Thoracic spinal arachnoid cyst in a pediatric patient presenting with isolated bladder and bowel incontinence

Abstract

Spinal arachnoid cysts (SAC) are uncommon benign spinal cord lesions, particularly in children, that can result in a variety of neurologic symptoms, including neurogenic bladder. Here we present the case of a 7-year-old female with new onset, isolated urinary and stool incontinence who was found to have a T4-T7 SAC. Though this was initially believed to be an incidental imaging finding, after thorough work-up and persistence of her symptoms despite conservative measures she underwent neurosurgical intervention with complete resolution of incontinence. SAC represents a very rare but potentially reversible cause of neurogenic bladder that the urologist should be aware of.

Keywords

• Pediatrics
• Spinal arachnoid cyst
• Cauda equina syndrome
• Neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction
• Urodynamics