Brown-séquard syndrome caused by a cervical synovial cyst

Abstract

Synovial cysts are recognized as an uncommon cause of radicular and myelopathic symptoms. They are most frequently found in the lumbar region. The cervical spine or cervicothoracic junction is a rare location for a degenerative intraspinal synovial cyst as compared with the lumbar spine. At given cervical spinal levels, synovial cysts probably share clinical features with disc herniation and stenosis. However, the pathogenesis of synovial cysts remains still controversial. Here, we report a rare case of a synovial cyst in the lower cervical spine presented as Brown-Séquard syndrome and include a brief review of the literature. To the best of our knowledge, no previous report has been issued in the English literature on a synovial cyst presenting with Brown-Séquard syndrome. Neurologic function recovered completely after complete removal of the cyst and expansive laminoplasty.

Keywords: Brown-Séquard syndrome; Cervical; Synovial cyst.

Fig. 1

T2-weighted sagittal (A) and axial magnetic resonance (B) images show an intraspinal cystic mass lesion compressing the spinal cord at the C7-T1 level.

Fig. 2

A pathological examination revealed fibroconnective tissue and synovial membrane consistent with a synovial cyst (H&E, ×100). Dystrophic calcification is also noted (arrow).