A Case of Thoracic Perineural (Tarlov) Cyst

What is it about?

Perineural or Tarlov cysts are the cysts of the membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord. They are cerebrospinal fluid-filled abnormal expansion of spinal nerve roots. We describe a case of thoracic Tarlov cysts which are very uncommon and can be mistaken for nerve root sheath tumor on imaging. Majority of them do not cause symptoms however, in some cases can cause pain in extremity, decreased sensation or weakness. Invasive spinal or pleural procedures in the presence of Tarlov cysts should be carried out with extreme caution to avoid puncture of the membrane of the brain and subsequent complications.

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