A searchable database of
medically documented cases

About the Project

Spontaneous Resolution Of Discal Cyst Around L5 Nerve Root: Case Report And Review Of Literature

Prasad et al., 2011Other/Unknown

Prasad, G., Kabir, S. M., Saifuddin, A., & Casey, A. T. (2011). spontaneous resolution of discal cyst around L5 nerve root: case report and review of literature. British journal of neurosurgery, 25(6), 761–763. https://doi.org/10.3109/02688697.2011.555020

View Original Source →

Abstract

The treatment of discal cysts is controversial, with different surgical options described in the literature. We present an interesting case of spontaneous resolution of a symptomatic discal cyst. Based on our case report, we recommend non-operative management in the first instance and an up-to-date MRI scan before contemplating surgery.

Case Details

Disease Location

Lumbar disc (around l5 nerve root)

Personal Characteristics

41 -year-old female

Clinical Characteristics

Low back pain with right lower limb radicular symptoms in the l5 dermatomal distribution. Had normal gait with normal lower limb neurological exam. MRI revealed a well-defined discal cyst measuring 10x8 mm^2 lying lateral to and compressing the right l5 nerve root. No enhancement found with gd. The cyst was present in the lateral recess and there was minimal associated l4/5 disc degeneration. Epidural significantly relieved symptoms

Remission Characteristics

5 months follow-up MRI failed to indentify the cyst

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Caudal epidural injection

Clinical Treatment

Caudal epidural injection

Non-Clinical Treatment

None reported