Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model
09:14

Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model

Published on: June 18, 2021

How often do chronic extra-cerebral haematomas occur in patients with intracranial arachnoid cysts?

K Wester1, C A Helland

  • 1Section for Neurosurgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Bergen, and Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|May 10, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Chronic subdural hematomas complicate arachnoid cysts in 4.6% of cases, particularly temporal cysts. This finding is crucial for surgical considerations in patients with arachnoid cysts.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Neurology
  • Cranial Surgery

Background:

  • Arachnoid cysts can lead to chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH).
  • This complication occurs in both pediatric and adult populations.
  • Understanding CSDH frequency is vital for surgical planning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of CSDH in patients with arachnoid cysts.
  • To assess the clinical significance of CSDH as a complication.
  • To inform decisions regarding decompressive cyst surgery.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 241 patients with arachnoid cysts (1987-2004).
  • Patients were from a defined geographical region served by a single neurosurgical department.
  • Data included patient demographics and cyst characteristics.

Main Results:

  • CSDH was identified in 11 patients (4.6% overall).
  • All CSDH cases were associated with temporal arachnoid cysts.
  • The frequency of hematoma in temporal cysts was 6.5%.

Conclusions:

  • Middle fossa arachnoid cysts are most frequently associated with intracranial hematomas.
  • The loose attachment of the arachnoid cyst membrane in the middle fossa may contribute.
  • This anatomical relationship might expose vascular structures, increasing bleeding risk.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Double Direct Injection of Blood into the Cisterna Magna as a Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage10:34

Double Direct Injection of Blood into the Cisterna Magna as a Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Published on: August 30, 2020

Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Intracerebral Hemorrhage Evacuation09:01

Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Intracerebral Hemorrhage Evacuation

Published on: October 15, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
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...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
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...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...
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...