J Korean Soc Spine Surg.  2011 Mar;18(1):24-28. 10.4184/jkss.2011.18.1.24.

Multiple Bilateral Thoracic Perineural Cysts: A Case Report

• Kim MS
• Kwak JY
• Lee CB
• Park HT
• Choi SJ
• Ha JM

• KMID: 1448028
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4184/jkss.2011.18.1.24

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Case report
OBJECTIVES
We report a case of relatively rare multiple bilateral perineural cysts. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Tarlov cysts, also known as perineural cysts are most often found in the sacral region, but there are a few cases reported in the thoracic region. In particular, there are very few cases of multiple bilateral thoracic perineural cysts.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A woman aged 65 years with perineural cysts in the bilateral T10-T11 and T11-12 neural foramens, underwent a T10-11-12 decompressive laminectomy and resection of the cyst.
RESULTS
Satisfactory results were obtained for the patient after surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
For more detailed and definitive treatment of thoracic perineural cysts, additional cases are required.

Keyword

Thoracic spine; Multiple bilateral perineural cysts

MeSH Terms

Aged
Female
Humans
Laminectomy
Sacrococcygeal Region
Tarlov Cysts

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Magnetic resonance image of the thoracic spine showing a round extradural mass at the T11-12 level. The lesions show an inhomogenously hypointense signal on the T1-weighted image (A, B), and a more hypointense signal on the T2-weighted image (C, D).

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  Fig. 2. Axial T2W FAT suppression image that demonstrates large cystic structures in the bilateral T11 and T12 neural foramens.

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  Fig. 3. Sagittal T2W FAT suppression image of the thoracic spine. Large cystic lesions in the T10-T11 and T11-T12 neural foramens.

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  Fig. 4. Photomicrograph showing the irregular cystic wall composed of dense collagenous bundles and vascular connective tissue. (H&E x 100).

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