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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Double Direct Injection of Blood into the Cisterna Magna as a Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Published on: August 30, 2020
[Clinical study of patients of arachnoid cyst associated with chronic subdural hematoma]
Ke-da Wang1, Ji-zong Zhao, Jing-sheng Li
1Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.
Insights
Arachnoid cysts may increase the risk of chronic subdural hematoma, particularly in young adults. A burr-hole procedure with hematoma drainage is an effective initial treatment for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Radiology
Context:
- Arachnoid cysts are a potential risk factor for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH).
- CSDH typically develops within 1-3 months post-head injury, with headache as a common symptom.
- This study investigates the interplay between arachnoid cysts and CSDH.
Purpose:
- To analyze the clinical features of patients with arachnoid cysts and CSDH.
- To evaluate treatment strategies for this combined condition.
- To determine the efficacy of surgical interventions.
Summary:
- A retrospective analysis of 11 cases (9 male, 2 female; mean age 23.1 years) of arachnoid cyst associated with CSDH was conducted.
- Headache was the predominant symptom. Conservative treatment failed in 3 patients, necessitating burr-hole drainage.
- Burr-hole drainage achieved full recovery in 7/9 patients, while 2 cases required craniotomy for cyst and hematoma removal. No recurrences were observed during follow-up (10-154 months).
Impact:
- Burr-hole drainage is a suitable first-line treatment for CSDH associated with arachnoid cysts.
- Early surgical intervention can lead to favorable outcomes and normal functional recovery.
- Understanding this association is crucial for managing CSDH, especially in younger populations.
Objective:
To explore the clinical characteristics and treatment strategy of arachnoid cyst associated with chronic subdural hematoma.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was made for 11 cases of arachnoid cyst associated with chronic subdural hematoma at our hospital from December 1999 to December 2009. There were 9 males and 2 females with a mean age of 23.1 years old (range: 7 - 68). Their clinical characteristics were summarized. The symptoms included headache (n = 10) and facial muscle twitching & eye squinting (n = 1). History of previous head injury were found in 6 cases, strenuous exercise in 1 case and no history of injury in 4 cases.
Results:
The clinical symptoms of 3 patients worsened after a conservative treatment and underwent a burred-hole procedure with drainage of hematoma. And 7/9 patients undergoing a burred-hole procedure with drainage of hematoma had a full recovery. But 2/9 had recurrent subdural hematoma at Days 20 and 40 post-operation respectively and underwent the same procedure. Another 2 cases underwent craniotomy to remove subdural hematoma and arachnoid cyst and had stayed free of any symptom since then. All patients were followed up for 10 - 154 months after discharge. And none had recurrent subdural hematoma. All could study, work or live normally with a KPS (Karnofsky performance scale) score of 80 or more.
Conclusion:
Arachnoid cysts is a possible risk factor for subdural hematoma, especially in young adults. Chronic subdural hematoma generally develops within 1 - 3 months after head injury. And a common clinical presentation is headache. A burred-hole procedure with drainage of hematoma is adequate as the first-line treatment for arachnoid cyst associated with chronic subdural hematoma.
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