Presentation
Low back pain
Patient Data
Sacralization of L5 vertebra on both sides.
Desiccation and annular tear at L5/S1 disc, producing indentation upon thecal sac.
Multiple well-defined, oval, homogeneously T2-hyperintense structures of different sizes are noted within spinal canal at S1 to S3 levels, encircling individual right-sided sacral nerve roots and producing leftward displacement of thecal sac. Largest among these cysts is located at S2/S3 level, measuring 23 mm along long axis, producing an asymmetrical right-sided expansion of spinal canal with posterior scalloping at body of S2 segment as well as thinning of its right lamina.
Multiple tiny fluid intensity expansions are noted encircling different other nerve roots within spinal canal, producing multiloculated appearance.
Mural calcification noted at the largest cyst (S2-S3 level).
Posterior scalloping at body of S2 segment and cortical thinning of its right lamina are well demonstrated.
Case Discussion
Tarlov cysts have long been set aside as rare and asymptomatic lesions, having prevalence <5% 1. However, some recent papers 2,3 have demonstrated that the actual prevalence is somewhat higher, around 5-9%.
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.