Presentation and management of supratentorial and infratentorial arachnoid cysts. Review of 25 cases.

BACKGROUND

To discuss the presentation, diagnosis, management modalities and outcomes of the arachnoid cysts.

EXPERIMENTAL

DESIGN

Retrospective study with a mean follow-up period of 31 months (ranging between 9 months and 5 years).

SETTING

Institutional practice (The Military Medical Faculty Hospital). Patients and the participants: 25 patients with arachnoid cysts treated surgically.

INTERVENTION: Fenestration and drainage of the cyst into cisterns in 13 cases, cyst-peritoneal shunting in 8 cases and cyst excision in 4 cases.

MEASURE: The arachnoid cysts were followed-up by Computed Tomography or/and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

RESULTS

The results are excellent in 21 cases, moderate in 2 cases and poor in 2 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of the procedure used for arachnoid cyst treatment, the outcomes are somewhat similar if the surgical indications and techniques are properly selected.