title: Dural dissection cyst: a more accurate term for extradural meningeal cyst.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Spinal extradural meningeal cyst (EMC) aetiology remains unclear. Based on our in-depth analysis of EMC clinical characters, we propose the alternative term 'dural dissection cyst' (DDC), which is more consistent with its aetiology and pathological manifestations.
  
  
  METHODS
  We examined the clinical, imaging and operative findings of four patients with spinal EMC (type I A) and analysed the aetiology and treatment of the cyst.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Spinal DDC was observed between T10 and L3 in our series. Patients presented with low back pain, lower extremity numbness and weakness, and segmental muscle atrophy. Small clefts were found on the inner wall of all cysts. Microscopic suture of the cleft successfully improved patient's symptoms and neurological deficits.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Spinal EMC (type I A) is characterized by dural dissection, so the term DDC can best reflect its aetiology. Because it is a dissection cyst, the most reasonable treatment is to suture the fistula.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, XuanWu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Zan
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Xiao-Li
authors.initials: XL
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Kun
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Feng-Zeng
authors.initials: FZ
authors.lastname: Jian
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003560:Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
keywords: Dural dissection; Extradural; Meningocele; Spinal cyst