Suprasellar arachnoid cyst due to ectopic choroid plexus: case report
Jason Labuschagne1,2, Denis Mutyaba3,4, Tanyia Pillay5,6
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. Jason.labuschagne@icloud.com.
Summary
This study reports the first case of a suprasellar arachnoid cyst containing ectopic choroid plexus. This finding offers new insights into the development of these rare intracranial lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are common intracranial lesions, but their etiology remains debated.
- Ectopic choroid plexus (CP) within ACs is a rare phenomenon, with only seven cases previously reported.
- Understanding the role of ectopic CP in AC formation is crucial for explaining AC progression.
Observation:
- A 1-year-old boy presented with developmental delay and macrocephaly, indicative of increased intracranial pressure.
- MRI revealed a suprasellar arachnoid cyst causing hydrocephalus.
- Intraoperative findings and histological examination confirmed the presence of ectopic choroid plexus within the cyst.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of a suprasellar arachnoid cyst containing ectopic choroid plexus.
- Histology confirmed the cyst wall comprised fibrous tissue and arachnoid cells, with the ectopic tissue resembling normal choroid plexus.
- The ectopic CP was likely trapped within the diencephalic leaf of Liliequist's membrane.
Implications:
- This case suggests that ectopic choroid plexus trapped in specific anatomical locations may contribute to the formation and growth of suprasellar arachnoid cysts.
- Further research into the role of ectopic CP in AC development could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
- This finding expands our understanding of the diverse etiologies of intracranial malformations.
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