Endoscopic treatment for a huge neonatal prepontine-suprasellar arachnoid cyst: a case report

Prenatal diagnosis of arachnoid cysts: a case series and systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Primary cysts are believed to arise from the splitting of the arachnoid membrane during prenatal development and can be diagnosed in utero. Prenatal diagnosis is uncommon; therefore, the evidence base for counselling expectant mothers is limited. The purpose of this article is to present a case series and review the current literature on prenatally diagnosed arachnoid cysts.

METHOD

A keyword search of hospital electronic records was performed for all patients with a prenatally diagnosed arachnoid cyst at a tertiary neurosurgical centre. Case notes were reviewed for all patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2017. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to structure a systematic review of all English language articles published up to May 2018.

RESULTS

A total of eight eligible patients were identified from our own records and 123 from the literature. Sixty-eight per cent of patients had a normal outcome. Sixty-three per cent of patients underwent surgical intervention which was not associated with abnormal outcome. The diagnosis of syndromic/genetic diagnosis (p < 0.001) and the presence of other intra-cranial anatomical abnormalities (p = 0.05) were significant predictors of abnormal outcome.

CONCLUSION

The pathogenesis and prognosis of a prenatal arachnoid cyst diagnosis remain unclear. These results suggest favourable outcomes from simple cysts without associated abnormalities and expectant mothers should be counselled accordingly. A wider prospective review is required to better established evidence-based practice.

A good choice for the patients with prior failed ventriculoperitoneal shunt treatment of suprasellar arachnoid cysts: endoscopic fenestration

To investigate the effectiveness of endoscopic fenestration in the patients with prior failed ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt treatment of suprasellar arachnoid cysts (SACs). Between 2012 and 2018, four pediatric patients of SACs with previous failed VP shunt treatment were surgically treated using endoscopic ventriculocystocisternostomy (VCC) in our hospital. The clinical symptoms, imaging data, and surgical outcomes were collected and analyzed retrospectively. A literature review is provided with regard to the reasons of shunt failure and surgical outcome of further endoscopic fenestration in the previously reported patients of SACs with prior failed VP shunt. For the 4 cases, the initial clinical symptoms relieved or even disappeared after shunt placement, but, respectively, recurred 2, 6, 11, and 6 months later. MR scans were conducted when the clinical symptoms reappeared and showed a cyst had greatly enlarged after shunt placement. Furthermore, VP shunt-related slit ventricle was also demonstrated in 3 cases. Clinical improvement and cysts shrinkage occurred in all 4 patients after VCC. Slit ventricle and hydrocephalus were also resolved. Three patients had their shunt apparatus removed after VCC, and another patient's guardian refused to remove the shunt apparatus. Subdural hematoma occurred in one case after shunt apparatus removal. Four patients have been stable during follow-up period (mean follow-up 26.5 months). All the three patients whose VP shunt were removed were shunt independence. There were 24 patients who underwent endoscopic fenestration as an alternative to the failed VP shunt treatment in the published reports. Added our 4 patients to the published group, the effective rate of endoscopic fenestration for SACs following previous failed VP shunt treatment was approximately 93% (26/28). Of the 24 patients, the shunt apparatuses were in situ or reimplantation in 9 patients due to shunt dependence. The correction to recognize the SAC is the first condition to select the optimal management philosophy. The analysis of the series suggests endoscopic operation is still an effective and safe option in the SAC patients with previous failed VP shunt, and the shunt apparatus can be removed for some patients. The short interval time between shunt operation and endoscopic fenestration is conductive to return patients to the shunt-free state.

Temporal arachnoid cysts: are they congenital?

CASE REPORT

The authors report two cases of arachnoid cysts (ACs) neither detected during pregnancy nor shortly after birth when newborns underwent CT scan evaluation after birth head trauma. ACs were diagnosed at 10 months and 6 years, respectively. The first one becomes symptomatic, and the other one was incidentally found during a head trauma investigation.

DISCUSSION

These cases give support for the postnatal pathogenesis for some of the assumed congenital ACs. We collected data from the literature that supports the acquired hypothesis for ACs.

