A rare case of spontaneous pseudomeningocele with lytic spondylolisthesis

Abstract

Pseudomeningocele is an extra dural collection of cerebrospinal fluid arising from dural defect secondary to incidental durotomy, trauma or congenital. Lytic spondylolisthesis as a cause of dural defect leading to pseudomeningocele has been rarely reported. Pars defect in lytic spondylolisthesis has been documented to have highly organized collagen bundles and calcified fibro cartilaginous enthesis which probably leads to dural injury. We report a case of 56 year old female with grade 2 lytic spondylolisthesis at L4-L5 associated with spontaneous pseudomeningocele. During surgery CSF leak was noted with dural defect and herniated rootlets entangled in facet capsule. Underlying pathogenesis, imaging, surgical findings and management are discussed.

Keywords

• fibrocartilaginous enthesis
• lytic spondylolisthesis
• spontaneous pseudomeningocele