Lumbar synovial cyst with chronic viral hepatitis: A case series and literature review

Abstract

Cystic dilatation of synovial sheath, one of the targets of extra-hepatic manifestations associated with liver disease, is a main pathologic finding of lumbar synovial cyst (LSC). However, LSCs are not well documented in correlation with chronic viral hepatitis. In this case series, three patients with chronic viral hepatitis presented with radiating pain in the unilateral lower extremities. On magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine, all had unilateral LSCs at the facet joint of the lumbar spine. Two did not have definite spinal instability at the LSC level. Ultimately, all three showed clinical improvements following epidural spine interventions. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.