Middle cranial fossa arachnoid cysts: not always a benign entity.

Abstract

Arachnoid cysts are often discovered as incidental findings on cranial imaging. A rare manifestation is described in a child presenting acutely with symptoms and signs of raised intracranial pressure.

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

“…These reports are based on either a subgroup of patients with a distinct intracranial localization or age distribution, 4,[9][10][11][16][17][18][22][23][24]26,33,39,43,[48][49][50][51]54,56,58,64,68,70,71,74,75,78,80,90 a relatively small number of patients, 15,19,25,31,32,45,52,55,60,62,72,76,77,89 or the inclusion of patients from before the computerized imaging era. 21,66,67 Furthermore, in most reports there is no information on whether the study is population based.…”

Rapid Formation of a Multi-Compartment Neonatal Arachnoid Cyst

“…Several mechanisms could account for the enlargement of arachnoid cysts: a valve-like mechanism which allows only a one-way flow from the CSF space into the cyst, the cyst wall may actively produce cyst fluid or pulsations of vessels may cause CSF movements [6]. The growth in arachnoid cysts has been reported to be rather slow over several months or years [4], and most studies refer to cysts detected later in life due to signs of increased intracranial pressure or seizures [5]. However, there are documented cases of fetal arachnoid cysts which have been detected by the widespread use of ultrasound during pregnancy.…”