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World J Clin Cases. Dec 16, 2013; 1(9): 285-289
Published online Dec 16, 2013. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v1.i9.285
Published online Dec 16, 2013. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v1.i9.285
Midline synovial and ganglion cysts causing neurogenic claudication
Jonathan Pindrik, Mohamed Macki, Mohamad Bydon, Ali Bydon, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
Zahra Maleki, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
Author contributions: Pindrik J designed and wrote the report; Macki M and Bydon M assisted in the composition of the manuscript; Maleki Z provided the pathological images and histopathological interpretations; Bydon A was the attending physician of all three patients, conceived the manuscript concept and oversaw the work on the project.
Correspondence to: Ali Bydon, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Meyer 7-109, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States. abydon1@jhmi.edu
Telephone: +1-443-2874934 Fax: +1-410-5023399
Received: September 17, 2013
Revised: November 5, 2013
Accepted: November 18, 2013
Published online: December 16, 2013
Revised: November 5, 2013
Accepted: November 18, 2013
Published online: December 16, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: Midline, intraspinal cysts arise from facet joint degeneration. The lesions represent an important and often over-looked cause of back pain and other neurological symptoms. Radiographic identification of the fluid-filled sacs is particularly important in the setting of cauda equina syndrome, in which immediate surgical intervention is required in order to address the compressive lesion. Although the treatment of choice is a spinal decompression and resection, posterior fusions may prevent cyst recurrence.