Ganglion cyst of the posterior longitudinal ligament causing lumbar radiculopathy: case report

Spinal Cord. 1997 Sep;35(9):632-5. doi: 10.1038/sj.sc.3100442.

Abstract

We describe a man aged 26 years who presented with a neurological syndrome, which was found on lumbar radioculopathy to be due to a ganglion cyst originating from the posterior longitudinal ligament. Based on MRI findings, cystic lesion was suspected, a round lesion at L4 level with no connection to the adjacent facet or to the dura matter. During surgery, a liquid-containing cystic lesion was found to originate from the posterior longitudinal ligament at L4 level. The resected cyst was diagnosed histologically as a ganglion cyst. A complete cure was established after surgery and no recurrence was noted at a follow-up 1.7 years postoperatively. A ganglion cyst of the posterior longitudinal ligament should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a cyst in the lumbar region causing neurological complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Ligaments / diagnostic imaging*
  • Longitudinal Ligaments / pathology
  • Longitudinal Ligaments / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / etiology*
  • Radiography
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / complications*
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / pathology
  • Spinal Cord Diseases / surgery
  • Spinal Nerve Roots*
  • Synovial Cyst / complications*
  • Synovial Cyst / pathology
  • Synovial Cyst / surgery