Location, sidedness, and sex distribution of intracranial arachnoid cysts in a population-based sample

Abstract

Arachnoid cysts have a strong predilection for the temporal fossa. There is a sex dependency for some intracranial locations of arachnoid cysts, with temporal cysts occurring more frequently in men, and CPA cysts found more frequently in women. Furthermore, there is a strong location-related sidedness for arachnoid cysts, independent of patient sex. These findings and reports from the literature suggest a possible genetic component in the development of some arachnoid cysts.

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Caused by Arachnoid Cyst in the Cerebellopontine Angle

“…About 5% of arachnoid cysts are known to be located in the CPA 10) . There is a female predominance among patients with cysts in the CPA, with a significant tendency to appear on the right side 10) .…”

“…About 5% of arachnoid cysts are known to be located in the CPA 10) . There is a female predominance among patients with cysts in the CPA, with a significant tendency to appear on the right side 10) . The mechanism of enlargement of the arachnoid cyst is explained by the osmotic pressure gradient between the inside and outside of the cyst wall, the secretion of fluid by the cyst wall, and possibly by a ball-valve mechanism or inadequate communication of the cystic contents with the subarachnoid space.…”

“…Arachnoid cysts occur with greater frequency in children than in adults and tend to be discovered more frequently in the left middle cranial fossa 9,10) . When the arachnoid cysts are found at the cerebellopontine angle (CPA), they are characteristically located below the cranial nerve (CN) VII and VIII in the posteroinferior aspect 1) .…”

Incidental Findings on Brain and Spine Imaging in Children

“…Boys are nearly twice as likely to harbor arachnoid cysts as girls. 77,[80][81][82][83] Most arachnoid cysts are found in the anterior middle fossa and retrocerebellar locations. 76,77,[80][81][82][83] Middle fossa arachnoid cysts have a left-sided predominance.…”

“…76,77,[80][81][82][83] Middle fossa arachnoid cysts have a left-sided predominance. 76,77,79,80,83 Arachnoid cysts may be very large or very small, but size does not correlate precisely with symptoms or the need for treatment.…”