Midline communicating spinal extradural arachnoid cyst

ABSTRACT

A case of communicating spinal extradural arachnoid cyst arising from the thoracic midline dural defect is reported in a 17-year-old lad. The condition is a rare cause of spinal cord compression, and usually presents with progressive spastic paraparesis in adolescence. Fifty-eight per cent of the cases reported are of the communicating type. Myelography establishes the diagnosis if the cysts can be filled with contrast medium. Surgical removal of the cyst and obliteration of the communication usually lelads to prompt improvement in neurological symptoms