[Tarlov cysts: report of four cases]

Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2004 Sep;62(3A):689-94. doi: 10.1590/s0004-282x2004000400023. Epub 2004 Aug 24.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

Four perineurial cysts cases (Tarlov's cysts) are reported. The purpose of this study is to describe and to compare them with data from a literature review. The evaluation was performed among 88 adult patients with symptoms of radiculopathy, sacral pain, low back pain. Four patients revealed Tarlov's cysts (4.5%). The diagnosis was made by magnetic resonance imaging. Four cases underwent sacral laminectomy. Following surgery, the claudication pain resolved with no motor or sensory deficits. Tarlov's cysts should be considered as a differential diagnosis of sacral radiculopathy, sacral or lumbar pain syndromes and mainly to the lumbar disc prolapse. The goal of the surgical treatment is to relieve the neural compression and stop bone erosion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lumbosacral Region / diagnostic imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Tarlov Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Tarlov Cysts / diagnostic imaging
  • Tarlov Cysts / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed