Sudden Foot Drop Caused by Foraminal Gas Pseudocyst

Abstract

A foraminal gas pseudocyst is a rare cause of lumbar radiculopathy. The association with a sudden foot drop has not been previously reported. Here, a 67-year-old woman with sudden foot drop on the left side is reported. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging identified a foraminal gas containing lesion compressing the left L5 root at the L5-S1 foramen. The foraminal gas containing lesion compressing the L5 ganglion was successfully removed by the posterior approach. The histological diagnosis was a gas pseudocyst. This unique case of surgically proven gas pseudocyst indicates that it should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with sudden foot drop.

Isolated foot drop secondary to severe stenosis of spondylosis lumbar spine: case reports

“…In other cases, FD might clinically be related to upper motor neuron abnormalities. 2-4, 8 FD associated with degenerative spinal disorders is often accompanied by low back or radiating pain. In a previous study, all patients suffering from FD experienced low back pain and spread of pain.…”

“…The common caused of FD include lower motor neuron disorders (plexopathy, radiculopathy or mononeuropathies of the deep peroneal, common peroneal, or sciatic nerves) and upper motor neuron disorders. 1,2,8 In this study, we report two patients with isolated FD caused by lower motor neuron disorder secondary from severe stenosis of spondylosis lumbar spine.…”