The value of different neuro-imaging methods in the diagnosis of a congenital, spinal, epidural meningeal cyst.
Congenital, spinal, epidural cysts are rare causes of transverse or radicular spinal lesions. Usually these cysts are located in the thoracal region, are oblong-shaped, and extend over several segments dorsally to the cord. Frequently, they cause no symptoms for years. They are fairly accessible to diagnostics by modern neuro-imaging methods. We report on a 15 year old girl with paraparesis, which showed a slow progression over two years, short-term remissions, and finally impairment of bladder function. Myelogram, computer-assisted tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance tomography showed a large space-occupying mass from D8 to L1 epidural and dorsal of the myelon. Operation disclosed an epidural cyst from D10 to L2. Histologically, the removed material was classified as a meningeal cyst. Post-operatively the girl's condition improved under intensive physio-therapy. For the diagnosis of this spinal dysrhapic disorder CT scanning after intrathecal application of contrast medium and magnetic resonance imaging were most valuable.
Langenbach
M
M
Department of Neurology, St. Lukas-Klinik, Solingen, West Germany.
Kühne
D
D
Brenner
A
A
von Wickede
R
R
Leopold
H C
HC
D000293:Adolescent; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000032:analysis / Q000166:cytology; D003560:Cysts / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004576:Electromyography; D004824:Epidural Space; D005073:Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008578:Meninges / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D009192:Myelography; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed