title: Intradural extramedullary cysts of the spinal canal: clinical presentation, radiographic diagnosis, and surgical management.
abstract: Fourteen patients with intradural extramedullary cysts of the spinal canal are described. Histological classification included 11 arachnoid, 2 epithelial, and 1 ependymal cyst. There were 9 thoracic, 3 cervical, and 2 lumbar cysts. The most common clinical presentation was a slowly progressive myelopathy. Twelve patients (85%) had objective neurological findings at the time of diagnosis. Radiographic diagnosis was made by a combination of myelography, computed tomographic scan with myelography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Complete surgical resection was accomplished for 8 dorsal cysts, and 6 ventral cysts were widely fenestrated into the subarachnoid space. Overall results were considered excellent or good in 9 patients, fair in 3, and poor in 2. There was one recurrence, which required a second operation. We conclude that the majority of intradural spinal cysts can be successfully managed surgically with a favorable clinical outcome.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City.
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Osenbach
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Godersky
authors.forename: V C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Traynelis
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Schelper
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003560:Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009192:Myelography; D013115:Spinal Canal; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*