Thoracic spinal extradural arachnoid cyst: A case report and literature review

Surg Neurol Int. 2022 Feb 18:13:55. doi: 10.25259/SNI_89_2022. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Background: Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts (SEDACs) are rare and are variously attributed to congenital, traumatic, or inflammatory etiologies. Here, we report a 70-year-old male who presented with a T11-T12 SEDAC and an incidental craniovertebral junction (CVJ) meningioma.

Case description: A 70-year-old male presented with progressive bilateral lower limb weakness and paresthesias. The thoracic MRI identified an extradural arachnoid cystic lesion at the T11-T12 level. In addition, the brain/ cervical MR documented an incidental meningioma at the CVJ. The patient underwent T11-T12 laminectomy for fenestration/removal of the extradural arachnoid cyst resulting in immediate cord decompression and neurological recovery. The histologic examination was consistent with a SEDAC who underwent successful resection of the SEDAC that resulted in symptom resolution.

Conclusion: We presented a 71-year-old male with a thoracic SEDAC and an incidental CVJ meningioma, where resection of the SEDAC resulted in symptom resolution.

Keywords: Arachnoid cyst; Cyst resection; Extradural cyst; Thoracic spine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports