Surgical management of brain arachnoid cysts : single institute experience

Abstract EN

Objectives: We report our experiences and characteristics of intracranial arachnoids cysts (IAC) over a six year period at our clinic.

Methods: We used a retrospective study design to review all IAC patients, managed in our neurosurgical clinic between 2014 and 2019.

Patient files, radiological images computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans) were reviewed for patient characteristics, presentation, cyst types, site and clinical management.

Results: In total, 365 patients with IAC were included (spinal arachnoid cyst excluded).

The mean age was 16 years ± 13.61 years, and 65% were male.

Our data showed that 59% of patients had asymptomatic arachnoid cysts, with no further management required.

However, 23% required medication for seizure control, whereas surgical intervention was required for 18% of patients.

Conclusions: Arachnoid cysts are common neurosurgical pathologies, with different clinical presentations.

Variable management modalities are available, and should be guided by the clinical picture and radiological appearance.

Our cohort data are comparable with international datasets.