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Subarachnoid cyst and ascent to high altitude--a problem?
1Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, USA. phack@ruralhealth.org
High Altitude Medicine & Biology
|March 21, 2001
Summary
A subarachnoid cyst caused neurological symptoms like double vision and ataxia in a man ascending to high altitude. This highlights the importance of considering cysts in high-altitude neurological diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- High-Altitude Medicine
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Subarachnoid cysts are benign intracranial lesions.
- Neurological symptoms can manifest during rapid ascent to high altitudes.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old man experienced diplopia and ataxia upon ascending to 4,000 m.
- A moderate-sized left frontal subarachnoid cyst was identified, not communicating with ventricles.
Findings:
- The subarachnoid cyst likely acted as a space-occupying lesion.
- Hypoxic brain swelling and elevated intracranial pressure exacerbated symptoms due to the cyst.
Implications:
- Subarachnoid cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis for high-altitude neurological issues.
- This case underscores the potential impact of intracranial space-occupying lesions at altitude.