Familial spinal arachnoiditis with secondary syringomyelia: clinical studies and MRI findings.

We report the clinical and MRI findings of two patients with familial spinal arachnoiditis. Although their initial symptoms were various, they both showed spastic paraparesis and sensory disturbance below the thoracic level. Cytokines and WBC in the CSF were studied, but they were not elevated at all. The spinal magnetic resonance images of each showed extensive arachnoiditis and a cystic structure. The other impressive features included: (i) an enhancement within the thickened arachnoid and an adhesion between the spinal cord and the dura mater, (ii) deformation of the thoracic cord where the arachnoid adhered, and (iii) secondary syrinx formation. Laminectomy may have an adverse outcome for such patients.