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Neuropediatrics 2009; 40(2): 89-91
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1234060
Short Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Increased Intracranial Pressure Caused by Non-Space-Occupying Arachnoid Cysts: Report of Two Patients

U. Lindner1 , B. Bubl1 , W.-I. Steudel2 , P. Papanagiotou3 , B. Käsmann-Kellner4 , L. Gortner1 , M. G. Shamdeen1
  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
  • 2Department of Neurosurgery, University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
  • 3Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
  • 4Department of Ophthalmology, Pediatric Ophthalomology, University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received 06.12.2008

accepted 26.06.2009

Publication Date:
06 October 2009 (online)

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Abstract

In this article we report on two patients with arachnoid cysts previously treated by shunt implantation presenting with clinical signs of an increased intracranial pressure i. e., papilledema, headache and nausea. Repeated MRI scans showed no alteration of the cerebrospinal fluid circulation and no space-occupying effect of the cysts. Although neuroimaging showed no signs of increased intracranial pressure, neurosurgical exploration was performed and revealed a distinctly increased pressure in both arachnoid cysts. After replacement of the shunt a prompt reduction of papilledema and relief of symptoms was observed.

Key words

arachnoid cyst - pseudotumor cerebri - diagnostic errors - MRI

References

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Correspondence

Ulrike LindnerMD 

Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology

University of Saarland

Kirrbergerstraße

66421 Homburg/Saar

Germany

Phone: +49/6841/162 83 01

Fax: +49/6841/162 83 10

Email: ulrike.lindner@uks.eu

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