• R K Osenbach, J C Godersky, V C Traynelis, and R D Schelper.
• Division of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City.
• Neurosurgery. 1992 Jan 1; 30 (1): 35-42.

AbstractFourteen patients with intradural extramedullary cysts of the spinal canal are described. Histological classification included 11 arachnoid, 2 epithelial, and 1 ependymal cyst. There were 9 thoracic, 3 cervical, and 2 lumbar cysts. The most common clinical presentation was a slowly progressive myelopathy. Twelve patients (85%) had objective neurological findings at the time of diagnosis. Radiographic diagnosis was made by a combination of myelography, computed tomographic scan with myelography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Complete surgical resection was accomplished for 8 dorsal cysts, and 6 ventral cysts were widely fenestrated into the subarachnoid space. Overall results were considered excellent or good in 9 patients, fair in 3, and poor in 2. There was one recurrence, which required a second operation. We conclude that the majority of intradural spinal cysts can be successfully managed surgically with a favorable clinical outcome.

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