Spontaneous resolution of a massive pseudomeningocoele.
A pseudomeningocoele is an extradural collection of cerebrospinal fluid which results from a dural or arachnoid tear. The fluid is not contained within a protrusion of the meninges, which is typical for a real meningocoele. Although most pseudomeningocoeles probably go unrecognised, due to lack of symptoms, surgeons should maintain an index of suspicion when reviewing postoperative patients. Symptomatic pseudomeningocoeles warrant intervention, as the patients do not tolerate the symptoms. However, the literature neither suggests a trial of watching and waiting nor a suitable time frame for such a trial. The authors report the spontaneous resolution of a massive symptomatic pseudomeningocoele after 11 months. There is only one previous report of a similar case, where the pseudomeningocoele disappeared in three months.
Clarke
Andrew
A
The Exeter Spinal Unit, Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, Devon, UK. kluver_bucy@hotmail.com
Hutton
Michael
M
D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008588:Meningocele / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000473:pathology; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000601:surgery