Choroid plexus cyst of the spinal cord presenting with signs of spinal cord compression in a 55-year-old male: a case report.

backgroundChoroid plexus cysts are benign, typically asymptomatic cystic lesions found almost exclusively in the brain's lateral ventricles, often noted during second-trimester fetal ultrasounds and usually resolving spontaneously before the 28th week of gestation. Spinal intramedullary choroid plexus cysts remain extremely rare, with only few cases documented in  the literature to date. This case describes a 55-year-old man with thoracic spinal cord compression due to a choroid plexus cyst, highlighting a rare differential diagnosis for adult spinal cord lesions. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old Middle Eastern Syrian male with no remarkable medical history complained of chronic and persistent dorsal pain, and recently noted weakness in his lower extremities. A comprehensive neurological examination identified radicular pain radiating to the left lower limb along with evident muscular weakness in his right and left lower limbs. A thoracic magnetic resonance imaging identified a cystic lesion in the T5-T6 level, and the patient underwent cyst marsupialization and fenestration. Subsequent histopathological sampling and examination confirmed the diagnosis of choroid plexus cyst (refer to Graphical Abstract).

conclusionsChoroid plexus cysts, though exceptionally rare in the spinal cord, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intramedullary cystic lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging plays a crucial role in identifying these cysts and distinguishing them from other spinal pathologies. In symptomatic patients, surgical decompression may be warranted. Definitive diagnosis relies on histopathological analysis.