Re: MRI results/Tarlov Cyst

[Guest guest]

Hi Deb,

I did a little research on the Tarlov Cyst, I really hope this helps you, and

that you are feeling as well as possible!

Tarlov cyst  (perineurial cyst)

 Cyst around a nerve root (perineurial).  Cystic dilatation of the

subarachnoid space around a nerve root (between the epineurium [outer-most

layer] of the nerve and the surrounding arachnoid).  The cyst can dissect

into the nerve and can contain nerve fibers within it.  Found on as many as

5% of lumbosacral MRI. The vast majority  (4 out of 5 approximately).are

asymptomatic (no pain, weakness, etc.).  Usually diagnosed incidentally.  No

treatment is necessary.  Surgery indicated only if they cause progressive or

disabling symptoms. Radicular pain -- frequently occuring in attacks with

pain free intervals.  Some pain relief in many patients by assuming

Trendelenberg position. Incontinence.Pain on moving the sacrum seen in some

patients.  Sacral insufficiency fractures in patients with large Tarlov cysts

may predispose to these fractures.Treatments<A

HREF= " http://uscneurosurgery.com/glossary/p/percutaneous.htm " >Percutaneous</A>

CT-guided drainage:

good relief for several months in most patients but cysts recur in almost

all.Although the cysts re-pressurize and the patients' symptoms returned in

most cases, this technique seems to be a quick and simple way of at least

attaining a pain-free interval and possibly a complete cure in some

patients..common lesions that are usually asymptomatic but may cause pressure

symptoms. sacral perineural cysts Sacral laminectomy with microsurgical cyst

fenestration and imbrication,  (closures reinforced epidural fat or muscle

grafts and fibrin glue application. lumbar drains for cerebrospinal fluid

diversion for several days postoperatively in some patients). No specific

symptoms and signs which could make possible the diagnosis of Tarlov's cysts

without myelography or MR imaging. Difficult to prove that Tarlov cysts cause

symptoms in many cases because other findings that can cause these symptoms (<A

HREF= " http://uscneurosurgery.com/glossary/d/disc%20herniation.htm " >

disc herniation</A>, <A

HREF= " http://uscneurosurgery.com/glossary/s/stenosis.htm " >stenosis</A>, ...) are

usually found on MR images or at

surgery.Remodeling of the vertebral body indicates that the cyst has been

present for many, many years (long enough to gradually erode bone and have

bone grow back(compare: spinal arachnoid cyst)(compare: synovial cyst)

~****~****~****~****~****~****~****~****~****~****~****~

" Angels Can Fly Because They Take Themselves Lightly. "

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Joanna/Atlanta (16 years)

CM-17mm/SM-C1-T6<---And its Shrinking!!!

Decompressed, Duraplasty, Laminectomy-7/27/01

Dura Exploration, Staph infection Cleaning-9/8/01

Allergic to EVERYTHING!! Still having Blackouts, dizziness, etc...But

doing great! Doing lots of tests...But guess who is still kicking and started

back at school???? That's right...ME!!!!