Intradural disc rupture. Report of two cases.

Two cases of intradural disc rupture are presented, and 43 cases found in the literature are reviewed. Dandy's original observations concerning this lesion correlate well with contemporary experience. Characteristics of the history and physical findings are uniform enough to suggest a clinically identifiable syndrome. Microscopic examination of the Cytospin cerebrospinal fluid specimen and the use of computerized tomography with metrizamide may suggest the diagnosis preoperatively. Despite significant neurological deficit associated with lumbar lesions, the prognosis following surgery is good.