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Review
. 2018 Apr 10;10(4):e2458.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.2458.

Management of Arachnoid Cysts: A Comprehensive Review

Affiliations
Review

Management of Arachnoid Cysts: A Comprehensive Review

Fatima Mustansir et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Arachnoid cysts are non-neoplastic, intracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled spaces lined with arachnoid membranes. Large arachnoid cysts are often symptomatic because they compress surrounding structures; therefore, they must be treated surgically. As several surgical management options exist, we explore the best approach according to each major type of arachnoid cyst: middle cranial fossa cyst, suprasellar cyst, intrahemispheric cyst, and quadrigeminal cyst.

Keywords: arachnoid cyst; cystoperitoneal shunting; intrahemispheric cyst; microsurgical fenestration; middle fossa cyst; neuroendoscopy; quadrigeminal cyst; suprasellar cyst.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. MRI T2WI, Sagittal Section
A large extra-axial, well-defined CSF intensity cystic lesion is identified in the midline in the sellar and suprasellar region. It measures 48 x 62 x 47 mm in AP transverse and cranio-caudal dimension. This lesion is causing a compressive effect on the third ventricle and bilateral lateral ventricles. These findings are consistent with arachnoid cyst. MRI T2WI: magnetic resonance imaging T2 weighted image; CSF: cerebrospinal fluid.

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