Considerations for delayed-onset spinal arachnoid web after intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract

Spinal arachnoid web (AW) is a rare condition causing spinal cord-related issues. Its cause is often idiopathic but can be linked to past trauma or spine surgery. We describe two cases of AWs that developed after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Case #1 is a 71-year-old male with nonaneurysmal SAH who developed myelopathy 1 year later. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed upper thoracic cord edema and an AW. Case #2 is a 57-year-old female who underwent coiling of a ruptured basilar artery aneurysm and ventriculoperitoneal shunting for hydrocephalus. Twenty months later, she developed mid-thoracic AW requiring surgical resection. Both patients showed symptom improvement postresection avoiding further reoperation. History of SAH is emerging as a risk factor for AW development, emphasizing the importance of monitoring delayed-onset myelopathy and back pain in recent SAH patients.

Keywords

• arachnoid web
• arachnoiditis
• intradural
• spinal cord
• subarachnoid hemorrhage