title: Intraspinous postlaminectomy pseudomeningocele.
abstract: Pseudomeningoceles are uncommon complications of lumbar surgery. They are encapsulated cerebrospinal fluid collections developing extradurally as a consequence of incidental dural tears. They are typically located in the paraspinal compartment and occasionally reach the subcutaneous space. We describe the case of a patient in whom a postlaminectomy pseudomeningocele developed over a 10-year period within the L5 spinous process and remained completely encircled within its bony boundaries. The surgical implications of this finding are discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Perugia Medical School, Neurosurgical Division, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Maria, Terni, Italy. spao2@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Paolini
authors.forename: Pasquale
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ciappetta
authors.forename: Maria Cristina
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Piattella
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001416:Back Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004824:Epidural Space / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000601:surgery; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008588:Meningocele / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013115:Spinal Canal / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology