J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2015 Dec;58(6):563-565. 10.3340/jkns.2015.58.6.563.

Contralateral Juxtafacet Cyst Development after the Spontaneous Resolution of a Previous Facet Cyst

• Kim HS
• Ju CI
• Kim SW
• Kim SH

• KMID: 2151162
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2015.58.6.563

Abstract

Juxtafacet cysts are implicated in neural compression. Thus far, it is known that surgical removal is the definitive treatment for symptomatic juxtafacet cyst because spontaneous regression is rare, and the failure rate of conservative treatment is high. We have reported a rare case of right-sided juxtafacet cyst development after the spontaneous resolution of contralateral left-sided facet cyst. The left-sided facet cyst resolved spontaneously without surgical treatment, but a juxtacyst developed on the contralateral facet on the right side, as illustrated on 4-year follow-up magnetic resonance images. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of newly developed contralateral juxtafacet cyst after spontaneous regression. Herein, we have discussed the natural history and the management of this rare case.

Keyword

Lumbar; Facet; Cyst

MeSH Terms

Follow-Up Studies
Natural History

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A and B : Simple dyanmic flexion and extension views show mild instability at the L3–4 level. C and D : T2-weighted magnetic resonance images showing cyst on the left L3–4 facet joint and compression of the L5 root.

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  Fig. 2 T2-weighted magnetic resonance images taken after 4 years show the presence of a cyst on the right L3–4 facet joint. The previous left facet cyst is absent.

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  Fig. 3 Simple radiographs showing interbody fusion of L3–4 with percutaneous screw fixation after surgery.

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