Spinal extradural arachnoid cyst: A rare cause of thoracic myelopathy

Abstract

A spinal extradural arachnoid cyst (SEAC) is a rare condition which can lead to back pain, radiculopathy, and compressive myelopathy. It accounts for approximately 1% of spinal tumours. The exact aetiology of SEACs is not well understood; however, this study is supportive of a traumatic aetiology of this disease in addition to supporting a uni-directional valve as a mechanism of CSF accumulation. The purpose of this study is to review the presentation, work-up, treatment and postoperative course of a patient with SEAC. We present the case of a 40-year-old male with a history of trauma who developed a SEAC and was treated surgically at our unit. Although a rare disease, we highlight the importance of early diagnosis and surgical treatment as it is a surgically curable disease with a good postoperative prognosis.

Keywords

• Extradural arachnoid cyst
• Thoracic myelopathy
• Spinal surgery