Intracranial arachnoid cysts
Gelabert-González, M.
Revista de Neurologia 39(12): 1161-1166
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0210-0010 PMID: 15625636 Document Number: 583338
Arachnoid cysts are intra-arachnoid collections of cerebrospinal fluid; congenital in origin, they account for about 1% of all atraumatic intracranial mass lesions. They cause neurological deficit through expansion that can compress normal neural tissue and obstruct cerebrospinal fluid flow. We review the pertinent literature of the formation and evolution of congenital arachnoid cyst and the epidemiological, clinical, neuroradiological aspects and treatment of intracranial arachnoid cyst. Arachnoid cysts are benign congenital collections of cerebrospinal fluid. They usually arise in areas that are rich in arachnoid, and 50% are located in the sylvian fissure. Symptoms depend on size and location. Seizures and headache are said to be the most common symptoms of middle cranial fossa cysts. The definitive treatment for arachnoid cysts is surgery and the indications for surgery most likely are the presence of progressive hydrocephalus or intracranial hypertension.