Extensive arachnoid ossification with associated syringomyelia presenting as thoracic myelopathy - Case report and review of the literature

The authors present the case of progressive thoracic myelopathy caused by t he extensive ossification of the arachnoid membrane and associated intramed ullary syrinx. Based on their findings and results of the literature search , they describe a pathological basis for this rare condition, discuss its i ncidence and symptomatology, and suggest a simple classification for variou s types of the arachnoid ossification. They also discuss the magnetic reson ance imaging features of arachnoid ossification and associated spinal cord changes. The particular value of plain computerized tomography, which is hi ghly sensitive in revealing intraspinal calcifications and ossifications, i n the diagnostic evaluation of patients with a clinical picture of progress ive myelopathy is emphasized.