title: Computed tomography of cystic nerve root sleeve dilatation.
abstract: A case of cystic nerve root sleeve dilatation in the lumbar area associated with a chronic back pain syndrome is presented. Prominent computed tomography (CT) findings include: (a) rounded masses in the region of the foramina isodense with cerebrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space; (b) associated asymmetry of epidural fat distribution; (c) enlargement of the neural foramina in axial sections with scalloped erosion of the adjacent posteriolateral vertebral body, pedicle, and pedicular-laminar junction with preservation of cortex and without bony sclerosis or infiltrative appearance; (d) prominent or ectatic dural sac with lack of usual epidural landmarks between the sac and vertebral body; and (e) multilevel abnormalities throughout the entire lumbar region. Myelographic and CT correlations are demonstrated with a review of the literature. A discussion of the various cystic abnormalities involving nerve root sheaths is undertaken in an attempt to clarify the confusing nomenclature applied to nerve root sleeve pathology.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001416:Back Pain / Q000209:etiology; D003560:Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed