Abstract
Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are commonly encountered fluid collections in the central nervous
system. Most cranial ACs are found incidentally and can be managed conservatively.
This review presents and discusses clinical findings, diagnostic methods and management
of intracranial ACs in 32 patients who were surgically treated in our clinic. The
study included 23 male and nine female patients. Most of them were pediatric cases
(77%) at the time of surgery. All diagnoses were confirmed on neuroradological examination.
Twenty-six of the cysts were supratentorial (81.2%). The most common symptoms at presentation
were seizures (50%), headache (37.5%), weakness (23%), and hydrocephalus (9%). Cystoperitoneal
shunt placement, craniotomy, or endoscopic fenestration, are the surgical methods.
Long-term outcome was favorable in most of these patients. Untreated, ACs may cause
permanent severe neurological damage due to the progressive expansion of the cyst
or hemorrhage. However, with surgical treatment most individuals with ACs do well.
Keywords
Arachnoid cyst - cranial - epilepsy - surgery