Cervical C7 ganglion cyst causing compressive myelopathy: A rare case report

Abstract

Background: Juxtafacet cysts, synovial and ganglion cysts, emanate from the facet joints. Patients with these cysts are typically asymptomatic but may rarely present with radiculopathy and/or myelopathy. Case Description: A 72-year-old female presented with a 1-month history of progressive lower extremity weakness (left more than right), numbness, and urinary incontinence. Notably, she also had a C7 sensory level to pin appreciation of 1-month duration. The magnetic resonance imaging showed an extradural C7 cystic lesion whose capsule enhanced with gadolinium, causing severe cord compression. The patient underwent a left C7 hemilaminectomy for complete excision of the cyst; postoperatively in 2-weeks duration, she regained full neurological function. The final histopathology was consistent with a ganglion cyst. Conclusion: Cervical juxtafacet cysts rarely cause compressive myelopathy. They may be readily diagnosed and resected with excellent postoperative outcomes.

Microcervical Foraminotomy for Cervical Juxtafacet Cysts: Case Series and Literature Review

“…1 Most juxtafacet cysts occur in the lumbar spine but rarely in the cervical spine, with a reported incidence of approximately 1% to 4%. 2,3 Juxtafacet cysts in the cervical spine can cause compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to myelopathy and radiculopathy. 4 Surgical resection is the most common treatment for symptomatic juxtafacet cysts.…”