Haemorrhagic synovial cyst presenting as thoracic cord compression: a case report and review of the literature

Br J Neurosurg. 2012 Feb;26(1):120-2. doi: 10.3109/02688697.2011.591853. Epub 2011 Jul 18.

Abstract

Synovial cysts are often incidental findings on spinal imaging. They can present with back pain and radicular symptoms; rarely, they can rupture causing an epidural haematoma and thecal sac compression. We present the first reported case of a haemorrhagic synovial cyst causing thoracic cord compression, and review the pertinent literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage / complications*
  • Hemorrhage / surgery
  • Humans
  • Laminectomy / methods
  • Low Back Pain / etiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology
  • Musculoskeletal Pain / etiology
  • Spinal Cord Compression / etiology*
  • Spinal Cord Compression / surgery
  • Spinal Diseases / complications*
  • Spinal Diseases / surgery
  • Synovial Cyst / complications*
  • Synovial Cyst / surgery
  • Thoracic Vertebrae