Tarlov Cyst: A diagnostic of exclusion

Background A wide spectrum of non-neoplastic cystic lesions can occur in the central nervous system (CNS). These are uncommon, benign and of diverse aetiology, pathogenesis and clinical presentation.The spectrum of these lesion varies based on the location and in turn histogenesis. Objectives To evaluate the pathologic spectrum of non-neoplastic cystic lesions in the CNS (both developmental and acquired) and highlight the role of histopathology in the diagnosis of these cystic lesions. Settings and Design This was a retrospective study done at Department of Neuropathology,NIMHANS. Materials and Methods All the histologically diagnosed non-neoplastic cystic lesions of CNS submitted to the Department of Neuropathology between 2014 and 2017 were reviewed in this study. The data was analysed in relation to the type of cysts, location(intracranial and spinal), and clinical profile using SPSS software version 17.0. Results The study included 538 cases with patient age ranging from 5 months to 90 years [M:F:1:1.05]. Non-infective cysts (489/538, 90.8%) predominated over the infective cysts (49/539, 9.2%) with epidermoid cysts (132/538, 24.5%) being the most frequent one followed by colloid cysts (126/538, 23.4%) and arachnoid cysts (111/538,20.6%). The most common infective cyst was neurocysticercosis (42/538, 7.8%) followed by hydatid cyst (7/538, 1.3%). Intracranial cysts (415/538, 77.1%) were more common than spinal ones (123/538, 22.9%). Conclusions: A variety of cystic lesions occur in the CNS with overlapping clinical features, image findings and lining. Hence, histological analysis plays a crucial role in the evaluation of these lesions.

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“…15 They are usually located along the nerve roots. 15 16 The present series included eight perineural cysts which were lumbosacral in location.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nonneoplastic Cystic Lesions of the Central Nervous System—Histomorphological Spectrum: A Study of 538 Cases

Bhatt

Mhatre

Nadeesh

et al. 2019

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice

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“…findings [6]. Both CT and MR imaging are ideally suited for the reliable detection of such Tarlov cysts [3]. The case presented here shows the advantages of magnetic resonance imaging in the exact representation of the positional relationships, especially the relationship to the adjacent nerve roots.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 78%

“…Tarlov cysts are relatively common incidental findings in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations of other parts of the body. They are mostly clinically silent [1,3]. Clinical information, including a careful medical history, naturally play a significant role in the correct evaluation of these random radiological This case shows how even extensive cystic spinal extradural masses with nerve root reference can remain clinically asymptomatic and that in such cases appropriate care is required in assessment and diagnosis.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Tarlov cysts are found -in varying sizes -in up to 10.6% of the population, with women being more frequently affected than men [1,2]. These perineural cysts, which were first described in 1938 in the context of autopsies [3], are dilatations of nerve root pockets filled with liquor [3,4] and typically without symptoms [2]. According to Nabor et al they are classified as spinal meningeal cysts type II due to their extradural location with neural / neural structures included [5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…According to Nabor et al they are classified as spinal meningeal cysts type II due to their extradural location with neural / neural structures included [5]. MR imaging typically shows them to be hypointense in T1-weighted sequences and with high signal intensity in T2-weighted sequences [3]. A significant uptake of contrast agent was not observed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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