Perinatal Rapid Enlargement of Suprasellar-Prepontine Arachnoid Cyst: Report of Case and Literature Review

Arachnoid cysts are benign developmental anomalies representing 1% of all intracranial lesions. Suprasellar prepontine location of arachnoid cyst in the perinatal period has been reported in the perinatal period with the advent of prenatal imaging. A rare case of rapidly enlarging suprasellar prepontine arachnoid cyst diagnosed at 28 weeks on routine antenatal ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging is presented. Rapid enlargement of the cyst near term led to endoscopic fenestration of the cyst and ventriculocystocisternostomy followed by ventriculoperitoneal shunt in the postnatal life. Serial imaging in the perinatal period led to early intervention with good postnatal outcome. We also review all cases of prenatal suprasellar prepontine arachnoid cyst mentioned in literature and discuss the management strategies.

[Diagnosis, evolution and prognosis of prenatally diagnosed suprasellar cysts]

Suprasellar arachnoid cysts (SAC) in children are considered rare, but the incidence is increasing due to the improvement of prenatal diagnosis. We present 15 cases of SAC diagnosed during the antenatal period between 2005 and 2015. The records were reviewed retrospectively by specifying the radiological characteristics, treatment modalities, outcomes, and long-term monitoring. Mean follow-up was 71 months. The forms (SAC-1) accounted for 2 cases (13%) with hydrocephalus. We observed 8 (53%) lower forms (SAC-2) with interpeduncular cistern expansion without hydrocephalus. The 5 (33.5%) remaining patients showed asymmetrical forms (SAC-3). Six patients (40%) were treated by ventriculo-cysto-cisternostomy, 1 by fetoscopy, 1 (6.5%) by ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, 2 (13.5%) by pterional craniotomy, and 6 (40%) were simply followed. The surgical outcomes were initially favorable in 9 cases (100%), 1 patient (13%) had to be re-treated later. Non-operated patients were all type 2 and showed no radiological changes. In the long-term, 1 patient (6.5%) had endocrine disruption, 1 had delayed development, 2 (13.5%) had minor neuropsychological impairments, and 1 had epilepsy. Combined monitoring with prenatal MRI and ultrasound can be used to distinguish three subtypes of SAC. SAC-1 and SAC-3 have an excellent prognosis after treatment in the perinatal period. SAC-2 can benefit from simple monitoring and remain asymptomatic in their majority. This classification allows a better prognosis estimation and better treatment decision.

A Novel Bilateral Approach for Suprasellar Arachnoid Cysts: A Case Report

The endoscopic method is used to treat suprasellar arachnoid cysts (SACs) but it is sometimes difficult to make sufficiently sized fenestrations. Creating a larger fenestration on the cyst wall is preferable to prevent closure of the stoma. In this paper, we report a novel endoscopic approach for SAC treatment in which we use bilateral burr holes to achieve a more extensive cyst fenestration. A 7-year-old girl was referred to our hospital because of incidentally detected hydrocephalus by computed tomography scans. Physical examination did not show any signs of intracranial hypertension, but a digital impression of her skull on X-ray implied chronic intracranial hypertension. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed enlargement of both lateral ventricles and a cystic mass occupying the third ventricle. We performed cyst wall fenestration using a bilateral approach in which we created two burr holes to introduce a flexible endoscope and a rigid endoscope. The cyst wall was held by forceps with the flexible endoscope, and resection of the cyst wall was achieved by using a pair of scissors with the rigid endoscope. There were no postoperative complications, and MRI performed 1 year after treatment showed disappearance of the superior part of the cyst wall.

Suprasellar Arachnoid Cysts: Toward a New Simple Classification Based on Prognosis and Treatment Modality

BACKGROUND:

Suprasellar arachnoid cysts (SAC) represent between 9% and 21% of pediatric arachnoid cysts. Recent improvements in magnetic resonance imaging, as well as increasing prenatal diagnosis, have allowed more precise knowledge and follow-up.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe a novel classification of SAC.

METHODS:

We present 35 cases of SAC treated between 1996 and 2014. Patient records and imaging studies were reviewed retrospectively to assess symptomatology, radiological findings, treatment, and long-term follow-up.

RESULTS:

Fourteen SAC were diagnosed prenatally (39%). We observed 15 (43%) cases presenting hydrocephalus (SAC-1) removing Liliequist membrane downward. Lower forms (SAC-2) with free third ventricle were observed in 11 (31%) cases. Asymmetrical forms (SAC-3) with Sylvian or temporal extension were seen in the 9 (26%) remaining patients. Twenty-three (66%) patients were treated by ventriculocisternostomy, 3 (8.5%) by shunt surgery, and 3 (8.5%) by craniotomy. Six (17%) patients had no surgery, including 5 cases (14%) that had prenatal diagnosis. Outcomes were initially favorable in 26 cases (87%). Eight (22%) patients had endocrine abnormalities at the end of the follow-up, 3 (8.5%) had developmental delay, and 6 (17%) had minor neuropsychological disturbances.

