Extradural Spinal Arachnoid Cyst as a Cause of Cauda Equina Syndrome in a Child

Abstract

Although spinal arachnoid cysts are relatively common findings observed incidentally in adults, they are much rarely reported in children. They are usually asymptomatic and are mainly located in the middle and lower thoracic regions. However, in rare circumstances, these cysts can cause mass effects that lead to neurologic symptoms. We report the rare case of a spinal extradural arachnoid cyst in a 12-year-old boy who showed signs and symptoms of cauda equina syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine revealed a huge extradural arachnoid cyst extending from L2 to L5. Emergent laminectomy and repair of dural defect was performed after total resection of the extradural arachnoid cyst. There were no postoperative complications. Total recovery was achieved 6 months after surgery. Here, we report this rare case with a review of the literature.

Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts: A novel formation mechanism and dural defect location technology

“…However, it was always found that the SEACs had a pedicle linking with dura mater [ 4 , 28 ]. In our cases of total cyst excision, most cysts were round on both blind ends, and the cysts could be removed en bloc after wholly separating from the dura [ 9 , 13 , 28 , 29 ] ( Fig. 5 A and B).…”