Ganglion cyst of the spinal anterior longitudinal ligament presenting as a retropharyngeal mass

Abstract

Cervical spinal synovial and/or ganglion cysts can occur at various periarticular sites and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraspinal-extradural or paraspinal masses of the cervical spine. The first report of a ganglion cyst of the cervical anterior longitudinal ligament presenting as a retropharyngeal mass, is presented. The histopathology, etiology, and clinical aspects of synovial and ganglion cysts of the cervical spine are briefly reviewed

Dysphagia and Pharyngeal Cyst

“…Depending on the location and size of the lesions, juxtafacet cysts of the cervical spine have been associated with upper extremity radiculopathy, myelopathy, and neck and shoulder pain . Rarely, do they present as pharyngeal masses causing dysphagia or globus sensation …”

“…The first description of spinal juxtafacet cysts appeared in Kao et al in 1968. They are described equally among men and women, most commonly in the fifth or sixth decade of life . The pathogenesis for formation of these cysts remains poorly understood.…”

“…3 Rarely, do they present as pharyngeal masses causing dysphagia or globus sensation. 4,5 The first description of spinal juxtafacet cysts appeared in Kao et al 4 in 1968. They are described equally among men and women, most commonly in the fifth or sixth decade of life.…”

“…They are described equally among men and women, most commonly in the fifth or sixth decade of life. 5 The pathogenesis for formation of these cysts remains poorly understood. One…”

Ganglion Cyst of the Spinal Anterior Longitudinal Ligament: A Rare Cause of Pharyngeal Bulging

“…3,4 Ventral location (in the anterior longitudinal ligament) associated with pharyngolaryngeal compression is an extremely rare finding. 5 MRI is the imaging method of choice, and histopathological assessment is required for establishing the definitive diagnosis of a ganglion cyst. 6 Treatment for symptomatic cases is surgical removal.…”