{"id":"7ad01a37-0b74-45ca-8ce0-d52bccb0c7a4","slug":"clarifying-rarity-versus-underreporting-of-idiopathic-spinal-arachnoid-web-an-analysis-of-the-available-evidence-and-the-need-for-extended-postoperative-outcome-reports","title":"Clarifying rarity versus underreporting of idiopathic spinal arachnoid web: An analysis of the available evidence and the need for extended postoperative outcome reports","authors":["Abdulgadir Bugdadi","Anne Herbrecht","Nozar Aghakhani","Fabrice Parker"],"abstract":"Background: Idiopathic spinal arachnoid web (SAW) is characterized by a thick arachnoid band spanning the subarachnoid space, with its etiology remaining speculative. The literature primarily consists of individual case reports, with recent case series aiming to enhance understanding of SAW and its postoperative prognosis. Discussions about SAW often revolve around its rarity versus potential underreporting, necessitating a thorough examination of multicenter case series. Summary: The analysis of available literature indicates that idiopathic SAW may be a rare phenomenon rather than underreported, with various studies yielding limited case numbers. Most existing literature focuses on short- to intermediate-term postoperative outcomes, with a notable lack of extended follow-up data. The longest reported postoperative outcome analysis spans 9.1 years, highlighting the need for more comprehensive longitudinal studies. Conclusion: To facilitate informed prognostication regarding the long-term postoperative trajectory of SAW, it is imperative to include more extensive follow-up data in future research. This would provide valuable insights into the enduring outcomes of patients with idiopathic SAW. Keywords: idiopathic spinal arachnoid web, postoperative outcomes, case reports, longitudinal studies, rarity, underreporting, spinal arachnoiditis","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/placeholders/specialty/general-neurosurgery.png","publishDate":"2023-10-13T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_713_2023","categories":["General Neurosurgery","Letter to the Editor"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/12590/SNI-14-367.pdf"}