Intradural arachnoid cyst associated with thoracic spinal compression fracture: 7-year follow up after surgery

Abstract

Study design: A case report with long-term follow after a surgical procedure.

Objectives: To describe a case of intradural arachnoid cyst secondary to a compression fracture in the thoracic spine and to report long-term results after surgical treatment with hemilaminectomy.

Setting: Osaka, Japan.

Methods: A 68-year-old man who had a traumatic intradural arachnoid cyst following an adjacent compression fracture of T5 underwent surgery. Intraoperatively, after recognition of intradural arachnoid cyst with an echogram following hemilaminectomy, the dural sac was incised and the arachnoid cyst was resected under microscopic observation.

Results: At 7 years after the operation, the low intensity within the vertebral body of the compression fracture had resolved and the spinal cord remained in its normal shape and position. No progression of kyphotic deformity was detected.

Conclusion: A compression fracture of the thoracic spine can be associated with an intradural arachnoid cyst. Microscopic resection via hemilaminectomy for the cyst showed a good result in a 7-year follow up.