Periodontoid synovial cyst causing cervico-medullary compression.
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.
Kaufmann
A M
AM
Section of Neurosurgery, University of Manitoba.
Halliday
W C
WC
West
M
M
Fewer
D
D
Ross
I
I
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*