Ruptured temporal lobe arachnoid cyst presenting with severe back pain

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Anteromesial Temporal Lobectomy for Medically Intractable Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: An Operative Study
11:29

Anteromesial Temporal Lobectomy for Medically Intractable Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: An Operative Study

Published on: August 15, 2025

Subash Lohani1, Richard L Robertson, Mark R Proctor

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts, USA. subash.lohani@childrens.harvard.edu

Journal of Neurosurgery. Pediatrics
|July 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

A pediatric arachnoid cyst ruptured, causing spinal and cranial subdural hematomas. Steroid treatment resolved symptoms and imaging findings, avoiding surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Arachnoid cysts are common congenital anomalies in children, often asymptomatic but capable of causing symptoms like headaches.
  • Rupture of arachnoid cysts, particularly after trauma, can lead to subdural hematomas.

Observation:

  • An 11-year-old boy presented with severe back and leg pain.
  • Imaging revealed a spinal subdural blood collection and a sylvian fissure arachnoid cyst with intracystic hemorrhage and frontoparietal subdural hematoma.

Findings:

  • Intracystic hemorrhage and subdural hematomas associated with a pediatric arachnoid cyst.
  • Successful non-surgical management with oral steroids.
  • Resolution of cranial and spinal subdural collections and cyst size reduction.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare presentation of a pediatric arachnoid cyst rupture.
  • Non-surgical management with steroids can be effective for associated subdural hematomas.
  • Early diagnosis and conservative treatment may prevent surgical intervention in select cases.

More Related Videos

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review04:33

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Published on: November 8, 2024

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,...
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...
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...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...