Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Apr 2018
Can patients with symptomatic Tarlov cysts be differentiated from patients with specific low back pain based on comprehensive history taking?
Tarlov cysts (TCs) are expanded nerve root sheaths that occur near the dorsal root ganglion and result from increased intraspinal hydrostatic pressure. TCs most frequently affect the lumbosacral plexus and therefore may cause specific symptoms such as perineal pain and neurogenic bladder, bowel, and sphincter problems. It has been estimated that 1% of the population has symptomatic Tarlov cysts (STCs). However, STCs appear to be underdiagnosed, with the pain reported by patients commonly attributed to degenerative alterations seen on MRI. The aim of the present study is to investigate the utility of a comprehensive questionnaire for use by physicians in establishing the diagnosis of STCs. ⋯ Including the above-listed items in the patient history might facilitate differentiation of low back pain and sciatica due to STCs from that due to disc problems or degenerative or inflammatory disorders.