Hemorrhage into a lumbar synovial cyst causing an acute cauda equina syndrome

Case report

Stephen B. Tatter Neurosurgical Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts

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 M.D., Ph.D.
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G. Rees Cosgrove Neurosurgical Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts

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 M.D., F.R.C.S.(C)
Page Range:
449–452
Volume/Issue:
Volume 81: Issue 3
DOI link:
https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.1994.81.3.0449
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✓ Juxtafacet cysts of the lumbar spine have been reported with increasing frequency but their pathogenesis remains obscure. These cysts most frequently present with back pain, followed by chronic progressive radiculopathy or gradual onset of symptoms of spinal canal compromise. The authors report an unusual case of hemorrhage into a right L3–4 synovial cyst causing an acute cauda equina syndrome and describe its successful surgical treatment. The clinical, radiographic, and pathological features are discussed.

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Contributor Notes

Address reprint requests to: G. Rees Cosgrove, M.D., Neurosurgical Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.
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