Anterior cervical arachnoid cyst simulating syringomyelia: a case with preceding posterior arachnoid cysts
J. Herskowitz, M. A. Bielawski, N. Venna and T. D. Sabin
An arachnoid cyst lying anterior to the cervical cord at level C6-7 was
found in a 28-year-old woman believed to have syringomyelia. This diagnosis
was based both on previous findings at laminectomy and on computerized
tomography. The diagnosis of arachnoid cyst was suspected because of
clinical features atypical for classical syringomyelia and a history of
arachnoid cysts found during childhood. Air myelography demonstrated an
extramedullary intradural mass anteriorly that proved to be an arachnoid
cyst. Drainage and subtotal resection resulted in marked clinical
improvement. This case illustrates the need for reevaluation when a patient
with "known" syringomyelia presents an atypical clinical picture. Anterior
cervical arachnoid cyst, which may accompany or succeed posterior arachnoid
cysts, should be considered.
