Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 21, 2026

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
06:59

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation

Published on: February 29, 2020

[A spontaneous bilateral subdural effusion in an 11-year-old boy with middle cranial fossa arachnoid cyst]

Tomohiro Kumada1, Kozo Mutoh, Masakazu Sakaguchi

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Shimada Municipal Hospital, Shimada, Shizuoka. tkuma@k6.dion.ne.jp

No to Hattatsu = Brain and Development
|July 24, 2003
PubMed

Insights

A pediatric patient experienced symptoms of increased intracranial pressure due to an arachnoid cyst. Surgical fenestration relieved the pressure and subdural effusion, highlighting a rare complication of arachnoid cysts.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Neuroimaging

Background:

  • Intracranial arachnoid cysts are common congenital malformations.
  • While typically benign, they can rarely lead to complications such as subdural effusion and intracranial hypertension.

Observation:

  • An 11-year-old boy presented with a month of headache, vomiting, and diplopia.
  • Head CT revealed a right middle cranial fossa arachnoid cyst and bilateral subdural effusion.
  • Papilledema developed, and lumbar puncture showed markedly elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure (800 mmH2O).

Findings:

  • A small tear in the arachnoid cyst wall was identified, likely creating a communication pathway with the subdural space.
  • Fenestration of the cyst to the basal cisterns rapidly resolved the patient's symptoms and subdural effusion.

Implications:

  • This case demonstrates a rare, non-traumatic cause of subdural effusion and intracranial hypertension in a child.
  • Arachnoid cyst fenestration is an effective treatment for associated intracranial hypertension and effusion.
  • The etiology of the cyst wall tear remains unclear, emphasizing the need for vigilance in diagnosing such complications.

More Related Videos

Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations14:58

Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations

Published on: October 20, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction01:19

Cerebral Edema l: Introduction

Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
Cranial and Spinal Meninges01:19

Cranial and Spinal Meninges

The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
Cerebrospinal Fluid01:21

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a colorless liquid that flows around the brain and the spinal cord, playing a vital role in the protection, support, and overall function of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF production, circulation, and absorption are tightly regulated processes essential for the brain and spinal cord to function properly.
CSF Production
CSF is produced mainly in the choroid plexus, a network of capillaries and ependymal cells located within the ventricular system of the brain.