What is a perineural cyst of the thoracic spine?

Perineural or Tarlov cysts are type II meningeal cysts, which were first described in 1938 by Dr. Tarlov (1). They are a cerebrospinal fluid–filled abnormal expansion of spinal nerve roots. They are most commonly found in the lumbosacral spine with a prevalence of 1.5–4.6%, with 20% of them being symptomatic (2, 3).

Where are perineural cysts located?

Perineural cysts, which are also known as Tarlov cysts, are fluid-filled sacs that form on the nerve root sheath, most commonly in the sacral area of the spine. They can also occur anywhere else in the spine. They form around the roots of nerves.

Are perineural cysts common?

Small, asymptomatic Tarlov cysts are actually present in an estimated 5 to 9 percent of the general population. However, large cysts that cause symptoms are relatively rare.

Are perineural cysts symptomatic?

These cysts are usually asymptomatic and are incidental on imaging done for some other indication. Symptomatic cysts are rare and the presentation can be low back pain, cauda equina syndrome or sciatica.

Can perineural cysts rupture?

This impaired drainage of venous blood from the perineurium and epineurium results in rupture of these veins and subsequent cyst formation5,9,12). Posttraumatic causes of cyst formation have been reported and some authors report that approximately 40% to 60% of the patients have history of antecedent trauma7,11,12).

What is a thoracic cyst?

Intraspinal synovial cysts of the thoracic spine are a very rare cause of medullary compression. They are mostly found in the lower part of the thoracic column. MRI of the spine is the gold-standard imaging modality for both diagnostics and planning the surgical procedure.

Can perineural cysts cause headaches?

These cysts (also known as meningeal or perineural cysts) can compress nerve roots, causing lower back pain, sciatica (shock-like or burning pain in the lower back, buttocks, and down one leg to below the knee), urinary incontinence, headaches (due to changes in cerebrospinal fluid pressure), constipation, sexual …

Can a cyst cause nerve pain?

Acute and chronic pain may require changes in lifestyle. If left untreated, nerve root compression can cause permanent neurological damage. In some instances Tarlov cysts can cause nerve pain and other pain, weakness, or nerve root compression.

What are the symptoms of a thoracic syrinx?

What are symptoms of syringomyelia?

• pain.
• progressive weakness in the arms and legs.
• stiffness in the back, shoulders, neck, arms, or legs.
• headaches.
• loss of sensitivity to pain or hot and cold, especially in the hands.
• numbness or tingling.
• imbalance.
• loss of bowel and bladder control.

Are perineural cysts dangerous?

The tarlov cyst or perineural cysts can become dangerous when they are symptomatic i.e. when they show symptoms and can compress the spine nerve root endings causing extreme back pain and other problems.

What are multiple perineural cysts?

Perineural cysts can form in any section of the spine , some patients have cysts at more than one location of the spine, including cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. Multiple Tarlov cysts are not uncommon. The cyst is the nerve and therefore cannot be cut out.

What is a dilated perineural cyst?

Perineural Cyst . Perineural cysts appear to be dilated or ballooned areas of the sheaths that cover nerve roots exiting from the sacral area of the spine. They can also occur anywhere along the spine. conditions that can increase the flow of cerebrospinal fluid may cause perineural cysts to expand in size, creating symptoms.

What is a nerve root cyst?

Tarlov cysts , also known as sacral nerve root cysts or perineural cysts are the cerebrospinal fluid dilations of the nerve root sheaths most commonly at the sacral level of the spine.