Publication year
2008Source
Zentralblatt Fur Neurochirurgie, 69, 3, (2008), pp. 155-7ISSN
Publication type
Article / Letter to editor

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Organization
Neurology
Neurosurgery
Radiology
Journal title
Zentralblatt Fur Neurochirurgie
Volume
vol. 69
Issue
iss. 3
Page start
p. 155
Page end
p. 7
Subject
DCN 1: Perception and Action; DCN 2: Functional Neurogenomics; DCN 3: Neuroinformatics; UMCN 1.1: Functional Imaging; UMCN 3.2: Cognitive neurosciences; UMCN 3.3: Neurosensory disordersAbstract
BACKGROUND: Intradural extramedullary cysts are a rare cause of spinal cord compression. We present a case with slowly progressive radicular pain and gait disorder over several years, due to medullary compression by a giant cervico-thoracic arachnoid cyst. CASE REPORT: A 65-year-old man presented with progressive pain irradiating from the lower back to the waist and both legs over a period of 2 years. Neurological examination revealed a decreased sensation for pain, vibration, and proprioception below T7, without muscle weakness. Reflexes were increased in both lower extremities, with bilateral extensor plantar responses. The MRI showed an intradural extramedullary lesion, suggestive for an arachnoid cyst. The spinal cord was displaced and compressed anteriorly, with a smallest diameter of 1 mm. Surgical resection of the cyst resulted in decompression and re-expansion of the spinal cord as visualized with MRI. Neurological examination 6 months after surgery revealed nearly complete recovery of neurological deficits. DISCUSSION: This case report, together with a review of the literature, shows the extreme adaptability of the human spinal cord, in cases of slowly progressive compression.
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- Faculty of Medical Sciences [86198]
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