arachnoiditis (spinal)
Last reviewed 01/2018
A granulomatous arachnoiditis in the spinal cord may follow tuberculosis, syphilis, or parasitic infection, e.g. schistosomiasis. A non-sterile form may follow spinal surgery.
It may cause compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots, and may lead to syringomyeloma.
Treatment aimed at 'freeing the roots' tends to be unsuccessful.