Tarlov cyst

Synonyms
Tarlov cyst

A Tarlov cyst is a perineural cyst filled with Cerebrospinal fluid that most commonly occurs in the region of the spinal ganglia in the sacral region[^1] [^3].

Symptoms

The symptoms of sacral Tarlov cysts may vary depending on their exact location and may include low back Back pain, Coccydynia, perianal pain, or radicular pain symptoms[^2].

Imaging

Tarlov cysts are best visualized on MRI. On Myelography, delayed filling with contrast medium may occasionally be observed. Signs of remodeling in the adjacent bone are usually seen in Tarlov cysts[^4].

Tarlov cyst on sagittal T2 MRI
Visualization of a Tarlov cyst (red arrow) on a sagittal T2 MRI image.
Tarlov cyst on MRI
Visualization of a right-sided Tarlov cyst (red arrow) on an axial T2 MRI image.
Bilateral perineural cyst
Bilateral perineural cysts on axial T2-weighted MRI.
Sacral perineural cyst
Depiction of a perineural cyst on a sagittal T2-weighted sequence in the sacral region.

Treatment

Asymptomatic Tarlov cysts do not require surgical intervention. In rare and highly selected cases, surgical treatment may be indicated for symptomatic Tarlov cysts[^2].

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