title: Subarachnoid and intramedullary cysts secondary to epidural anesthesia for gynecological surgery.
abstract: Three women who received epidural anesthesia for gynecological surgery developed spinal arachnoiditis leading to subarachnoid cysts and cord cavitation. MRI was useful to show the subarachnoid and intramedullary cysts, as well as to monitor lesion extent and progress. Associated MRI findings were a Chiari anomaly in 1 case and a tethered cord in another. Two cases underwent surgery: 1 improved, but the other suffered progressive neurological deterioration. Although the 3rd patient had no treatment, there was spontaneous reduction in cavity size and clinical improvement. Careful handling of this procedure is urged to avoid such severe complications in young mothers.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Investigaciones Neurológicas Dr. Raúl Carrea (FLENI), Hospital Fernández, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Nogués
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Merello
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Leiguarda
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Guevara
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Figari
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016080:Arachnoid Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D005350:Fibroma / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D011247:Pregnancy; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed