MRI of spinal intradural arachnoid cyst formation following tuberculous meningitis

Br J Radiol. 2004 Aug;77(920):681-4. doi: 10.1259/bjr/90641678.

Abstract

Secondary intradural arachnoid cyst involving the spine is uncommon. It is usually secondary to trauma, haemorrhage, surgery or inflammation. We present two cases of treated tuberculous meningitis, which presented with gradual onset of quadriplegia and paraplegia, respectively. MRI revealed intradural (cervical and thoracic) arachnoid cysts (ventral and dorsal to the spinal cord) with myelomalacic cord changes. Ventral location of such spinal arachnoid cysts, and being secondary to tuberculous arachnoiditis are distinctively uncommon features. The rarity of this condition and the relevance of MRI in the accurate diagnosis have been discussed here.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arachnoid Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Arachnoid Cysts / microbiology
  • Arachnoiditis / complications
  • Arachnoiditis / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / complications*