Intra-dural spinal arachnoid cysts: a short series of 10 patients.
OBJECTIVE
To describe intra-dural arachnoid cysts as the cause of compressive myelopathy.


METHODS
A short series of 10 patients harbouring intra-dural arachnoid cysts is described. A detailed description of symptomatology, radiological findings, surgical approach, techniques and outcome is discussed. Microsurgical excision was performed in all patients. In two patients, intra- and extra-spinal communications of cysts were found and were ligated.


RESULTS
Good long-term results were achieved in all 10 patients, after surgical intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Rarely, intradural, extramedullary lesions like arachnoid cysts may lead on to compressive myelopathy causing spastic paraparesis. Except for the catastrophic complication like intra-cystic haemorrhage or subdural haematoma, the fatal complication is unlikely. The congenital dural defect is considered the cause behind the development of these cysts. Though uncommon, but intradural arachnoid cysts are important cause of compressive myelopathy. These lesions are curative, if excised surgically with precision.
Mohindra
Sandeep
S
Department of Neurosurgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. sandeepneuro@gmail.com
Gupta
Rahul
R
Bal
Amanjit
A
D000328:Adult; D016080:Arachnoid Cysts / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult