Tarlov cysts among sportspersons: a case series

Abstract

Tarlov cysts (also known as meningeal cysts or perineural cysts) are fluid-filled sacs that are usually found at the bottom of the spine (the sacrum). The cysts appear in the roots of the nerves that grow out of the spinal cord. Majority of the tarlov cysts are often asymptomatic and hence not considered as part of the differential diagnosis for the treatment of low back pain. However, in some cases, tarlov cysts may be large enough to be symptomatic and as a result be a cause of disability and distress especially in physically active individuals. We report 5 cases of symptomatic tarlov cysts in physically active individuals with clinical presentations of persistent disabling low back pain with radiating pain in some individuals. In the first 3 cases, the tarlov cysts were large enough and the patients had to undergo ultrasound guided aspiration of the cysts while the other 2 cases were treated with epidural injections and conservative management.