Hemorrhagic synovial cyst associated with rheumatoid atlantoaxial subluxation

Retro-odontoid pseudotumor presenting double layer on MRI: A case report

Background:

Retro-odontoid pseudotumors (ROPs) typically present as a single mass posterior to the odontoid ranging from isointense to hypointense relative on T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (MRI T1WI). Here, a patient with ROP exhibited the double-layer sign on the MRI T1WI characterized by an initial ventral layer posterior to the odontoid process followed by a secondary dorsal layer.

Case Description:

An 84-year-old male presented with cervical myelopathy attributed to ROP resulting in atlantoaxial instability on dynamic X-ray studies, and the double-layer sign on the T1 MR accompanied by a cystic component. MR following C1–C2 posterior fusion, the patient’s myelopathy resolved and both layers spontaneously regressed on the follow-up MR studies.

Conclusion:

The MR-documented double layer sign with ROP, likely attributable to reactive hypertrophy of the transverse ligament with cystic components, may demonstrate spontaneous MR regression with symptom resolution following a C1–C2 posterior fusion.

Cervical myelopathy caused by ventrally located atlanto-axial synovial cysts: An open quest for the safest and most effective surgical management. Case series and systematic review of the literature

OF BACKGROUND DATA

Despite a good understanding of the natural history of spinal synovial cysts (SCs), a widespread agreement regarding their optimal management is still lacking. This is particularly true for SCs occurring at the C1-C2 level, which are rare, but oftentimes lead to a rapidly evolving cervical myelopathy.

METHODS

We report a series of 4 patients (M:F ratio=1:1; mean age 63.5 years) presenting with progressive cervical myelopathy secondary to ventrally located C1-C2 SCs. All patients underwent a postero-lateral facet-sparing intradural approach with total excision of the SCs. Functional status was assessed pre- and postoperatively with Nurick scale and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic association grading. Furthermore we conducted a systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines of pertinent literature to contextualize the options for surgical management of such lesions.

RESULTS

Complete excision of the SCs was confirmed radiologically and on histological analysis. All measures of functional status improved post-operatively, and no cyst recurrence or need for instrumented fusion were noted during follow up (range from 22 to 88 months).

CONCLUSION

Our experience suggests that the facet-sparing intradural approach provides excellent clinical outcomes without causing any C1-C2 instability. This is in keeping with the take home message emerging from our literature review, which confirms that treatment should aim at radical resection of SCs while minimizing the risk of postoperative instability.

Multiple extra-articular synovial cysts accompanied by rheumatoid arthritis in the bilateral elbow joints: A case report

RATIONALE

Synovial cysts are well known in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and most common in the popliteal fossa. They may produce lots of local symptoms and complaints, which may present initially as an unrelated clinical condition. Few studies have reported multiple extra-articular synovial cysts (MESCs) in the RA patients. Early diagnosis is crucial for patient treatment.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 50-year-old man without any special clinical histories found a soya bean size bump at the left elbow medially, then multiple lumps were found at bilateral elbows and gradually increasing. No pain, no activity, no redness, and swelling. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple cystic lesions in the bursa and surrounding soft tissue of bilateral elbow joints. In addition, the elbow joint bursa was swollen and the synovial membrane was significantly thickened.

DIAGNOSES

The man was diagnosed as RA with multiple extra-articular synovial cysts formation.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was performed tylectomy of the right elbow. Other lumps were punctured and injected with compound betamethasone injection.

OUTCOMES

The bumps were reduced in size and the swelling relieved, and the patient was sent to the department of rheumatology and immunology for further treatment.

LESSONS

In this case, it is difficult for the diagnosis of RA because of no relative histories and simultaneously multiple cystic lesions in multiple joints. Imaging examinations can show the characteristics of such kind of disease and be very helpful for the diagnosis and differentiate diagnosis.

Recurrent atlantoaxial synovial cyst resection via a navigation-guided, endoscope-assisted posterior approach

Background:

Atlantoaxial cysts are rare, and only 46 histologically confirmed cases have been reported.

Case Description:

A 75-year-old male presented 2 years ago with headache, neck pain, loss of balance, and episodic dysphagia, for which he had undergone posterior cervical drainage of a left-sided atlantoaxial cyst. Although his original symptoms resolved, they recurred 2 years later and were correlated with an enhanced MR that showed a recurrent left C1-C2 synovial cyst causing marked cervical cord compression. It was successfully resected through a navigation-guided, endoscope-assisted posterior approach. The patient's symptoms/signs resolved completely, and he has remained symptom-free for over 30 months postoperatively, with no evidence of recurrence on MR or craniocervical instability.

Conclusions:

A patient who successfully underwent resection of a recurrent synovial cervical cyst using a navigation-guided, endoscope-assisted posterior approach has been reported here.