Early clinico-radiological outcomes following neuroendoscopic cysto-cisternostomy for middle cranial fossa arachnoid cysts: a prospective cohort study with illustrative cases

BACKGROUND

The dysmorphogenetic arachnoid cysts' pathomechanism is most favoured, and about 50% occur as middle cranial fossa cysts (MCFAC). Still being rare, management options are yet evolving. We described the clinico-radiological features, management and early outcomes of participants with MCFAC in our service.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study involved 29 pediatric participants recruited (from electronic health records, using ICD G93.0 D016080 for arachnoid cysts) between 01/01/2023 and 31/06/2023, following informed consent according to the ethical approval. All participants had neuro-imaging confirmed MCFAC. Baseline and follow-up data were retrieved and analyzed using summary (mean, standard deviation) and inferential (ANOVA, t-test) statistics.

RESULTS

They were averagely aged 6.2 ± 4.48 years and were mostly males (89.7%). 24.1% were asymptomatic. The commonest symptoms (n = 38) were headaches (23.7%), developmental delays (15.8%), eye complaints (15.8%) and cephalomegaly (7.9%). They were predominantly left-sided (89.7%). Galassi (G) 3 lesions were less (24.1%), with G2 and G1 lesions evenly sharing the rest. The average cyst volume was 58.4 ± 80.83cm3; there were significant differences (F = 4.682; p = 0.018) between the average volumes for G1 (14.4 ± 22.42cm3), G2 (61.7 ± 89.92cm3) and G3 (122.5 ± 94.37cm3) lesions. 44.8% of the participants had rigid-endoscopic cysto-cisternotomy (all between the ICA and oculomotor nerve into the interpeduncular cistern, using ventriculostomy forceps); including all G3, 50% of G2 and no G1 (had serial clinico-radiological observation) lesion. The average pre- (117.42cm3) and post-operative (53.48cm3) cyst volumes showed significant (t = - 2.797, p = 0.021) reductions.

CONCLUSION

Middle cranial fossa arachnoid cysts occur predominantly amongst males, in middle childhood and left-sided. The treatment-related patient series are largely symptomatic, unlike the largely asymptomatic, screening-related series. Higher Galassi grade lesions presented with progressively, significantly larger cyst volumes and higher likelihoods of surgery. The average post-operative cyst volume at follow-up averagely showed almost 60% reduction from the pre-operative. All participants reported clinical remission.

Arachnoid Cysts in Athletes with Sports-Related Concussion: A Case Series and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Arachnoid cysts (AC) are associated with a risk of rupture or haemorrhage following head impact and pose a potential predisposing factor for significant complications of sport-related concussion. Despite a recognised association between ACs and intracranial haemorrhage/cyst rupture, the risk profile of participating in contact sports with AC is not well defined. We report a retrospective case series of players presenting to the Birmingham Sports Concussion Clinic between 2017 and 2023 and underwent MRI head, with a comprehensive review of the prior literature.

RESULTS

432 athletes underwent MRI of which 11 were identified to have AC (middle fossa n = 8; posterior fossa n = 2, intraventricular n = 1). Average maximal diameter was 4.1 ± 1.2 cm. 64% had a protracted recovery (≥ 3 months). 9% experienced an AC specific complication (cyst rupture, complete neurological recovery, maximal diameter 6.5 cm, Galassi II, 4 previous concussions). 91% of patients (mean maximal diameter 3.9 ± 1.0 cm) experienced no complications despite multiple previous accumulated sports-related concussions (mean 3.3, range 1-9). Case studies from the literature are summarised (n = 63), with 98% reporting complications, none of which resulted in adverse or unfavourable neurological outcomes. Across prospective and retrospective cohort studies, 1.5% had a structural injury, and (where outcome was reported) all had a favourable outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

AC is an incidental finding in athletes, with the majority in our cohort having sustained serial concussions without AC complication. The single complication within this cohort occurred in the largest AC, and AC size is proposed as a tentative factor associated with increased risk of contact sports participation. Complications of AC appear to be a rare occurrence. This case series and review has not identified evidence to suggest that participation in sports with AC is of significant risk, though individualised assessment and discussion of the potential risks of contact sports participation should be offered.