CONCLUSION:

SAC are heterogeneous entities. SAC-1 may come from an expansion of the diencephalic leaf of the Liliequist membrane. SAC-2 show a dilatation of the interpeduncular cistern and correspond to a defect of the mesencephalic leaf of the Liliequist membrane. SAC-3 correspond to the asymmetrical forms expanding to other subarachnoid spaces. Surgical treatment is not always necessary. The recognition of the different subtypes will allow choosing the best treatment option.

Outcome of 12 antenatally diagnosed fetal arachnoid cysts: case series and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the natural history, associated abnormalities and outcome of 12 fetuses with arachnoid cyst diagnosed antenatally by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging and to compare the outcome with cases in the literature.

METHODS

A retrospective study of all cases of antenatally detected fetal arachnoid cysts was performed in patients referred to a tertiary unit between 2007 and 2013. Associated abnormalities, pregnancy outcome and postnatal follow-up were analyzed. All papers about prenatally diagnosed arachnoid cysts, of the last 30 years, were evaluated (search terms in Pubmed: "prenatal diagnosis", "Arachnoid Cysts").

RESULTS

Fetal arachnoid cysts were diagnosed in 12 fetuses, 9 were females. The mean gestational age of diagnosis was 28 1/7 (range 19 1/7-34 2/7 weeks). A total of 9 cases were supratentorial, 3 were located in the posterior fossa. In 10 cases a fetal MRI was performed which confirmed brain compression in 4 out of 5 supratentorial arachnoid cyst. MRI did not reveal other malformations nor signs of nodular heterotopia. Only one fetus presented with additional major anomalies (bilateral ventricumomegaly of >20 mm and rhombencephalosynapsis) leading to a termination of pregnancy. Two neonates underwent endoscopic fenestration of the arachnoid cyst in the first week of life with no additional intervention in childhood. All but one (10/11) had a favorable postnatal outcome. This child suffered from visual impairment at autism was diagnosed at the age of 5. One child had a surgical correction of strabismus later in childhood. In one child the infratentorial arachnoid cyst regressed spontaneously on ultrasound and MRI in the postnatal period.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of arachnoid cysts in this series are of benign origin and remain stable. Based on the current series and the review of the literature, in the absence of other associated anomalies and when the karyotype is normal, the postnatal overall and neurological outcome is favorable. Large suprasellar arachnoid cysts however, may cause visual impairment and endocrinological disturbances. Rarely associated cerebral or cerebellar malformations are present. Modern postnatal management of suprasellar arachnoid cyst consists of endoscopic cystoventriculostomy.

Enlarging arachnoid cyst: a false alarm for infants

PURPOSE

The natural history of change in size of arachnoid cysts (ACs) is an unsettled issue. This leads to confusion in deciding treatment strategies of incidental, asymptomatic AC in children, since the risks and complications of surgery are not negligible. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the clinical significance of change in size of AC in young children.

METHODS

From 2000 to 2008, 86 patients younger than 5 years with AC documented on brain imaging were included. They were divided into four different age groups (group I: 0-0.5 year, group II: 0.5-1 year, group III: 1-3 years, group IV: 3-5 years). The temporal changes in size of the AC on consecutive ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of each patient were measured and plotted as individual graphs. Natural progression of AC size was assessed by evaluation of the pattern of each graph.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients showed enlargement of AC during follow-up; 14 patients were younger than 1 year. None of the patients in group IV showed enlargement during follow-up. Overall, 11 of the 17 patients with demonstrated AC enlargement were not operated on. In six patients, AC enlargement ceased, and spontaneous regression was observed in three patients. The remaining two untreated patients had shown asymptomatic increase in size at last follow-up. Statistical analysis revealed age at diagnosis to be the only significant factor affecting cyst enlargement.

CONCLUSION

Asymptomatic enlargement of AC in infants may not be an indication for surgical intervention. Close follow-up is a viable option for such children.

