Tarlov cyst

Case contributed by Mostafa Elfeky
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Right loin pain and sciatica.

Patient Data

Age: 45 years
Gender: Female

MRI Sacral spine

mri
This study is a stack
Axial
T1
This study is a stack
Coronal
T1
This study is a stack
Sagittal
T1
This study is a stack
Axial
T2
This study is a stack
Coronal
T2
This study is a stack
Sagittal
T2
This study is a stack
Axial T2
fat sat
This study is a stack
Coronal T2
fat sat
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Info

A peri-neural cyst at the level of S2 segment lateralizing to right with smooth scalloping of the related bony skeletonand mild effacement of the related right sided sacral nerve roots. It is measuring 1.5x 1.8 x 2.5 cm in dimensions.

Case Discussion

Tarlov cysts are benign perineural cysts, typically occurring in the lower lumbar and sacral spine, usually seen at the existing foramina arising from exiting nerve roots. They are more common in females. These benign cysts are usually asymptomatic, however sometimes they can grow to a large size and cause pressure symptoms and bone remodeling as in this patient. 

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