Neuroendoscopic cysto-cisternostomy for middle cranial fossa arachnoid cysts: a systematic review of the practice principles from 169 cases

INTRODUCTION

Arachnoid cysts are primarily dysembryogenetic splitting or duplication of the embryonic meningeal mesenchyme, hence the paediatric preponderance. Neuroendoscopic cysto-cisternostomy is now the favoured treatment option. We pooled data on middle fossa arachnoid cysts (MCFAC) demographics, clinical presentations, cyst characteristics, neuro-endoscopic cysto-cisternostomy and its outcomes.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Using search words (from the keywords; 'endoscopic treatment' and 'middle fossa arachnoid cysts') combined using Boolean operators, a systematic review of the PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL was started on 1st February 2023, as per protocol (PROSPERO CRD42023394345); 65 records and then 46 reports were screened, 169 cases were pooled from the 19 recruited reports for the qualitative and quantitative syntheses, after methodological assessment (significantly excellent 57.9% quality) using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The male-to-female ratio was 2.4:1, with a weighted average-age of 11.25 years in the modal childhood (32.0%) age-group. Headaches (53/29.3%), seizures (30/16.6%) and macrocephaly (25/13.8%) were the commonest presentations. Right-sided (30/55.6%) and Galassi II (55/48.3%) and III (53/46.5%) lesions were common. Rigid (124/93.9%) endoscopes aided cysto-cisternostomy using mostly bipolar diathermy (31/43.7%) and ventriculostomy forceps (18/25.4%); creating one (22/18.3%), two (14/11.6%) or more (78/65.0%) stomas. Fenestration sites were specifically CNIII&ICA (32/25.8%), CNII&ICA (27/21.8%), CNIII&tentorium cerebelli (23/18.6%), CNIII&PCA (1/0.8%) and through the side of CNVI (1/0.8%) into the pre-pontine cistern. Good clinical and radiological outcomes were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Largely excellent-to-good quality, low-level evidence reported MCFACs presenting in childhood with headaches, seizures and macrocephaly. At least two fenestrations using bipolar-diathermy/forceps and balloon-catheter expansion were used for cysto-cisternostomy, with good outcomes.

A chronic subdural hematoma complicating an arachnoid cyst in a juvenile boxer: a rare case report with comprehensive literature review

Introduction and importance

Arachnoid cyst (AC) is the most frequently founded lesion reported in adolescent patients suffering from chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH). Association between these two distinct clinical entities is known for a long time. However, in the literature there are numerous clinical cases that reflect this relationship and few large series that analyze them in detail. Paediatric population is more rarely affected with this association.

Case presentation

The authors report the case of AC of incidental discovery complicated with CSDH in 15-year-old male recreational boxer presented with progressive onset of holocranial drug-resistant throbbing headache with favourable clinical course after conservative treatment.

Clinical discussion

ACs are a well-known predisposing cause for CSDH after head trauma. In all cases of CSDH in children, the diagnosis of ruptured AC should be considered. Rupture may be spontaneous or following even mild head trauma with rupture of bridging veins causing subdural bleeding as it was seen in our patient who was practicing a full-contact free-sparring sport like boxing sustaining repeated and direct mild head traumas. MRI is recommended to detect small cysts in adolescents with CSDH. The management of these patients remains controversial.

Conclusion

This is a rare reported case of CSDH complicating an AC in a juvenile recreational male boxer. This association remains extremely rare in children and adolescents, as evidenced by the rare cases reported in the literature.

Ruptured Sylvian arachnoid cysts: an update on a real problem

PURPOSE

Sylvian arachnoid cysts (SACs) are the most common type of arachnoid cysts and the most prone to undergo a rupture. This event is considered rare but potentially severe. No definite information is available on its occurrence or management. The goal of the present article is to provide an update on the epidemiological, etiological, and clinical aspects and the management of this peculiar clinical condition.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the English literature of the last 40 years on this topic has been realized. Moreover, a personal series of children investigated and treated in the last 20 years is presented. These patients were managed as follows: (1) treatment of the subdural collection; (2) identification of candidates for surgical treatment of the residual cyst (brain MRI, perfusion brain MRI, prolonged invasive ICP monitoring (selected cases), EEG, neuropsychological tests); (3) surgical treatment of the cyst in the patients with pathological perfusion MRI and/or ICP measurement and/or clear neurophysiological and neuropsychological correlations.

