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The Neuroradiology Journal Apr 2024Arachnoid cysts are the most common incidentally discovered intracranial lesions on imaging and the most common cystic intracranial lesions. They may be developmental or...
Arachnoid cysts are the most common incidentally discovered intracranial lesions on imaging and the most common cystic intracranial lesions. They may be developmental or secondary. A relative lack of recent literature and any comprehensive radiological review on arachnoid cysts has led to a general lack of awareness among radiologists of symptomatic or complicated arachnoid cysts. This is particularly concerning in pediatric patients. While arachnoid cysts are asymptomatic in most cases, they can cause clinical symptoms in a minority of cases, especially when they occur in unusual sites. These include intraventricular locations where they may cause hydrocephalus, the basal cisterns where they may compress cranial nerves, the cerebellopontine angle where they have to be differentiated from a number of cystic lesions, the cavum septum pellucidum or cavum velum interpositum, the choroid fissure where they can entrap the temporal horn and compress the hippocampus, the posterior fossa where they need to be differentiated from other posterior fossa cystic lesions, and within the spinal canal where there is a concern for cord or nerve root compression. Larger cysts are more prone to complications such as mass effect, hemorrhage, and rupture. Hemorrhage and rupture often present with acute symptoms. Ruptured cysts lose their characteristic imaging appearance and can mimic several ominous pathologies. It therefore becomes vital to accurately diagnose these cases as complications of pre-existing arachnoid cysts for appropriate management. A detailed review of all diagnostic imaging aspects of arachnoid cysts will help fill in the existing information void on this important entity.
PubMed: 38649153
DOI: 10.1177/19714009241248746 -
Child's Nervous System : ChNS :... Mar 2024In pediatric patients, middle cranial fossa (MCF) arachnoid cysts are often discovered incidentally on imaging in asymptomatic patients during workup for other...
OBJECTIVE
In pediatric patients, middle cranial fossa (MCF) arachnoid cysts are often discovered incidentally on imaging in asymptomatic patients during workup for other indications. This study aims to describe current management gestalt and threshold for surgical intervention by surveying an international cohort of neurosurgeons.
METHODS
A web-based survey was circulated via email list of attendants of the 2019 Canadian Pediatric Neurosurgery Study Group (CPNSG) and International Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery (ISPN) mailing list. The survey consisted of 8 clinical scenarios involving patients with MCF arachnoid cysts. Demographic variables of respondents and their decisions regarding management for each scenario were analyzed using R computing software.
RESULTS
A total of 107 respondents were included. Cysts in asymptomatic patients (92%), younger age at diagnosis (81%), and presence of a mild learning delay were predominantly managed non-surgically (80.7 ± 9.4%). Patients with cyst enlargement, headaches, new seizures, or hemorrhage were divided between non-surgical (55.8 ± 3.3%) and surgical (44.2 ± 2.9%) management. Patients with contralateral hemiparesis were treated predominantly surgically (67%). For both Galassi I and II, papilledema was favored as the primary indication for surgical intervention in 54% of patients. Those inclined to surgery (n = 17) were more likely to practice and train outside North America compared to those not pro-surgical (adjusted P = 0.092).
CONCLUSION
Incidental MCF arachnoid cysts in asymptomatic patients and younger age of diagnosis are predominantly managed non-surgically. Mild learning delay was not considered an indication to intervene. In contrast, radiological progression, hemorrhagic evolution, or non-focal neurological deficits lead to uncertainty in management, while focal neurological deficits and papilledema with MCF cysts were favored to be intervened surgically. Among the provider level factors, only location of training and practice trended towards a pro-surgery approach.
Topics: Child; Humans; Arachnoid Cysts; Papilledema; Canada; Neurosurgical Procedures; Craniotomy; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37955715
DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-06212-8 -
Journal of Neurosurgery. Case Lessons Aug 2023Intradural spinal arachnoid cysts (SACs) are a rare cause of spinal cord compression. Treatment is centered on decompression of the spinal cord via laminectomy or...
BACKGROUND
Intradural spinal arachnoid cysts (SACs) are a rare cause of spinal cord compression. Treatment is centered on decompression of the spinal cord via laminectomy or laminoplasty followed by resection or fenestration of the cyst. Although laminectomy or laminoplasty access may be needed to achieve the desired result, either procedure can be associated with more extensive surgical dissections and long-term spinal stability concerns, including postsurgical kyphosis.
OBSERVATIONS
The authors present a case of a cervical intradural SAC in a 4-month-old girl presenting with symptomatic compression. The patient was treated by laminotomy and endoscopic fenestration of the SAC with resolution of symptoms and no disease progression 10 months postoperatively, when the patient was 14 months old.
LESSONS
Microsurgical endoscopic fenestration of an intradural SAC can provide a less invasive means of treatment while avoiding the risks associated with more invasive approaches.
PubMed: 37581591
DOI: 10.3171/CASE23217 -
Neurosurgery Nov 2023Currently, there is no consensus recommendation regarding the safety of sports participation for pediatric patients with arachnoid cysts (ACs).
BACKGROUND
Currently, there is no consensus recommendation regarding the safety of sports participation for pediatric patients with arachnoid cysts (ACs).
OBJECTIVE
To prospectively survey patients with ACs to define the risk of sports-associated neurologic injury in untreated and treated patients.
METHODS
A prospectively administered survey was given to all patients diagnosed with an AC who presented to a single pediatric neurosurgery clinic between December 2010 and December 2021. Data were recorded on demographic information, imaging characteristics, treatment, sports participation, and presence of sports-related neurologic injury. The type and date of surgery for the AC were noted if surgery was performed.
RESULTS
Of the 303 patients with completed surveys, 189 patients participated in sports, and 94 patients had prospective data available. There was no significant difference in cyst location or Galassi score between patients who did and did not participate in contact vs noncontact sports and those who did and did not experience a concussion. A cumulative total of 2700.5 seasons of sports were played (2499.7 in untreated and 200.8 in treated patients). There were 44 sports-related concussions among 34 patients: 43 in untreated patients and 1 in a treated patient. For all participants, the concussion rate was 16.3 per 1000 seasons of all sports and 14.8 per 1000 seasons of contact sports. The concussion rate after AC treatment was 4.9 per 1000 seasons of all sports. Three patients experienced sports-related AC rupture or hemorrhage, none of which required surgery or resulted in lasting neurologic symptoms or deficits.
CONCLUSION
The rates of sports-related concussion and cyst rupture in patients with AC in both treated and untreated populations were low. We advocate for a generally permissive posture toward sports participation in this population.
Topics: Humans; Child; Arachnoid Cysts; Prospective Studies; Athletic Injuries; Sports; Brain Concussion
PubMed: 37199501
DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002537 -
Acta Neurochirurgica Jan 2024The best treatment strategies for cerebral arachnoid cysts (CAC) are still up for debate. In this study, we present CAC management, outcome data, and risk factors for...
OBJECTIVE
The best treatment strategies for cerebral arachnoid cysts (CAC) are still up for debate. In this study, we present CAC management, outcome data, and risk factors for recurrence after surgical treatment, focusing on microscopic/endoscopic approaches as compared to minimally invasive stereotactic procedures in children and adults.
METHODS
In our single-institution retrospective database, we identified all patients treated surgically for newly diagnosed CAC between 2000 and 2022. Microscopic/endoscopic surgery (ME) aimed for safe cyst wall fenestration. Stereotactic implantation of an internal shunt catheter (STX) to drain CAC into the ventricles and/or cisterns was used as an alternative procedure in patients aged ≥ 3 years. Treatment decisions in favor of ME vs. STX were made by interdisciplinary consensus. The primary study endpoint was time to CAC recurrence (TTR). Secondary endpoints were outcome metrics including clinical symptoms and MR-morphological analyses. Data analysis included subdivision of the total cohort into three distinct age groups (AG1, < 6 years; AG2, 6-18 years; AG3, ≥ 18 years).
RESULTS
Sixty-two patients (median age 26.5 years, range 0-82 years) were analyzed. AG1 included 15, AG2 10, and AG3 37 patients, respectively. The main presenting symptoms were headache and vertigo. In AG1 hygromas, an increase in head circumference and thinning of cranial calvaria were most frequent. Thirty-five patients underwent ME and 27 STX, respectively; frequency did not differ between AGs. There were two (22.2%) periprocedural venous complications in infants (4- and 10-month-old) during an attempt at prepontine fenestration of a complex CAC, one with fatal outcome in a 10-month-old boy. Other complications included postoperative bleeding (2, 22.2%), CSF leaks (4, 44.4%), and meningitis (1, 11.1%). Overall, clinical improvement and significant volume reduction (p = 0.008) were seen in all other patients; this did not differ between AGs. Median follow-up for all patients was 25.4 months (range, 3.1-87.1 months). Recurrent cysts were seen in 16.1%, independent of surgical procedure used (p = 0.7). In cases of recurrence, TTR was 7.9 ± 12.7 months. Preoperative ventricular expansion (p = 0.03), paresis (p = 0.008), and age under 6 years (p = 0.03) were significant risk factors for CAC recurrence in multivariate analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients suffering from CAC, both ME and STX can improve clinical symptoms at low procedural risk, with equal extent of CAC volume reduction. However, in infants and young children, CAC are more often associated with severe clinical symptoms, stereotactic procedures have limited use, and microsurgery in the posterior fossa may bear the risk of severe venous bleeding.
Topics: Child; Infant; Male; Adult; Humans; Child, Preschool; Infant, Newborn; Adolescent; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arachnoid Cysts; Retrospective Studies; Endoscopy; Ventriculostomy; Microsurgery; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38280116
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-024-05950-1 -
Surgical Neurology International 2024Intradural extramedullary (IDEM) spinal cord tumors account for approximately two-thirds of benign intraspinal neoplasms. These are amenable to gross total excision but...
BACKGROUND
Intradural extramedullary (IDEM) spinal cord tumors account for approximately two-thirds of benign intraspinal neoplasms. These are amenable to gross total excision but can have variable functional outcomes, which plays a key role in assessing their impact on a patient's quality of life. Understanding the functional outcomes associated with these tumors is crucial for healthcare professionals to devise appropriate treatment plans and provide comprehensive care.
METHODS
In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 130 patients with IDEM tumors who underwent surgery in the past six years between January 2017 and December 2022 at a single institution. Patient demographics, symptoms, and tumor characteristics (anatomical and pathological) in all operated spinal IDEM tumors were analyzed. The neurological findings obtained during the preoperative stage and the postoperative follow-up were evaluated according to the Frankel grading. The back pain was assessed using the Denis pain scale (DPS).
RESULTS
The age range, gender distribution, presentation, histopathology, and tumor characteristics were analyzed. The histopathological outcomes of the study were as follows: 56 cases of schwannoma, 37 cases of meningiomas, 16 patients of neurofibroma, six cases of epidermoid cyst, five cases each of ependymoma and dermoid cyst, three cases of arachnoid cyst, two cases of metastasis, and one case of paraganglioma. Pain was the most common symptom (38.5%), followed by weakness in limbs (31.5%), paresthesia/numbness (22.3%), and sphincter disturbance (7.7%). Complete total resection was seen in 93% of cases, with 7% undergoing subtotal excision. The complications encountered were - four cases of surgical site infection and one case each of cerebrospinal fluid leak, pseudomeningocele, and epidural hematoma. In our series, 49.3% of patients had significantly good improvement in functional outcomes as per improvement in Frankel score, and 43% of patients had good functional improvement. Significant functional improvement was noted at immediate postoperative follow-up, 2-week follow-up, and six-month follow-up periods. Reoccurrence was seen in 7 cases (5.4%). The DPS score mean values showed a significant decrease over the follow-up duration as compared to preoperative mean values. Significantly poor outcome was seen in IDEM tumours present anteriorly.
CONCLUSION
The IDEM tumors are usually benign and are readily detected by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scans. These have variable functional outcomes in different centers. Assessing this functional outcome is an essential aspect of managing IDEM spinal tumors. It was observed through our study that the ventral location of the tumor, thoracic tumors, and poor preoperative neurological status of the patient correspond with poorer postoperative functional outcomes. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the pain symptoms with improvement of Frankel score was seen postoperatively, thus this being suggestive of a significant improvement of functional outcome after surgery. This study helps to conclude that the morbidity associated with the resection of IDEM tumors is not as significant as originally thought to be.
PubMed: 38742010
DOI: 10.25259/SNI_689_2023 -
Acta Neurochirurgica Jul 2023The cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is a frequent region of skull base pathologies and therefore a target for neurosurgical operations. The outer arachnoid is the key...
PURPOSE
The cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is a frequent region of skull base pathologies and therefore a target for neurosurgical operations. The outer arachnoid is the key structure to approach the here located lesions. The goal of our study was to describe the microsurgical anatomy of the outer arachnoid of the CPA and its pathoanatomy in case of space-occupying lesions.
METHODS
Our examinations were performed on 35 fresh human cadaveric specimens. Macroscopic dissections and microsurgical and endoscopic examinations were performed. Retrospective analysis of the video documentations of 35 CPA operations was performed to describe the pathoanatomical behavior of the outer arachnoid.
RESULTS
The outer arachnoid cover is loosely attached to the inner surface of the dura of the CPA. At the petrosal surface of the cerebellum the pia mater is strongly adhered to the outer arachnoid. At the level of the dural penetration of the cranial nerves, the outer arachnoid forms sheath-like structures around the nerves. In the midline, the outer arachnoid became detached from the pial surface and forms the base of the posterior fossa cisterns. In pathological cases, the outer arachnoid became displaced. The way of displacement depends on the origin of the lesion. The most characteristic patterns of changes of the outer arachnoid were described in case of meningiomas, vestibular schwannomas, and epidermoid cysts of the CPA.
CONCLUSION
The knowledge of the anatomy of the outer arachnoid of the cerebellopontine region is essential to safely perform microsurgical approaches as well as of dissections during resection of pathological lesions.
Topics: Humans; Cerebellopontine Angle; Retrospective Studies; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Arachnoid; Meningeal Neoplasms; Cadaver
PubMed: 37133788
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05601-x -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Sep 2023Recently, it was noted that fetuses with open spina bifida (OSB) may have a midline cystic structure evident on ultrasound. Our aims were to determine the prevalence of...
OBJECTIVES
Recently, it was noted that fetuses with open spina bifida (OSB) may have a midline cystic structure evident on ultrasound. Our aims were to determine the prevalence of this cystic structure, shed light on its pathophysiology and investigate the association between its presence and other characteristic brain findings in fetuses with OSB.
METHODS
This was a single-center retrospective study of all fetuses with OSB and available cineloop images in the axial plane referred to the Ontario Fetal Centre, Toronto, Canada, between June 2017 and May 2022. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data obtained between 18 + 0 and 25 + 6 weeks were reviewed in search of a midline cystic structure. Pregnancy and lesion characteristics were collected. Transcerebellar diameter (TCD), clivus-supraocciput angle (CSA) and additional brain abnormalities (abnormal cavum septi pellucidi (CSP), abnormal corpus callosum (CC) and periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH)) were assessed. In cases of in-utero repair, imaging findings were reviewed postoperatively. In cases of termination, neuropathological findings were reviewed, if available.
