Spinal Perineural Cysts among European Patients

Background A perineural (Tarlov) cyst is a fluid-filled lesion occurring between the perineurium and the endoneurium of spinal nerve roots. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and morphology of perineural cysts, detected incidentally in patients with symptomatic degenerative disk disease. Materials/methods The study was based on the retrospective data gathered during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Results and Conclusions Out of 3,128 spinal MRI examinations, perineural cysts were detected in 286 patients (9%). The cysts were most commonly observed in the sacral region, followed by thoracic, cervical, and lumbar regions. Cysts were more common in women than in men and the average age of patients was 54.8 years. In the majority, a single cyst was found. The average longest dimension of the lesion was 11.72mm.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the prevalence and morphology of perineural cysts detected incidentally in patients with symptomatic degenerative disk disease through retrospective MRI data. Perineural cysts were found in 9% of the 3,128 spinal MRI examinations, mostly located in the sacral region. They were more common in women, with an average patient age of 54.8 years and an average longest dimension of 11.72mm for the cysts.