Cervicodorsal diverticula of the subarachnoid space.

Abstract

Localized saccular dilatations of the subarachnoid space overlying the lumbar nerve roots occur with moderate frequency (4). In the authors' experience, however, similar dilatations in the cervical and dorsal areas are relatively uncommon. The purpose of this paper is to report briefly 2 cases of asymptomatic diverticular extensions of the subarachnoid space overlying the eighth cervical nerve root and to indicate the roentgen findings which distinguish the entity from avulsion of the brachial plexus. CASE I: H. B., a 38-year-old male, was hospitalized July 10, 1957, because of cervical, shoulder, and arm pain on the left side. One week prior to admission, he was physically jarred while driving his car which was struck in the rear by a truck. He experienced stiffness of the neck and pain in the left cervical region which radiated into the corresponding shoulder and arm. Pain was aggravated and particularly precipitated by turning the head and neck to the right. The patient complained of intermittent tingl...