Anterior Cervical Intradural Arachnoid Cyst In A Child: A Case Report And Literature Review

Intradural arachnoid cyst is classified as type III meningeal cyst according to the histological examination. These are most commonly found in the posterior thoracic spine, while those in the anterior cervical spine are extremely rare. We report our experience with a case of the anterior cervical intradural arachnoid cyst. Key findings from a literature review are presented and comparisons drawn with the previously reported 30 cases. A 7-year-old boy presented with a history of neck pain and difficulty in walking. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination showed an anterior cervical intradural arachnoid cyst, which had caused spinal cord compression and deformation. The child received laminectomy combined with cystectomy. The symptoms significantly improved after surgery. However, follow-up MRI six months after surgery showed recurrence of the arachnoid cyst pressing down on his spinal cord. MRI offers a definitive advantage in evaluation of this disease. Postoperative recurrence is common irrespective of the surgical procedure. Surgery is still the most effective method for treatment.