Periodontoid synovial cyst causing cervico-medullary compression.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Periodontoid synovial cysts are rare lesions which may produce symptomatic cervico-medullary compression.

METHOD:

We report such a patient, whose progressive neurological deterioration required surgical treatment by transoral odontoidectomy and decompression.

RESULTS:

The diagnostic and theraputic interventions are described, including a lumbar puncture which precipitated a transient loss of consciousness and respiratory arrest. Surgery achieved clinical improvement, without complications or need for operative stablization. Detailed neuropathology is presented, as well as a literature review.

CONCLUSION:

Appropriate neuroradiological assessment is required in patients with suspected cervico-medullary compression, and symptomatic periodontoid synovial cysts may respond well to transoral surgical decompression.

• Authors: A M Kaufmann, W C Halliday, M West, D Fewer, I Ross
• Journal: The Canadian journal of neurological sciences. Le journal canadien des sciences neurologiques (Can J Neurol Sci) Vol. 23 Issue 3 Pg. 227-30 (Aug 1996) ISSN: 0317-1671 [Print] England
• PMID: 8862848 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Cervical Vertebrae (pathology)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Medulla Oblongata (pathology)
• Middle Aged
• Spinal Cord Compression (etiology, pathology)
• Synovial Cyst (complications, pathology)