Arachnoid cyst of petrous apex is an uncommon cyst lesion that herniates from the posterolateral portion of the Meckel's cave into the petrous apex. It can be unilateral or bilateral, usually observed in female population. Its etiopathogenesis is still uncertain and many theories were reported in the literature. The characteristic imaging appearance, topography and benign behavior of the lesion allow to differentiate arachnoid cyst from other cyst-like lesions of petrous apex and prevent abusive surgery or unnecessary investigations. The purpose of this study is to illustrate through this observation the role of sectional imaging in the diagnosis of symptomatic arachnoid cyst of petrous apex.

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Cavernous hemangiomas are a benign lesion that can affect any parth of the neurax. However, pure lumbar extradural localization is not common. Their ethiopatogenesis is uncertain and still debated but actually, they are considered as congenital vascular malformations. The clinical presentation is not specific, they can simulate any expansive process of the epidural space which makes the condition difficult to the preoperative diagnosis. Although unusual and in front of its eventual complications, foraminal cavernous hemangioma deserves to be considered in the differential diagnosis with spinal epidural soft tissue masses particularly those dumbbell shaped. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the chosen technique in the positive diagnosis and can help to evaluate the relationship of the lesion with surrounding anatomic structures to avoid intra-operative incidents. Total removal of the lesion, as early as possible, is the optimum treatment preserving the prognosis. We report a case of a patient suffering from lombosciatalgia secondary to a lumbar spinal extradural cavernous hemangioma. The purpose of this study is to highlight through this observation the role of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of this unusual cavernoma's localization.