Interpeduncular arachnoid cysts in infants and children: insight into the entity based on a case series with long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Arachnoid cysts occupying the suprasellar region comprise 10-15% of intracranial distribution. Unlike large suprasellar cysts, pure interpeduncular cysts (IPCs) are rare, and their natural history is unknown. We describe a small series of children diagnosed with IPC and their long-term natural history.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of interpeduncular arachnoid cysts diagnosed over the years 2000-2010 at our center. Patients with clearly suprasellar cysts were excluded. Serial magnetic resonance imaging and long-term follow-up examinations were analyzed. Additionally, we conducted an extensive literature review focusing on the differences between suprasellar cysts and IPCs.

RESULTS

We identified three pediatric patients with "pure" IPC; all of these had a follow-up of more than 5 years, and none was operated. Only six additional cases were identified in the literature. In both our experience and in the literature review, IPCs proved stable over the course of time, both radiologically as well as clinically.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical and radiological features of IPCs are not well defined. Variations in the relationship of arachnoid cysts in this area to Liliequist's membrane may explain the different subgroups that have been identified as well as the confusing nomenclature. IPCs are usually diagnosed as incidental findings or present with mild endocrine disorders. Associated findings of hydrocephalus, mass effect, and compression of neighboring structures, such as the chiasm, are not as frequent as with suprasellar cysts. Given the high likelihood of continuing stability, a conservative strategy of follow-up is recommended for pure IPCs that demonstrate preservation of the third ventricle.

The effectiveness of ventriculocystocisternostomy for suprasellar arachnoid cysts

OBJECT

The aim of this study was to report the long-term outcomes of patients receiving endoscopic ventriculocystocisternostomy (VCC) for suprasellar arachnoid cysts (SACs), and to analyze all published reports on outcomes of ventriculocystostomy (VC) versus VCC to compare the effectiveness of the 2 techniques.

METHODS

Eleven consecutive patients with previously untreated SACs were surgically treated using endoscopic VCC. Another 2 patients were treated with VCC following ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. Clinical imaging data were recorded. An analysis was performed of all published patient outcomes following endoscopic VC or VCC for an SAC.

RESULTS

Developmental delay and progressive macrocephaly were the most common preoperative symptoms. At a mean clinical follow-up interval of 63 months, 10 of 11 patients undergoing primary VCC did not require reoperation. An analysis of the literature suggests that VCC may be more effective than VC. Of the 44 reported patients that underwent VC as a first treatment, 7 (16%) required reoperation, and 7 (8%) of 86 patients who underwent VCC as a first treatment required reoperation. When VC or VCC was performed following a prior surgical procedure, 4 of 11 patients undergoing VC had a treatment failure requiring reoperation. In contrast, only 2 of the 17 reported cases of VCC following a prior procedure required further treatment. The difference in reoperation rates following either primary or secondary VC was significantly higher than following primary or secondary VCC (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors conclude that VCC is an effective and durable treatment for symptomatic SACs in most cases.

Guidelines for the Management of Obstructive Hydrocephalus From Suprasellar-Prepontine Arachnoid Cysts Using Endoscopic Third Ventriculocystocisternostomy

Intracranial endoscopy has emerged as an innovative surgical tool for various intracranial procedures, but its use remains limited to neurosurgeons trained in this minimally invasive technique. Complex, skull base arachnoid cysts represent one entity that is challenging to treat because of adjacent critical neurovascular structures; however, the advent of intracranial endoscopic techniques has revolutionized treatment. Arachnoid cysts located in the suprasellar-prepontine skull base region can cause obstructive hydrocephalus or symptomatic mass effect and require urgent decompression. These patients may present with nonfocal symptoms that can quickly lead to a life-threatening condition if not accurately diagnosed and treated. The authors present a summary of the world literature of suprasellar-prepontine arachnoid cysts (SPACs) to ascertain clinical presentations and provide class III evidentiary treatment guidelines for this uniquely challenging type of arachnoid cyst. Urgent endoscopic third ventriculostomy results in normalization of intracranial pressure, return of normal CSF flow, and relief of symptoms.

