Disc Herniation and Cyst Gas: A Rare Association Causing Radicular Compression

Abstract

Introduction Intraspinal gas is a common clinical finding, but an epidural gas pseudocyst in association with lateral disc herniation compressing a nerve root is an exceptional observation.

Case Report A 49-year-old man was admitted to our department presenting with sciatica. The neurological examination demonstrated moderate lumbar pain without neurological deficit. A lumbosacral computed tomography showed the presence of degenerated disc herniation and epidural gas collection.

Discussion The pathological association between the cyst and the hernia is probably due to the migration of gas pumped from the intervertebral space through a breaking point or lower in the annulus fibrosis, involving its contiguity with the herniated disc.

Conclusion An association between a disc herniation and a gas pseudocyst can be a cause of sciatica.

Resumo

Introdução O gás intraespinal é um achado clínico comum, mas um pseudocisto epidural de gás associado a herniação discal lateral comprimindo uma raiz nervosa é uma observação excepcional.

Relato de caso Um homem de 49 anos de idade foi admitido em nosso departamento apresentando sintomas de ciática. O exame neurológico demonstrou dor lombar moderada sem déficit neurológico. A tomografia computadorizada lombossacral mostrou presença de hérnia discal degenerada e coleta epidural de gás.

Discussão A associação patológica entre o cisto e a hérnia é provavelmente devida à migração do gás bombeado do espaço intervertebral através de um ponto de ruptura ou menor na fibrose do anel, envolvendo a sua contiguidade com o disco herniado.

Conclusão Uma associação entre uma hérnia de disco e um pseudocisto de gás pode ser uma das causas de ciática.

Keywords

disc herniation - gas pseudocyst - sciatica

Palavras-Chave

hérnia discal - pseudocisto de gás - ciática

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