Recurrent intraspinal arachnoid cyst treated with a shunt procedure.

A case of a recurrent arachnoid cyst in the thoracic region in a 13-year-old boy is reported. At the first operation, complete removal of the cyst proved impossible. At a second operation four years later, it was still impossible to remove the cyst so we performed a shunt procedure with drainage through a Hakim valve to the right atrium. This procedure was successful, resulting in complete disappearance of symptoms. In the presence of recurrent intraspinal cysts the authors recommend this treatment, as it is an easy operation which does not cause undue discomfort to the patient.