Pseudomeningocele

Pseudomeningoceles are CSF-filled sacs contiguous with thecal sac, but not lined with meninges; they are lined by reactive fibrous tissue.

Pseudomeningoceles are post-traumatic and most commonly occur at the cervical spine, where flexibility predisposes to nerve root avulsion. Iatrogenic trauma can be caused by dural laceration with resultant CSF leak and formation of a fibrous pseudocapsule. Infants with Erb palsy can also demonstrate pseudomeningoceles.

Differential considerations include:

• Paraspinous abscess
• Post-operative hematoma
• Soft tissue tumor
• True meningocele
• Plexiform neurofibroma