Prenatal diagnosis of arachnoid cysts

Arachnoid cysts are a rare central nervous system malformation, representing only 1% of all intracranial masses in newborns. Primary (congenital) arachnoid cysts are benign accumulation of clear fluid between the dura and the brain substance throughout the cerebrospinal axis in relation to the arachnoid membrane and do not communicate with the subarachnoid space. Secondary (acquired) arachnoid cysts result from hemorrhage, trauma, and infection and usually communicate with the subarachnoid space. The common locations of arachnoid cysts are the surface of the brain at the level of main brain fissures, such as sylvian, rolandic and interhemispheric fissures, sella turcica, the anterior cranial fossa, and the middle cranial fossa. Arachnoid cysts may be associated with ventriculomegaly and dysgenesis of corpus callosum. Prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging have led to the increased diagnosis of fetal arachnoid cysts. This article provides a thorough review of fetal arachnoid cysts, including prenatal diagnosis, differential diagnosis and associated chromosomal abnormalities, as well as comprehensive illustrations of perinatal imaging findings of fetal arachnoid cysts. Prenatal diagnosis of intracranial hypoechoic lesions should include a differential diagnosis of arachnoid cysts and prompt genetic investigations.

The diagnosis and neuroendoscopic treatment of noncommunicating intracranial arachnoid cysts

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to explore the CTC classification, establish surgical indication, and evaluate neuroendoscopic treatment of IAC.

METHODS

Computed tomographic cisternography was applied to screen NCIAC cases out of 22 patients with IAC. Noncommunicating intracranial arachnoid cyst cases were treated with neuroendoscopic fenestration between IAC and cerebral cistern/ventricle with rigid neuroendoscope.

RESULTS

All the NCIAC patients had definite neurologic findings. Postoperatively, the clinical status and situations of all the patients were improved, and some patients were even cured. Only 1 case suffered complicated chronic subdural hematoma and was cured by burr hole drainage. Follow-up CT scan of 9 cases showed that the cysts decreased markedly in size; most of the surrounding spaces were filled by normal cerebral tissue.

CONCLUSION

(1) CTC is specific for the differential diagnosis of IAC, which can be classified into CIAC and NCIAC with CTC. (2) NCIAC with definite neurologic findings have surgical indication. (3) Compared with traditional treatments, neuroendoscopic cystic fenestration is more effective and minimally invasive with less mortality and morbidity.

Treatment of suprasellar cysts and patient outcome

OBJECT

The authors sought to determine the natural history of and optimal treatment for suprasellar cysts (SSCs).

METHODS

Three hundred forty-two patients harboring intracranial cysts presented to the authors' neurosurgery unit between January 1986 and August 2004. The patients' records were reviewed to assess symptomatology, results of imaging studies, and outcome according to mode of treatment. Thirty-three patients (9.6%) were eligible for this study. Nine SSCs were diagnosed prenatally and 24 were identified postnatally (range 0 months-18.2 years, mean 5.6 years). The mean follow-up period was 66.8 +/- 44.6 months (standard deviation). Seven cysts were left untreated, six (66%) detected before birth and one (4.5%) after birth. Of the 26 patients who required surgery, three were admitted elsewhere for complications of shunt surgery. A ventriculocystostomy (VC) was performed in all three of these patients, but the treatment failed in two. The primary treatment in the remaining 23 children was: open fenestration in two patients, VC in seven, ventriculocystocisternostomy (VCC) in 13, and cystoperitoneal (CP) shunt in one patient. Both open fenestration procedures were successful, as was the CP shunt insertion. The success rate of primary endoscopic surgery, although not statistically significant, was higher for VCCs (11 [85%] of 13 patients) than for VCs (four [57%] of seven patients). None of the patients' preoperative endocrine disorders resolved postoperatively. The distribution of intellectual and developmental quotients paralleled the normal range. Intellectual performance was unrelated to patient-specific factors or to treatment modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Most SSCs are of moderate size, are stable and asymptomatic, and have a favorable outcome. Treatment is required when the cyst evolves or the patient is symptomatic, but endocrine disturbances alone are not an indication for surgery. When hydrocephalus is present, endoscopic fenestration is the primary treatment of choice. The goal of the procedure should be to open the cyst into both the ventricles and the cisterns. Intellectual capability after treatment at outcome is not related to age at diagnosis, initial or final cyst size, presence or absence of hydrocephalus, or type of endoscopic treatment.

Spontaneous development of a de novo suprasellar arachnoid cyst

Arachnoid cysts are commonly thought to arise from either congenital defects or trauma. In this article the authors report the spontaneous development of a suprasellar third ventricular arachnoid cyst whose origin was not clearly congenital or traumatic. At the age of 4 months, the patient presented with hypertonia, and a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging study showed no abnormalities. At the age of 2 years, the boy presented with headaches and projectile emesis, symptoms that prompted further imaging studies. An MR image of the brain revealed a suprasellar cyst and obstructive hydrocephalus. The cyst was endoscopically fenestrated, which led to long-term symptom resolution.

