Preoperative Diagnosis of an Extradural Cyst Arising from a Spinal Facet Joint

Abstract

A case of a lumbar spinal extradural cyst is reported. An accurate preoperative diagnosis was made using magnetic resonance imaging. Characteristic findings on magnetic resonance imaging obviate the need for any additional radiological studies. The clinical features, radiological findings, and pathogenesis of these lesions are discussed.

Myelopathic Presentation of Cervical Juxtafacet Cyst: A Case Report

“…This indicates that they are either parts or progressions of the same pathologic entity. [1][2][3] The natural history of juxtafacet cysts is poorly understood. Possible etiologies include a herniated synovial lining through joint capsules, myxoid degeneration of collagen tissue, proliferation of fibroblasts with increased hyaluronic acid production, and pluripotentialspecific mesenchymal cell proliferation.…”

“…The juxtafacet cyst is a general termination for both synovial and ganglion cysts, which are thought to be part or progression of the same disease. [1][2][3] Those cysts are associated with chronic spinal degeneration and are most likely a synovial lining herniation from the facet joint being chronically overloaded. 4 This article reports on a male patient surgically treated for a juxtafacet cyst causing, instead of the usual cervical radicular syndrome, a severe and progressive myelopathy.…”

Microsurgical Treatment of Juxta Facet Cysts of the Lumbar Spine

“…L umbar intraspinal extradural cysts are a common cause of neurogenic claudication, radiculopathy, and back pain 1,2 and are reported with increasing frequency because of the availability of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 1,[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] The term juxta facet cyst (JFC) was coined by Kao in 1974 and described both synovial cysts and ganglion cysts that are adjacent to the facet joints.…”

“…1,[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] The term juxta facet cyst (JFC) was coined by Kao in 1974 and described both synovial cysts and ganglion cysts that are adjacent to the facet joints. 13 There is no clinical significance in distinguishing between ganglion and synovial cysts because their treatment and prognosis are the same.…”

“…13 There is no clinical significance in distinguishing between ganglion and synovial cysts because their treatment and prognosis are the same. 1,5 Hagen et al 14 reported an incidence of 1%, detecting 31 cysts in 28 patients in 2898 lumbar MR scans. Most JFCs are observed at the L4-L5 level, which generally has the greatest degree of motion within the lumbar spine.…”