics.

Surgical Intervention for Symptomatic Cysts

Surgery, including marsupialization or cysto-peritoneal drain placement, is the gold standard for progressive or recurrent SAC symptoms.

Importance of Regular Follow-Up

Due to the potential for recurrence, regular follow-up is essential, as demonstrated by the need for revision surgery in both reported cases.

CORRELATION OF SPINAL CORD INJURY WITH DEVELOPMENT OF SPINAL ARACHNOID CYSTS: TWO CASE REPORTS

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Importance of MRI

Surgical Intervention for Symptomatic Cysts

Importance of Regular Follow-Up

Study Limitations

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CORRELATION OF SPINAL CORD INJURY WITH DEVELOPMENT OF SPINAL ARACHNOID CYSTS: TWO CASE REPORTS

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Importance of MRI

Surgical Intervention for Symptomatic Cysts

Importance of Regular Follow-Up

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?