MRI Spectrum of Symptomatic and Non –Symptomatic Tarlov Cyst: Series of Seven Cases in Orthopaedic Management Point of View

Tarlov cysts are perineural cysts and are usually found in sacral region. The dorsal nerve root is encased in this type of the cyst. These may or may not be with any of the symptomatology. The entity is infrequently found as an incidental finding. These are cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) filled sacs which are diagnosed on cross sectional imaging modalities especially in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tarlov cysts can cause different type of myelopathies as per their location and size. Methods: We present a series of seven cases where these perineural cysts were found during the routine imaging of lumbosacral spine. All these patients had undergone Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of lumbosacral spine for backache or some other pelvic complaints. In one case Computerized Tomography (CT) Myelography also helped in diagnosis and related bone remodeling.MR myelography adds to the delineation of CSF wrapping around the spinal cord. Results: Three patients were found to be symptomatic and the intensity of complaints corresponded to the size and location of the cysts. In our three cases, the etiopathogenesis also corresponded to the underlying development of these entities. Four patients were asymptomatic as the size of these cysts were small and not contributing to the complaints of the patient. Conclusion: MRI is the best modality to diagnose these perineural cysts which are responsible for different types of myelopathies .T2WI sequences in non contrast MRI studies are the best in delineating the size, shape, outline and location of these cysts. This also further elaborates their extension to the surrounding regions.MR myelography is adjuvant to more morphological features of these cysts.

A Rare Cause of Thoracic Spinal Cord Compression by Multiple Large Tarlov Cysts / 대한신경손상학회지

Spinal extradural arachnoid cyst (SEAC) is a rare cause of spinal cord compression. Bifocal location of thoracic and sacral SEACs is rarely reported in the literature. We report a case of thoracic spinal cord compression by SEAC associated with asymptomatic multiple sacral Tarlov cysts (TC). The surgical management and postoperative outcome of the patient are discussed. A 34-year-old woman was referred to the hospital for acute thoracic pain with a history of chronic long-standing back pain. She complained of walking difficulties. Neurological examination demonstrated incomplete spastic paraplegia with sensory level in T9. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large cystic formation from T7-11 and at the level of the sacrum. We performed laminectomies at the level of interest from T7-11. The cysts were dissected from the underlying dura after removal of the cerebrospinal fluid. We found nerve tissue in the cysts. We excised the cyst and preserved the nerve roots. Subsequently, a duraplasty was performed with autologous grafts from the lumbar fascia. The condition of the patient improved after surgery and he was recovering well at follow-up. Although the surgical treatment of TC is controversial, especially at the sacral lumbar level, decompression at the dorsal level in this case is indisputable.

Quiste de Tarlov sintomático. Presentación de un caso / Syntomatic Tarlov Cyst. Case presentation

Los quistes de Tarlov o quistes perineurales son formaciones patológicas localizadas en el espacio comprendido entre el perineuro y endoneuro de las raíces espinales posteriores cercanas al ganglio radicular posterior. Es una enfermedad poco frecuente. Aunque su etiología es incierta se han postulado diferentes teorías desde su descubrimiento. Habitualmente son asintomáticos, se descubren como hallazgos incidentales en estudios de imagen. Se presenta el caso de una paciente aquejada de lumbociatalgia de un mes de evolución, sin relación con esfuerzos ni traumatismos previos. El estudio por imágenes permitió el diagnóstico de quiste de Tarlov, que en este caso se manifestó de una forma atípica, por lo que podría confundirse con otras afecciones a nivel lumbosacro.

Tarlov or perineural cysts are pathologic deformations located in the space between the Perineurium and endoneurium of spinal roots close to the posterior root ganglion. It is an infrequent disease. Although its etiology is uncertain different theories have been postulated since its discovery. Regularly they are asymptomatic; they are discovered as incidental findings in imaging studies. A case is presented of a patient complaining of a lumbociatalgia of month evolution, without relation with previous efforts or traumas. Imaging studies allowed the diagnosis of Tarlov Cysts, which in this case presented atypically, so it could be confused with other affections of the lumbosacral level.

Quiste de Tarlov bilateral, presentación de un caso / Tarlov cyst bilateral, case report

Los quistes de Tarlov, son crecimientos quísticos benignos sub diagnosticados y no reportándose ningún caso en Bolivia. Son clasificados como quistes meníngeos tipo II, infrecuentes (incidencia estimada de 4,6% - 9%), de características benignas, en su mayoría localizados en región sacra. Asintomáticos, en su gran mayoría diagnosticados de manera incidental. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con dolor crónico de tipo radicular en fosa iliaca izquierda sin mejoría ni explicación del mismo. Se le realizó tomografía computarizada y resonancia magnética por las cuales se llegó al diagnóstico. Posteriormente se da tratamiento conservador sintomatológico con mejoría evidente de las misma. No requiriendo tratamiento quirúrgico.

Tarlov cyst is a benign cystic growth usually underdiagnosed. No case has been reported so far in Bolivia. Classified as a Type II meningeal cysts, rare (estimated incidence of 4,6% - 9%), of benign characteristics, most commonly located in the sacral region. Asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally most of the times. The patient comes with a chief complaint of chronic radicular back pain in the left iliac fossa with no improvement or explanation thereof. The patient underwent CT and MRI leading us to the diagnosis. The patient is managed with conservative treatment targeting the symptoms, with notorious improvement not requiring surgical treatment.

Clinical Experience of Symptomatic Sacral Perineural Cyst

Tarlov or perineural cysts are nerve root cysts found most commonly at the sacral spine level arising between covering layers of the perineurium and the endoneurium near the dorsal root ganglion and are usually asymptomatic. Symptomatic sacral perineural cysts are uncommon but sometimes require surgical treatment. A 69-year-old male presented with pain in the buttock. He was diagnosed as having a sacral cyst with magnetic resonance imaging. For the nonoperative diagnosis and treatment, caudal peridurography and block were performed. After the treatment, the patient's symptom was relieved. We suggest a caudal peridural block is effective in relieving pain from a sacral cyst.

Symptomatic Tarlov Cyst Following Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Most of Tarlov or perineurial cysts remain asymptomatic throughout the patient's life. The pathogenesis is still unclear. Hemorrhage has been suggested as one of the possible causes and trauma with resultant hemorrhage into subarachnoid space has been suggested as an origin of these cysts. However, Tarlov cysts related to spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage has not been reported. The authors report a case of Tarlov cyst which was symptomatic following spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Two Cases of Symptomatic Perineural Cysts (Tarlov Cysts) in One Family: A Case Report

Symptomatic sacral perineural cysts are uncommon. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the etiologies of perineural cysts, but the accurate etiologies remain unclear. We experienced two cases of symptomatic sacral perineural cysts (Tarlov cysts) in one family, who presented with perianal paresthesia. Both of them were operated and postoperatively their symptoms were disappeared immediately. We experienced the excellent treatment outcome with the surgical management of symptomatic perineural cysts in the sacral region. We assume that the theory of congenital origin including a familial tendency is the most plausible of the hypotheses that have been proposed.

Symptomatic Intrasacral Extradural Cyst:"Occult Sacral Meningocele" and "Tarlov's Cyst"

Twenty eight year-old male with 3 year history of radiating pain to both thighs and thirty six year-old female with one year history of perineal hypesthesia and constipation were presented. The clinical features, radiologic features, surgical techniques and complications are described. In both cases, postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage was developed and managed successfully with lumbar drainage and rest respectively. The preoperatively presented symptoms were completely disappeared after surgery.