Cerebral Arachnoid Cysts in Adults – Retrospective Analysis of the Results of Surgical Treatment

Czech version

Authors: V. Vybíhal ¹ ; V. Smrčka ¹; M. Smrčka ¹; M. Keřkovský ²
Authors‘ workplace: LF MU a FN Brno Neurochirurgická klinika ¹; LF MU a FN Brno Radiologická klinika ²
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2012; 75/108(4): 480-484
Category: Short Communication

Overview

Cerebral arachnoid cysts represent about 1% of all intracranial expansive processes. The authors of the article present a group of 64 patients treated surgically during a 20-year period. Patients with symptomatic arachnoid cysts were treated surgically. The most common clinical manifestation was headache, epileptic seizures, vertigo, nausea, cerebellar symptoms, visual disturbances, etc. The patients were treated by endoscopy technique (16 pts, i.e. 25.0%), cystoperitoneal shunt implantation (22 pts, i.e. 34.4%), open craniotomy and marsupialization (21 pts, i.e. 32.8%) and puncture of arachnoid cysts (5 pts, i.e. 7.8%). According to the authors, endoscopic techniques are a preferred method for their minimal invasiveness, low complication rate, and independence from the implant, such as with cystoperitoneal shunts. Their implantation is simple and universal but they are a subject to risk of possible revisions due to failure. Craniotomy with a resection of the cyst wall and establishment of communication with the surrounding tissues is another alternative. The method provides a good view of and orientation in the surgical field, an opportunity to treat associated lesions and solution of eventual intraoperative complications. Even though there is no dependence on the implant, this method is more invasive than the other. The puncture of arachnoid cysts is used least frequently. This is a simple, minimally invasive but the least effective method. It is reserved primarily for older polymorbid patients.

Key words:
cerebral arachnoid cysts – cystoperitoneal shunt – endoscopy – craniotomy – marsupialization – puncture

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