RESULTS
Of 76 fetuses with OSB, 56 (73.7%) had a suprapineal cystic structure on ultrasound. The percentage of agreement between ultrasound and MRI detection was 91.5% (Cohen's kappa coefficient, 0.78 (95% CI, 0.57-0.98)). Brain autopsy in terminated cases revealed a dilatation of the posterior third ventricle, with redundant tela choroidea and arachnoid forming the membranous roof of the third ventricle, anterior and superior to the pineal gland. A cyst wall could not be identified, indicating that the structure was a pseudocyst. The presence of the pseudocyst was associated with a smaller CSA (pseudocyst absent, 62.11 ± 9.60° vs pseudocyst present, 52.71 ± 8.22°; P = 0.04). When the pseudocyst was present, its area was correlated inversely with TCD (r, -0.28 (95% CI, -0.51 to -0.02); P = 0.04). Fetal surgery did not have any impact on the growth rate of the pseudocyst (fetal surgery, 5.07 ± 3.29 mm /week vs expectant management, 4.35 ± 3.17 mm /week; P = 0.58). The presence of the pseudocyst was not associated with abnormal CSP, CC or presence of PNH. None of the cases with available postnatal follow-up required surgical procedure related to the pseudocyst.
CONCLUSIONS
Approximately 75% of all OSB cases have a suprapineal pseudocyst. Its presence is associated with the degree of hindbrain herniation but not with abnormalities of the CSP and CC or presence of PNH. Thus, it should not be regarded as additional brain pathology and should not preclude fetuses from undergoing fetal surgery for OSB. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Spina Bifida Cystica; Retrospective Studies; Gestational Age; Brain; Fetus; Ultrasonography, Prenatal
PubMed: 37058393
DOI: 10.1002/uog.26221 -
Clinical Pediatrics Dec 2023Homozygous deletion of can lead to isolated nephronophthisis (NPHP) and syndromic disorders. However, the phenotype of scalp tumor and hydroureteronephrosis in NPHP...
Homozygous deletion of can lead to isolated nephronophthisis (NPHP) and syndromic disorders. However, the phenotype of scalp tumor and hydroureteronephrosis in NPHP patients with homozygous deletion of has not been reported. Clinical data, laboratory results, and genetic testing of 4 NPHP patients were collected. Examination of their eyes, heart, and urinary tract and of their hepatobiliary, skeletal, and central nervous systems was evaluated. Isolated NPHP was observed in 1 case, and syndromic disorders were observed in the other 3 patients. Their syndromic disorders showed NPHP combined with central nervous system defects, eye involvement, scalp tumor, arachnoid cyst, or hydroureteronephrosis. Large homozygous deletions covering the whole gene locus were identified in all 4 patients. We report a novel phenotype of scalp tumor and hydroureteronephrosis in NPHP patients with homozygous deletion of , paving an avenue for further research on -associated deformity in the skin and the urinary system.
Topics: Humans; Homozygote; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Membrane Proteins; Cytoskeletal Proteins; Scalp; Sequence Deletion; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; Kidney Diseases, Cystic; Neoplasms
PubMed: 36942623
DOI: 10.1177/00099228231162416 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Dec 2023Arachnoid cysts are intra-arachnoid lesions filled with cerebrospinal fluid. They account for ~1% of all intracranial mass lesions and are non-neoplastic collections of...
INTRODUCTION
Arachnoid cysts are intra-arachnoid lesions filled with cerebrospinal fluid. They account for ~1% of all intracranial mass lesions and are non-neoplastic collections of cerebrospinal fluid within an anomalous arachnoid enclosure.
CASE PRESENTATION
The authors report a 35-year-old Arabian male who presented to the ER with a history of sudden loss of consciousness, anisocoria, and right hemiparesis. Contrast tomography showed a large frontoparietotemporal cyst (7.7×5.8×5.4) with uncal herniation and a midline shift of 12 mm. An emergency left FTP craniotomy with an excision of the cyst was performed.
DISCUSSION
Arachnoid cysts can be categorized as primary or secondary, arising congenitally or due to factors like trauma, infection, or neoplasia. It can rupture, leading to internal bleeding, causing symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and neurological decline. Rapid diagnosis is vital, with cranial computed tomography scans preferred for emergencies. Treatment options include surgical intervention like craniotomy, fenestration, or cyst peritoneal shunts. For uncal herniation, surgery can be successful and results depends on the amount of herniation.
CONCLUSION
Although benign, the arachnoid cysts led to uncal herniation when they become 'tension' cysts. A high level of suspicion is crucial for early recognition of the condition. Timely intervention has shown positive recovery outcomes.
PubMed: 38098583
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001373