Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does This Pelvic MRI Report Indicate?
Question: I had a pelvic MRI due to undiagnosed pelvic and back pain. The results came back normal with one incidental finding. I have tarlov cysts in my sacral area/ left side.
I have the symptoms of buttocks, lower back and hip pain. I also have numbess in my feet and hands.
Questions.
1. One measures 8 mm in size. This sounds large. Is it? Can it explain all my symtoms at that size.
2. What can you tell me about these types of cysts.
3. How should i proceed as it doesnt sound like there is any meaningful treatments?
4. Once you have them, do you tend to get more and more or can it remain limited to what is there already?
I have the symptoms of buttocks, lower back and hip pain. I also have numbess in my feet and hands.
Questions.
1. One measures 8 mm in size. This sounds large. Is it? Can it explain all my symtoms at that size.
2. What can you tell me about these types of cysts.
3. How should i proceed as it doesnt sound like there is any meaningful treatments?
4. Once you have them, do you tend to get more and more or can it remain limited to what is there already?
Brief Answer:
Tarlov cysts can cause symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Tarlov cysts are in most cases asymptomatic, but in few cases they may cause symptoms too.
A cyst measuring 8 mm is not large, it is considered of medium sized and this cyst can cause symptoms.
This needs to be confirmed by correlating MRI findings of nerve(s) involved with distribution of symptoms.
Hands symptoms ( numbness ) are not related to this cyst location, further cervical cord condition evaluation with MRI is needed.
If the cyst is found to be responsible for the symptoms, treatment possibilities such cyst contents aspiration, complete or partial removal, laminectomy with wrapping of the cyst are indicated.
The number of cysts doesn't increase usually, but they may increase in size.
In my opinion, lower back, buttock and hip pain could be explained by cyst presence at upper sacral levels.
You should discuss with a Neurosurgeon these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Tarlov cysts can cause symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Tarlov cysts are in most cases asymptomatic, but in few cases they may cause symptoms too.
A cyst measuring 8 mm is not large, it is considered of medium sized and this cyst can cause symptoms.
This needs to be confirmed by correlating MRI findings of nerve(s) involved with distribution of symptoms.
Hands symptoms ( numbness ) are not related to this cyst location, further cervical cord condition evaluation with MRI is needed.
If the cyst is found to be responsible for the symptoms, treatment possibilities such cyst contents aspiration, complete or partial removal, laminectomy with wrapping of the cyst are indicated.
The number of cysts doesn't increase usually, but they may increase in size.
In my opinion, lower back, buttock and hip pain could be explained by cyst presence at upper sacral levels.
You should discuss with a Neurosurgeon these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Very helpful. It is good to know that this is considered medium size and that the cysts don't usually become more but do understand they may increase in size.
I believe my hand numbness is due to significant spinal stenosis of my cervical spine. My neurologist still hasn't determined the cause of the foot numbness though. Could this be the reason or does it not usually impact down to the feet?
I had a lumbar MRI and they only noted mild disk degeneration. I have tested negative for auto immune diseases and don't have diabetes.
Thank you
I believe my hand numbness is due to significant spinal stenosis of my cervical spine. My neurologist still hasn't determined the cause of the foot numbness though. Could this be the reason or does it not usually impact down to the feet?
I had a lumbar MRI and they only noted mild disk degeneration. I have tested negative for auto immune diseases and don't have diabetes.
Thank you
Brief Answer:
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
If the foot numbness is located at the same side of Tarlov cyst location and is compressing one of the ischiadic nerve roots, it may be the culprit.
If booth feet feel numb in a distribution as wearing socks and hands also feel numb in a distribution similar to gloves, peripheral neuropathy should be considered as a possible cause too.
Causes of peripheral neuropathy include vitamin B12 deficiency, recent viral infection, toxins, nerve compression, thyroid and kidneys dysfunction and some other conditions.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
If the foot numbness is located at the same side of Tarlov cyst location and is compressing one of the ischiadic nerve roots, it may be the culprit.
If booth feet feel numb in a distribution as wearing socks and hands also feel numb in a distribution similar to gloves, peripheral neuropathy should be considered as a possible cause too.
Causes of peripheral neuropathy include vitamin B12 deficiency, recent viral infection, toxins, nerve compression, thyroid and kidneys dysfunction and some other conditions.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
