title: Minimally invasive CT guided treatment of intraspinal synovial cyst.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intraspinal synovial cysts of vertebral facet joints are uncommon cause of radicular pain as well as neurological deficits. They can be managed both conservatively and surgically.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 77-year old polymorbid patient presented with bilateral low back pain which worsened during the course of time and did not respond to the conservative treatment. A diagnosis of intraspinal synovial cyst was made using the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Percutaneous computed tomography (CT) guided injection with installation of local anesthetic together with corticosteroid and rupture of the cyst was successfully used. A month after the procedure his pain improved, the usage of analgesics diminished and his over-all quality of life improved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Percutaneous CT guided lumbar synovial cyst treatment is safe and reliable alternative to the surgical treatment in polymorbid patients with radiculopathy who are not able to tolerate general anesthesia and operation.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive therapy, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors.forename: Sergeja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kozar
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
authors.forename: Miran
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jeromel
keywords: intraspinal synovial cyst; pain; percutaneous CT guided treatment; polymorbid patient; radiculopathy