Chronic myelopathy due to a giant spinal arachnoid cyst: a complication of the intrathecal injection of phenol. Case report.
Acquired intradural arachnoid cystic lesions of the spine have been associated with trauma, hemorrhage, parasitic infections, and other insults that cause inflammation and subarachnoid adhesions. The authors describe the case of a previously healthy 36-year-old woman who presented with a chronic myelopathy due to the progressive development of a giant spinal arachnoid cyst that resulted after the intrathecal injection of phenol for the management of chronic upper extremity pain. Neurological examination, spinal computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were used for diagnostic and follow-up purposes. Even after the initial excision of the cyst, the patient remained symptomatic with minimal functional recovery.
Rincon
Fred
F
Department of Neurology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, USA. fr2034@columbia.edu
Mocco
J
J
Komotar
Ricardo J
RJ
Khandji
Alexander G
AG
McCormick
Paul C
PC
Olarte
Marcelo
M
D000328:Adult; D016080:Arachnoid Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007278:Injections, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D019800:Phenol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery
D012597:Sclerosing Solutions; D019800:Phenol