RESULTS

A total of 446 patients (430 from the literature and 16 from the personal series), mainly children, adolescents, and young adults, have been analyzed leading to the following results: (1) SAC rupture is rare but not negligible (yearly risk of rupture: 0.04%; overall risk up to 10% in children affected by SCAs). Prophylactic surgery in asymptomatic cases is not advisable. (2) The mechanism of rupture is not known but an impact of SAC against the sphenoid wing and/or a direct injury on SAC through a thinned temporal bone, with possible laceration of the cyst wall vessels and/or tear of the bridging veins, can be hypothesized. A head injury is often not reported (may be misdiagnosed). (3) Subdural collection (hygroma > chronic hematoma) is the most common finding followed by intracystic bleeding, extradural hematoma, and other types of bleeding. Signs or symptoms of raised intracranial pressure are the most frequent ones. (4) The complication of the rupture is usually treated in emergency or in the acute period by burr hole or craniotomic evacuation of the subdural collection, although a conservative management is possible in some cases. Following the rupture, the majority of SACs are treated (70%), often at the same time of the complication, but no specific investigations are routinely performed to select candidates. According to our protocol, only 43.7% of SACs needed to be treated.

CONCLUSIONS

The "spontaneous" or posttraumatic rupture of SACs is a rare but potentially significant complication followed by a generally good outcome. The course of the cyst is independent from the outcome of the complication, consequently requiring specific investigations for individuating those lesions interfering with CSF dynamics and/or cerebral blood flow.

Surgical fenestration might not be the best option for very young patients with middle fossa arachnoid cysts

PURPOSE

Surgical fenestration is widely accepted as a primary treatment for middle fossa arachnoid cysts (MFACs) in pediatric patients. However, postoperative subdural effusion and/or hydrocephalus always affect treatment outcomes. In this study, we presented our experience of treating MFACs with surgical fenestration in pediatric patients and analyzed the cases complicated by postoperative subdural effusion and/or hydrocephalus, to give insight into the clinical characteristics predisposing the complications.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 21 pediatric cases with MFACs treated by surgical fenestration suffering postoperative subdural effusion and/or hydrocephalus in our department from November 2011 to April 2019. We reviewed the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients, among a total of 53 pediatric patients with MFACs treated by surgical fenestration, developed subdural effusion and/or hydrocephalus postoperatively. The mean age at the time of the initial surgery was 49 months. A total of 75% (6/8) of the patients under 2 years old and 13.3% (6/45) of the older patient group sustaining postoperative subdural effusion and/or hydrocephalus required further surgeries, respectively (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.001). Notably, among the 21 cases with postoperative subdural effusion and/or hydrocephalus, all the 6 patients under 2 years old needed additional surgeries, while of the other 15 older patients, only 40% (6/15) needed further surgical interventions (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

The immature CSF absorption in MFAC patients younger than 2 years old might predispose them to the relatively serious postoperative subdural effusion and/or hydrocephalus. For very young patients with giant MFACs, surgical fenestration might not be the best option.

Head Injury without Head Blow? A Rare Case of Subdural Hematoma Associated with Minute Arachnoid Cyst in a Teenage Skater

BACKGROUND

 Skateboarding has been reported to cause diverse kinds of injuries, including head trauma. However, the risk of brain injury without direct blow to the head seems to be underestimated. In particular, the impact of the inertial forces related to the vigorous character of skateboarding tricks is not sufficiently recognized.

CASE DESCRIPTION

 In our report, we demonstrate a case of chronic subdural hematoma developing without previous blow to the head in a 17-year-old skater bearing small frontal convexity arachnoid cyst.

CONCLUSION

 Based on the described case, the possibility of acceleration and angular forces related to skate park leisure activities resulting in subdural hematoma needs to be discussed. This risk should be critically appraised in patients carrying arachnoid cyst as a malformation predisposing to develop subdural bleeding.

