Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis as a rare cause of cervical compressive myelopathy

Abstract

The spinal form of idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHP) is a rare condition characterized by a chronic progressive diffuse inflammatory fibrosis of the dura mater, which may evolve to the compression of the spinal cord. We present a case report about IHP focusing on its features in magnetic resonance imaging, which are determined by an intradural extramedullary mass in the cervical spine showing hypointensity on T2-weighted images and peripheral enhancement, causing compression of the spinal cord. Histological analysis showed a nonspecific chronic inflammatory process in dense fibrous tissue. The patient had a good outcome after therapy with steroids.

Keywords

• Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis
• cervical spine
• magnetic resonance imaging