Ophthalmic manifestations of ruptured arachnoid cysts in children

Abstract

Background: Intracranial arachnoid cysts are relatively common in the pediatric population. Rarely, they rupture, leading to acute subdural fluid collections, which can cause a sudden increase in intracranial pressure. The purpose of this study was to characterize ophthalmic sequelae in a large cohort of these patients.

Methods: The medical records of all children treated for ruptured arachnoid cysts who presented at a single tertiary pediatric hospital for initial assessment between 2009 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results: Of 35 children treated for ruptured arachnoid cysts during the study period, 30 received ophthalmological examination. Papilledema was found in 57% of these children, abducens palsy in 20%, and retinal hemorrhages in 10%. Of the 30 children, 22 were seen in outpatient follow-up, of whom 5 had a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or worse in one or both eyes at most recent follow-up. Cranial nerve palsies resolved in all cases without strabismus surgery.

Conclusions: Given high rates of papilledema, cranial nerve palsies, and vision loss, all children with ruptured arachnoid cysts should be evaluated by pediatric ophthalmologists.