Arachnoid cyst in young soccer players complicated by chronic subdural hematoma: personal experience and review of the literature

Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are congenital intracranial benign cavities originating from the meninges during embryological development. Several studies have shown the existence of a relationship between AC and a higher risk to develop ipsilateral chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) especially in a young population. In the presence of an AC, the practice of sport activities may expose young patients to minor head trauma and to an increased risk of developing CSH. We describe three cases of young soccer players with AC associated with CSH. Then, we performed a literature review of all the reported cases in the literature of patients younger than 18 years with AC-associated CSH related to sport practice. A total of 33 cases, including the three cases reported by us, are analyzed. Soccer is the most represented sport activity in this association (39% of cases). The treatment of choice is surgical in all patients, with burr hole or craniotomy in similar proportions. In one-third of patients, the AC has been fenestrated. Outcome is good in all the reported cases. We reviewed the main pathogenic theories, the main surgical strategies described in literature, as well as recurrence rate of CSH, the association of AC and cranial deformities, and the clinical outcome. AC might be associated with skull deformities, but their real incidence remains unclear. The clinical detection of such anomalies should suggest performing further radiological investigations. If the presence of AC is confirmed, the practice of sport activities should not be avoided, as the real incidence of AC-associated CSH is not clear yet and the reported outcomes in literature are good. Surgical treatment of AC-associated CSH should be hematoma removal through burr hole, reserving AC fenestration only for cases with intracystic bleeding or recurrences. The surgeon should adequately advise and inform the young patients and their families that they could have an increased risk of developing CSH given by the presence of the AC, and that they should be referred to a neurosurgical center if they become symptomatic.

Spontaneous Regression of Pineal Region Arachnoid Cyst: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Arachnoid cyst is a rare benign cerebrospinal fluid-filled cyst that can develop anywhere in the brain along the arachnoid membrane and usually unaccompanied by the anomalous development of the brain structure. These cysts are usually located in the middle cranial fossa. However, they are also denoted in other regions. Arachnoid cysts are mostly asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally. Spontaneous regression of arachnoid cysts in different anatomical regions of the brain has been reported in the literature. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reporting an unusual spontaneous regression of arachnoid cyst in the pineal region in a 3-year-old child presented to our hospital with hydrocephalus without alarming signs and was treated conservatively as the patient was stable, and the cyst showed spontaneous regression. A comprehensive review of the literature regarding spontaneous regression of arachnoid cysts has been collected and discussed in this article.

Sporadic Meningioangiomatosis Presenting as a Middle Cranial Fossa Arachnoid Cyst

BACKGROUND

Meningioangiomatosis is an extremely rare meningovascular disease of the central nervous system that is characterized by the proliferation of leptomeninges, cortical vessels, and perivascular spindled cells. Although it is a benign, neoplastic disorder that carries a good prognosis after surgical excision, initial diagnosis may be challenging as radiologic findings are often variable and nonspecific.

CASE DESCRIPTION

In this report, we describe an unusual presentation of meningioangiomatosis presenting as a symptomatic middle cranial fossa arachnoid cyst.

CONCLUSIONS

In view of the unexpected diagnosis and infrequency of this condition, the case is discussed in collaboration with current literature and management strategies.

Subdural hygroma secondary to rupture of an intracranial arachnoid cyst: description of 2cases and review of the literature

The appearance of a subdural hygroma after the rupture of an arachnoid cyst wall is extremely rare, with very few cases described in the literature. Most cases are due to a traumatic cause. The therapeutic approach in symptomatic cases is controversial, with a current tendency toward conservative management initially. In those cases that require surgical treatment, multiple therapeutic options are available, with fenestration techniques being recommended as first-line treatment. We describe 2cases treated in our centre and review the literature.