Endoscopic assisted excision of a retroclival arachnoid cyst presenting as hysterical breathlessness

BACKGROUND

Arachnoid cysts are benign developmental cysts occurring most commonly in the middle fossa. Posterior fossa arachnoid cysts are less common, with retroclival arachnoid cysts especially in the pediatric age group being rare.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We present a case of a retroclival interpeduncular farachnoid cyst in a 10-year-old boy who presented with left-sided ptosis and episodes of hysterical breathlessness.

RESULTS

The surgical treatment involved endoscopic assisted microsurgical excision of the cyst and the child made an uneventful and complete recovery with complete cessation of breathlessness. The clinical presentation, etiopathogenesis, imaging characteristics and treatment modalities are discussed and the relevant literature reviewed.

Management of a suprasellar arachnoid cyst identified using prenatal sonography

We present a rare case of suprasellar arachnoid cyst discovered incidentally on routine fetal sonographic examination. Serial sonographic and MRI scanning led to a prenatal diagnosis and appropriate endoscopic treatment at 5 months of age. The patient is currently developing normally at 3 years of age. Careful screening of fetal intracranial abnormalities is important in routine prenatal sonographic examination for early intervention, which will prevent irreversible complications such as endocrine disorders and visual impairment.

Helmetlike skull deformity with a large arachnoid cyst

BACKGROUND

It is not difficult to find localized skull ballooning or macrocrania in patients with intracranial arachnoid cysts. However, there have been no previous reports regarding large localized skull protuberant deformities resembling a war helmet. The authors report with a review of literature a case of an adult with helmetlike skull deformity resulting from a large supratentorial arachnoid cyst.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 35-year-old man presented with a large head deformity since his early childhood that had been the result of gradual progression from infantile macrocrania. He also had mental retardation, sixth cranial nerve palsy with recent aggravation of headache, reduced activity, poor voiding control, and walking disturbance. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed hydrocephalus with a large supratentorial arachnoid cyst located in the bilateral parietooccipital area compressing the hemisphere anteriorly, and the tentorium and cerebellum inferiorly. Magnetic resonance venogram demonstrated low-lying short transverse and lateral sinuses, and the superior sagittal sinus and falx were displaced to the right side. Radioisotopic cisternogram showed nonfilling of the isotope in the bilateral parietooccipital area. Cerebrospinal fluid pressure measured by lumbar puncture was 17 cm H(2)O. We tentatively diagnosed the condition as normopressure hydrocephalus with a large supratentorial arachnoid cyst. His headache, reduced activity, poor voiding control, and walking disturbance improved after a cystoperitoneal shunt.

CONCLUSIONS

This might suggest that large arachnoid cysts found in childhood should be treated for prevention of skull deformity and late aggravation of increased intracranial pressure.

Endoscopic cyst fenestration outcomes in children one year of age or less

The use of endoscopic fenestration (EF) is becoming an increasingly common treatment for symptomatic intracranial cysts. Very little data exist regarding outcomes for this procedure in children 1 year of age or younger. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes of 8 children 1 year of age or less treated at our institution with endoscopic cyst fenestration. The mean follow-up was roughly 2.5 years. These data were combined with 17 other cases obtained from the published literature. EF was successful in rendering patients shunt-free or minimizing the number of ventricular catheters in 18 of 26 operations. There were 8 outright failures -- two in 1 patient. Given the risks and complications of cerebrospinal fluid shunting in children less than 1 year of age, we advocate the consideration of EF as initial treatment of symptomatic intracranial cysts.

Rapid formation of a multi-compartment neonatal arachnoid cyst

A 3-day-old term infant born via vaginal delivery presented with irritability and tachypnoea. Cranial ultrasound, CT and MRI demonstrated a massive left temporal arachnoid cyst extending into the anterior and posterior fossa as well as the suprasellar area. In utero ultrasounds at 9.5, 19 and 32 weeks of gestation had been normal. Endoscopic exploration revealed that all cyst components were communicating, and a cystoperitoneal shunt was inserted with rapid resolution of symptoms and cyst decompression. Arachnoid cysts may develop rapidly in utero and may not be associated with underlying brain hypoplasia. Attempts at rapid and maximum decompression may be reasonable in this setting.