Tarlov cyst
perineural cyst

Tarlov cysts were first described in the medical literature in 1938.

Tarlov cysts are known to have the tendency to enlarge over time.

In most cases, Tarlov cysts do not cause symptoms (asymptomatic).

Tarlov cysts are primarily located in the S1 to S4 region of the spinal cord.

Patients with symptomatic Tarlov cysts can be divided into 4 categories, according to their experienced symptoms:

Tarlov cysts are relatively common when compared to other neurological cysts, but they are usually asymptomatic.

Walls of Tarlov cysts are thin and fibrous; they are prone to rupture if touched, making surgery difficult.

A computed tomography (CT) scan is another examination method often used for the diagnosis of Tarlov cyst.

Symptoms sometimes caused by Tarlov cysts include pain, an inability to control bladder and bowel movements (incontinence), and weakness in the legs.

Tarlov cysts are defined as cysts formed within the nerve-root sheath at the dorsal root ganglion.

Tarlov cysts are considered Type II lesions, being defined as extradural meningeal cysts with nerve fibers.

Two most commonly used and effective examination method for Tarlov Cysts are MRI and CT.

The term "Tarlov cysts" (or "sacral perineurial cyst"), has often been misused for referring to other cystic lesions in the sacral region.

Perineural Cysts Sacral Nerve Root Cysts None Tarlov cysts are fluid-filled sacs that affect the nerve roots of the spine, especially near the base of the spine (sacral region).

Tarlov cysts are often asymptomatic; the cases of reported symptomatic Tarlov cysts ranges from 15% to 30% of the overall reported Tarlov cyst case, depending on the source of literature.

Therefore, the final diagnosis of a Tarlov cyst is not a radiological but rather, a histopathological, diagnosis These cysts are sometimes also misdiagnosed as lumbar disc herniation or lumbar spinal stenosis, especially when they are pressing on the S-1 nerve root.

Tarlov cysts are often detected through MRI or CT Myelography; these tools are very useful in spotting cysts at the region, but they cannot distinguish one major difference between Tarlov cysts and other cysts: the fact the walls contain nerve fibers.

Perineural Cysts Sacral Nerve Root Cysts None Tarlov cysts are fluid-filled sacs that affect the nerve roots of the spine, especially near the base of the spine (sacral region).