Ligamentum flavium cyst

Cakir E., KUZEYLI K., USUL H., PEKSOYLU B., YAZAR U., REIS A., ...More

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE, vol.11, no.1, pp.67-69, 2004 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 11 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2004
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.jocn.2003.02.008
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.67-69
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Introduction: Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of ligamentum flavum and other spinal cysts have been well described, the role of contrast enhancement in this diagnosis has been neglected. We describe such a case and correlate the MRI findings with the histopathology. Case report. A 71-years-old woman was admitted with of neurogenic lumbar claudication. X-rays of the lumbar spine showed degenerative changes with scoliosis. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a L3/4 extradural cystic mass. An L3 laminectomy was performed and the mass excised. The histopathological diagnosis was consistent with a ligamentum flavum cyst. Postoperatively, the patient's symptoms resolved completely. Conclusion: The possibility of a ligamentum flavum cyst should be considered whenever a hyperintense extradural mass with a peripheral hypointense rim on T2 weighted and slightly contrast enhanced peripheral rim on T1 weighted MRI is identified in a patient with degenerative changes of the lumbar spine. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.