Leptomeningeal cysts after spot freezing: transmission and scanning electron microscopic observations

The sequential development of the early phases of leptomeningeal cyst formation was studied in an experimental model. Light, transmission and scanning electron microscopic data were compared with those from human arachnoid cysts. Common features observed were: the participation of leptomeningeal cells in the structure of the cysts with exclusion of dural components; the absence of internal traversing trabeculae; the hyperplasia of leptomeningeal cells, particularly in the dome of the cysts. Other features of the experimental cysts were: the splitting of the pio-arachnoid membrane; the scarcity of collagen at the early stages; the presence of areas of mineralization at more advanced stages; the presence of remodeling parenchymal changes at the underlying nervous tissue.