Anterior cervical arachnoid cyst with spinal cord compression

Anterior Cervical Intradural Arachnoid Cyst - A Rare Cause of Spinal Cord Compression

“…Of 31 cases including present case reports, twenty seven patients improved well, one patient showed partial improvement, one patient did not show any improvement and two deaths were reported. 15,20 Patients with arachnoiditis and adhesions did not show much improvement. Patients who presented with respiratory depression died in spite of surgery.…”

“…Expansion of the cyst volume could be due to secretion by the cystic wall, unidirectional value and liquid movements secondary to pulsations of the veins. 15 Most of these cases were reported in children in the age group of 1-10 years with the youngest 16 days' old baby, 3 indicates congenital or idiopathic nature of these anteriorly placed lesions. Anteriorly placed lesions are commonly seen in males as compared to the posteriorly located lesions.…”

“…Anteriorly placed lesions are commonly seen in males as compared to the posteriorly located lesions. 15 Spinal arachnoid cysts are usually asymptomatic. The clinical picture depends on the level of the compression on the cord.…”

“…17 Patients can present with respiratory failure if they are located in the upper cervical region. 15 Plain x-ray in some cases demonstrates enlargement of the spinal canal at the cyst level, with co-existent scoliosis and kyphosis in some cases, but plain x-rays usually not helpful to diagnose these cysts. 1,7 Before MRI, the diagnosis was made by myelography and CT Myelography.…”

“…Patients who presented with respiratory depression died in spite of surgery. 15,20 To conclude, anterior intradural arachnoid cysts in the cervical region are very rare lesions and they can be easily diagnosed with MRI, and total excision is the treatment of choice whenever possible with excellent postoperative outcome.…”