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[The outcome of children presenting with a prenatally diagnosed arachnoid cyst]
C Hachon-Le Camus1, Y Chaix, M Fjortoft
1Unité de Neurologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital des Enfants, 330 Avenue de Grande-Bretagne TSA 70034, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 9. lecamus.caroline@yahoo.com
Insights
Prenatal diagnosis of arachnoid cysts in children requires careful evaluation for associated lesions. Parents should be informed about the risk of hydrocephalus following diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuroradiology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Context:
- Arachnoid cysts are a common finding on prenatal MRI scans.
- Understanding the long-term outcomes of these cysts is crucial for clinical management.
- Prenatal diagnosis necessitates a comprehensive approach to identify potential complications.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the clinical outcomes of children diagnosed with arachnoid cysts prenatally.
- To assess the neurodevelopmental trajectory and need for surgical intervention.
- To identify factors associated with adverse outcomes in this cohort.
Summary:
- This retrospective study analyzed 17 children with prenatally diagnosed arachnoid cysts, followed for an average of 6.5 years.
- Eight patients required surgical intervention for their cysts.
- Outcomes varied, with developmental delays and schooling disturbances noted in a subset of patients, particularly those with posterior fossa cysts.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of thorough prenatal evaluation for associated anomalies.
- Emphasizes the need for genetic counseling and parental education regarding potential risks like hydrocephalus.
- Informs pediatricians and neurosurgeons on the long-term prognosis and management strategies for prenatally detected arachnoid cysts.
Aim:
Evaluate the outcome of children with prenatally diagnosed arachnoid cysts.
Material And Methods:
Retrospective study of seventeen cases of children who were diagnosed with an arachnoid cyst during prenatal MRI between July 1994 and January 2007 and followed up for a mean 6 years and 6 months. Follow-up was based on evaluation of clinical files and contacts with the physicians who were following the children. The children were divided into three groups: group 1 normal development, group 2: minor clinical signs, normal schooling, group 3: major clinical symptoms, schooling disturbed.
Results:
Eight of the 17 patients included in this study underwent derivation surgery for the cyst. Eight of the 17 children were in group 1, and 3 in group 2. Four of the 6 children in group 3 had associated symptoms. Two of the children in group 3 present with a supratentorial cyst, and 4 with a cyst of the posterior fossa.
Conclusion:
The prenatal diagnosis of a arachnoid cyst should be accompanied by a search for associated lesions. The risk of hydroencephalitis should be explained to the parents.
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