Symptomatic spinal intradural arachnoid cyst development after lumbar myelography. Case report and review of the literature.
METHODS
This case report describes the unique occurrence of acquired intradural spinal arachnoid cyst after lumbar puncture, which was proven radiographically and surgically.


OBJECTIVE
To review and explore complications of lumbar puncture in the context of subsequent cyst development and to review the incidence, presentation, pathogenesis, and management of spinal intradural arachnoid cysts.


BACKGROUND
The etiology of the spinal intradural arachnoid cyst remains obscure; some such cysts are ascribed anecdotally to previous trauma or arachnoiditis, whereas the majority are idiopathic and assumed by many authors to be congenital.


METHODS
A 20-Year-old woman with back and leg pain underwent lumbar myelography that yielded normal results with no evidence of arachnoid cyst at that time. Within 5 months, clinical symptoms of cauda equina compression and an S1 radiculopathy developed. Subsequent myelography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lumbar spinal arachnoid cyst. There was no history of intervening trauma or arachnoiditis. The lumbar puncture was thought to be the cause of the arachnoid cyst.


RESULTS
A laminectomy was performed with complete excision of the arachnoid cyst. The patient had an unremarkable postoperative course with excellent relief of her symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
This case provides supporting evidence for the traumatic etiology of spinal intradural arachnoid cyst. The development of an intradural spinal arachnoid cyst should be included as a possible complication of lumbar puncture.
Kriss
T C
TC
Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, USA.
Kriss
V M
VM
D000328:Adult; D016080:Arachnoid Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009192:Myelography / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000009:adverse effects*