DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2026.v12i05.007

Pages: 406-408

Spinal intramedullary ependymal cysts are extremely rare benign lesions of the spinal cord, originating from embryological remnants of ependymal cells. They are usually asymptomatic but may become clinically significant when progressive enlargement leads to spinal cord or nerve root compression [1,2]. Magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] represents the imaging modality of choice for diagnosis, lesion characterization, and preoperative assessment [3,4]. We report the case of a 49-year-old woman presenting with left-sided lumbo-sciatic pain associated with progressive foot drop. Spinal MRI demonstrated a well-defined intramedullary cystic lesion with cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]-like signal intensity, without contrast enhancement, causing compression of adjacent neural structures. Surgical decompression was performed with favorable neurological outcome. Through this case, we review the radiological characteristics, differential diagnosis, and the essential role of MRI in the management of spinal ependymal cysts [2,5].