The sequelae of a neglected thoracolumbar cystic spinal lesion

Abstract

Large thoracolumbar intradural cystic lesions are rare. The possible diagnosis would be a cystic nerve sheath tumour, dural ectasia or arachnoid cyst. We report the first case of a neglected giant thoracolumbar spinal cystic tumour that had resulted in progressive deleterious spinal column deformity due to bony erosion precluding any form of surgical remedy. In the same case, another fatal sequela of a neglected spinal cystic tumour is a spontaneous rupture resulting in an acute hydrocephalus and mortality. This case impresses the natural history of a spinal cystic lesion. The take home point would be these cases need early surgical intervention is indicated to prevent sequelae that has been described.