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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
11:58
Minimally Invasive Thumb-sized Pterional Craniotomy for Surgical Clip Ligation of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms
Published on: August 11, 2015
Intracranial arachnoid cyst.
Alfonso Vega-Sosa1, Enrique de Obieta-Cruz, Manuel Alejandro Hernández-Rojas
1Servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital General Naval de Alta Especialidad, Secretaría de Marina, México, D. F., Mexico. drvega@neurocirugia.com
Cirugia Y Cirujanos
|January 11, 2011
Summary
Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are cerebrospinal fluid-filled sacs. Symptomatic ACs require surgical intervention, though treatment choices remain debated for optimal outcomes in patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are lesions filled with cerebrospinal fluid-like liquid.
- They constitute at least 1% of intracranial masses, often presenting in young adults.
- While commonly diagnosed in early life, adult onset is also observed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenesis, epidemiology, genetics, presentation, radiology, and treatment of arachnoid cysts.
- To synthesize current knowledge on arachnoid cyst management.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was performed.
- Studies focusing on arachnoid cyst characteristics and treatment outcomes were identified and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Symptoms of arachnoid cysts are contingent upon their size and location.
- Surgical options for symptomatic ACs include cystoperitoneal shunting and cyst fenestration (craniotomy or endoscopic).
Conclusions:
- The optimal surgical technique for arachnoid cyst treatment is currently debated.
- Conservative management may be suitable for asymptomatic or low-volume cysts.
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