title: Periodontoid synovial cyst causing cervico-medullary compression.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Periodontoid synovial cysts are rare lesions which may produce symptomatic cervico-medullary compression.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report such a patient, whose progressive neurological deterioration required surgical treatment by transoral odontoidectomy and decompression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The diagnostic and theraputic interventions are described, including a lumbar puncture which precipitated a transient loss of consciousness and respiratory arrest. Surgery achieved clinical improvement, without complications or need for operative stablization. Detailed neuropathology is presented, as well as a literature review.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Appropriate neuroradiological assessment is required in patients with suspected cervico-medullary compression, and symptomatic periodontoid synovial cysts may respond well to transoral surgical decompression.
authors.affiliation: Section of Neurosurgery, University of Manitoba.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Kaufmann
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Halliday
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: West
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fewer
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ross
mesh_terms: D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008526:Medulla Oblongata / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D013581:Synovial Cyst / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*