Hemorrhagic lumbar synovial facet cyst secondary to anticoagulation therapy.
BACKGROUND
Acute onset of radicular symptoms has been reported following hemorrhage into lumbar synovial cysts after trauma or in cases of spinal instability. No previous cases have been linked to anticoagulation therapy.


OBJECTIVE
To present a case of symptomatic hemorrhagic lumbar synovial cyst occurring after anticoagulation therapy.


METHODS
A case report and review of the literature.


METHODS
A patient presented with low back and radicular pain secondary to a large synovial facet cyst. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large facet cyst compressing the thecal sac and L3 exiting nerve root.


RESULTS
The synovial cyst was excised during a lumbar decompression and fusion. Gross blood was present in the cyst.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first reported case of symptomatic hemorrhagic lumbar facet cyst associated with anticoagulation therapy.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Memorial Hospital, 325 S, Belmont Avenue, York, PA 17403, USA. jason-laurie@suscom.net
Jason C
JC
Eck
Steven J
SJ
Triantafyllou
D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D013581:Synovial Cyst / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D014859:Warfarin / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin