Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society

The Korean Neurosurgical Society (대한신경외과학회)
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Ganglion Cyst of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Causing Lumbar Radiculopathy

  • Cho, Sung-Min (Department of Neurosurgery, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine) ;
  • Rhee, Woo-Tack (Department of Neurosurgery, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Sang-Youl (Department of Neurosurgery, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Sang-Bok (Department of Neurosurgery, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University College of Medicine)
  • Received : 2009.07.03
  • Accepted : 2010.03.15
  • Published : 2010.04.28
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Abstract

Degenerated conditions such as herniated disc or spinal stenosis are common etiologies of lumbar radiculopathy. Less common etiologies include spinal extradural cyst such as synovial cysts and ganglion cysts. Ganglion cyst of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) of the spine is a rare entity that can result in classical sciatica. Posterior longitudinal ligament cyst has no continuity with the facet joint and has no epithelial lining. Two young male patients presented with unilateral sciatica and were found to have intraspinal cystic lesions causing lumbar radiculopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated rounded, cystic lesions (i.e., hypointense on T1-but hyperintense on T2-weighted images) adjacent to minimally dehydrated, nonherniated disc spaces in both cases. These patients underwent posterior decompression and cysts were excised, and their sciatic symptoms were completely resolved. Histological examination showed typical features of ganglion cysts in these cases.

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References

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