Dorsal Thoracic Arachnoid Web-Confounders Of A Rare Entity In The Developing Setting

Dorsal thoracic arachnoid webs constitute a rare clinical entity due to a thickening in the arachnoid membrane at that level with resultant compression of the spinal cord and myelopathic features. Obstruction to cerebrospinal fluid flow can lead to syringomyelia, which may assume variable positions relative to the web. Dorsal arachnoid webs are more predominant in the thoracic spine and are diagnosed by the pathognomonic 'scalpel sign' on spinal magnetic resonance imaging. Early intervention prevents clinical deterioration. On the other hand, failure to recognize this rare entity can result in progressively compromised ambulatory capacity which translates into loss of income and economic burden with dire social consequences.