Dural EctasiaAgain, this was found on my first pelvic scan. Another shock! Most doctors I asked couldn't tell me what it was.
Only when I got to EDS specialists in London did I get an answer. EDS specialists stated to me in March 2012 that this is associated with EDS. It is related to Spina Bifida, so I'm lucky that it didn't end up as that! The National Marfan Foundation (USA) says : "The central nervous system – the brain and spinal column – are surrounded by cerebral spinal fluid contained in a membrane called the dura, which is primarily made up of connective tissue. The enlargement of this membrane is referred to as “dural ectasia”. Dural ectasia also includes perineural cysts and meningocele cysts. Dural ectasia is present in more than 60 percent of people affected with Marfan Syndrome. Research suggests that the presence of dural ectasia does not always cause problems, although it can cause back, abdominal and leg pain and headaches in some affected persons. Dural ectasia is best identified through MRI imaging, particularly of the lower spine with a person standing upright. A mylogram, CT scan, or plain spinal films. Dural ectasia can occur in the neck or in the upper torso, but this is very rare. In 99 percent of patients with dural ectasia, it occurs in the lowest part of the spine because this is where the fluid pressure is greatest when standing. Dural ectasia does thin the spinal vertebrae. |
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of dural ectasia vary.
Aching in the very low back, almost in the tailbone.
Abdominal pain.
Headaches.
Leg pain.
Perineal pain and numbness can also occur because of the lowest sacral nerve roots.
The symptoms of dural ectasia vary.
Aching in the very low back, almost in the tailbone.
Abdominal pain.
Headaches.
Leg pain.
Perineal pain and numbness can also occur because of the lowest sacral nerve roots.