Chronic Dorsalgia Revealing Foraminal Tarlov Cysts at D10: A Case Report

Abstract: Tarlov cysts, or perineural cysts, are abnormal dilatations of the meningeal space around the spinal nerve roots, most frequently located in the sacral region. They are often discovered incidentally but can occasionally present with chronic pain symptoms. We report the case of a 79-year-old man with no significant medical history who consulted for chronic dorsal pain evolving over the course of a year. A thoracolumbar CT scan revealed two foraminal cystic formations in contact with the D10 nerve roots, consistent with Tarlov cysts. This case illustrates a rare thoracic location and highlights the role of imaging in the differential diagnosis of chronic back pain.