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Spinal synovial cyst

Case contributed by Utkarsh Kabra
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Back pain radiating to left lower limb.

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male
mri

Cystic lesion at the anteromedial aspect of left L5-S1 facet joint compressing left S1 traversing nerve root.

Wedge compression fracture of D12 vertebra with predominantly fatty marrow changes.

Multilevel discovertebral degenerative changes.

Bilateral renal cortical cysts seen.

Case Discussion

Cystic lesion at the anteromedial aspect of left L5-S1 facet joint compressing left S1 traversing nerve root consistent with a spinal synovial cyst. These cysts occur as a result of facet joint arthropathy and can cause spinal canal or nerve root compression. In the above case with left radiculopathy, spinal synovial cyst is the likely culprit.

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