Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Dural ectasia
Introduction
Dural ectasia is a widening or ballooning of the dural sac surrounding the spinal cord usually at the lumbosacral level. It is one of the major manifestations of Marfan syndrome. It may cause low back pain, headaches and neurologic deficits such as weakness and loss of bowel and bladder function, but in many patients it is asymptomatic.
A high incidence of dural ectasia also results in the cauda equina syndrome in ankylosing spondylitis.
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