[Intracranial arachnoid cysts in the clinical and radiological aspect]

Arachnoid cysts are intracranial pathologies in the space between the pia mater and the dura mater of the brain and cerebellum. Arachnoid cysts are derived from the arachnoidea mater, which while yielding to germination or splitting creates a space filled with liquid with a composition similar to cerebrospinal fluid. The aim of the study is to present possible clinical symptoms and radiological presentation of intracranial arachnoid cysts. The symptoms of intracranial arachnoid cysts are dependent on its size and location. Small cysts are often asymptomatic, while reaching a large size they have the effect of weight, which can lead to oppression and displacement of neurovascular structures, increased intracranial pressure, and therefore such cysts may be the reason for the occurrence of neurological symptoms. Increasing headaches, dizziness, nausea with or without vomiting, stiff neck may even feign subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In neuroimaging arachnoid cysts account for 1-2% of all intracranial pathologic masses. The most common location of arachnoid cysts is down the middle and rear of the skull in natural bodies of cerebrospinal fluid. Arachnoid cysts have a high rate of change. They can undergo spontaneous growth as well as the reduction or disappearance. Headaches, nausea or vomiting, worsening of mood, mental status changes, ataxia, seizures, hearing loss may be symptoms of serious intracranial pathology requiring diagnosis based on neuroimaging.