Open AccessRare case of cystic hygroma in the epidural space resulting in multilevel spinal cord compression
Author(s) -
Christopher Payne,
Michael J. Gigliotti,
Alejandro D. Castellvi,
Alexander Yu
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
bmj case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.231
H-Index - 26
ISSN - 1757-790X
DOI - 10.1136/bcr-2019-230326
Subject(s) - medicine , cystic hygroma , lymphangioma , spinal cord compression , epidural space , myelopathy , surgery , cyst , decompression , lymphatic system , soft tissue , spinal cord , radiology , pathology , pregnancy , fetus , genetics , psychiatry , biology
Lymphangioma, or cystic hygroma, involving the epidural space and spinal soft tissue, is a rare benign lesion consisting of an abnormal collection of lymphatic tissue isolated from the normal lymphatic system. This case report is the most extensive case of cystic hygroma involving the spine reported in the literature. A 23-year-old man with a history of cystic hygromas of the neck and thorax presented with bilateral upper and lower extremity weakness that progressively worsened over 3 months. A left hemilaminectomy from C4 to T5 with endoscopic exploration and cyst drainage was performed. At last follow-up, the patient was ambulating and returned to work. Aggressive decompression of mass lesions resulting in myelopathy, such as the spinal cystic hygromas, resulted in improved motor function as well as overall function status.