Neglected Tarlov cysts: a case of a Tarlov cyst with spermatorrhea

Background Tarlov cysts are a commonly misdiagnosed condition, which can present with many rare symptoms. We report a case of a Tarlov cyst with spermatorrhea and review the pertinent literature. Case presentation A 42-year-old male patient had a history of spermatorrhea for > 10 years, but was incorrectly diagnosed as the patient and the doctors consistently mistook the symptoms for a genitourinary disease. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that two cysts in the sacral canal. The diagnosis was Tarlov cyst. We performed surgery to remove the cyst and the symptoms of spermatorrhea disappeared after the operation. Conclusions This case demonstrates that orthopedics and urologists should improve their understanding of Tarlov cysts to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment.

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 11.72 mm.