Spinal extradural arachnoid cyst in the dorsolumbar region: A case report and literature review

Gutierrez J.P.M.; Turpo-Pequena A.G. · Surgical Neurology International (2026) · DOI: 10.25259/sni_1311_2025

Resumen

Background: Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts (SEACs) represent <1% of all spinal epidural lesions. They mostly occur in the thoracic region and occasionally are thoracolumbar in location. Typically, patients may be asymptomatic or exhibit pain with/without a neurological deficit. Case Description: A 44-year-old female presented with a 5-year history of chronic low back pain and intermittent dysesthesia but had no neurological deficits. The magnetic resonance revealed an extradural cyst at D12-L1, isointense to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and displacing the dural sac ventrally. The patient underwent a D12-L1 hemilaminectomy for excision of a thin-walled cyst; there were adhesions to the conus, and we encountered no CSF leakage. Postoperatively, pain rapidly improved, and the patient remains asymptomatic. Conclusion: A 44-year-old female presented with pain attributed to a T12-L1 dorsal extradural cyst that was successfully removed through a hemilaminectomy, resulting in full resolution of her pain complaints.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica de Santa María