Sport-related structural brain injury associated with arachnoid cysts: a systematic review and quantitative analysis

OBJECTIVE Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are congenital lesions bordered by an arachnoid membrane. Researchers have postulated that individuals with an AC demonstrate a higher rate of structural brain injury after trauma. Given the potential neurological consequences of a structural brain injury requiring neurosurgical intervention, the authors sought to perform a systematic review of sport-related structural-brain injury associated with ACs with a corresponding quantitative analysis. METHODS Titles and abstracts were searched systematically across the following databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Peer-reviewed case reports, case series, or observational studies that reported a structural brain injury due to a sport or recreational activity (hereafter referred to as sport-related) with an associated AC were included. Patients were excluded if they did not have an AC, suffered a concussion without structural brain injury, or sustained the injury during a non-sport-related activity (e.g., fall, motor vehicle collision). Descriptive statistical analysis and time to presentation data were summarized. Univariate logistic regression models to assess predictors of neurological deficit, open craniotomy, and cystoperitoneal shunt were completed. RESULTS After an initial search of 994 original articles, 52 studies were found that reported 65 cases of sport-related structural brain injury associated with an AC. The median age at presentation was 16 years (range 4-75 years). Headache was the most common presenting symptom (98%), followed by nausea and vomiting in 49%. Thirteen patients (21%) presented with a neurological deficit, most commonly hemiparesis. Open craniotomy was the most common form of treatment (49%). Bur holes and cyst fenestration were performed in 29 (45%) and 31 (48%) patients, respectively. Seven patients (11%) received a cystoperitoneal shunt. Four cases reported medical management only without any surgical intervention. No significant predictors were found for neurological deficit or open craniotomy. In the univariate model predicting the need for a cystoperitoneal shunt, the odds of receiving a shunt decreased as age increased (p = 0.004, OR 0.62 [95% CI 0.45-0.86]) and with male sex (p = 0.036, OR 0.15 [95% CI 0.03-0.88]). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review yielded 65 cases of sport-related structural brain injury associated with ACs. The majority of patients presented with chronic symptoms, and recovery was reported generally to be good. Although the review is subject to publication bias, the authors do not find at present that there is contraindication for patients with an AC to participate in sports, although parents and children should be counseled appropriately. Further studies are necessary to better evaluate AC characteristics that could pose a higher risk of adverse events after trauma.

The effectiveness of microsurgical fenestration for middle fossa arachnoid cysts in children

OBJECTIVE

Although middle fossa arachnoid cysts (MFACs) are common, the optimal surgical treatment for these lesions remains controversial. In this study, we present our experiences of treating MFACs by microsurgical fenestration and evaluate its effectiveness.

METHODS

We performed retrospective review of 28 patients who underwent microsurgical fenestration for MFACs between May 2003 and December 2014. We reviewed patient characteristics and treatment outcomes including age, sex, symptoms, complicating hydrocephalus, Gallasi classification, change in cyst size after surgery, complicating subdural hygroma, symptom resolution, regrowth of the cyst, and reoperation (including additional CSF diversion).

RESULTS

Twenty-eight MFACs in 28 patients were investigated. The average age at the time of surgery was 61.6 months. The average follow-up duration was 53.5 months. After surgery, 19 (90.5 %) of 21 patients with symptomatic MFACs experienced improvements. The cysts decreased in size in all cases (100 %, 28/28) and disappeared in three cases (11 %, 3/28). None of the cases experienced regrowth of the cyst. Subdural hygroma was identified in 23 cases (82.1 %) at the immediate postoperative period. Hygroma was asymptomatic in all cases but one. Hygroma disappeared in 19 cases (83 %) and decreased in size in three cases (13 %) in the long term. Only one case (4 %) required an additional subdural-peritoneal shunt. The rate of CSF diversion after the fenestration was significantly higher in patients with preoperative ventricular dilation (p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSION

Microsurgical fenestration for pediatric MFACs was considered to be safe and effective. Although subdural hygroma developed in significant number of patients at the immediate postoperative period, it was mostly asymptomatic and disappeared or decreased in size in the long term.

The supposed intracavernous sinus arachnoid cyst with abducens neuropathy: a case report

Intracavernous sinus arachnoid cysts are rare intracranial congenital lesions. When present, their anatomic location frequently results in cranial nerve palsy. A 15-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital with diplopia, which had gradually worsened over the previous several months. An arachnoid cyst was identified within the right cavernous sinus and fenestration surgery was performed. The patient recovered well and three months after the surgery, diplopia was disappeared. Surgical decompression of the intracavernous sinus arachnoid cyst is beneficial for symptomatic patients with this condition.