Postsurgical arachnoid cyst: report of two cases

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neurology
• Cystic lesions

Background:

• Craniotomy is a common neurosurgical procedure.
• Arachnoid cysts are benign lesions that can occur within the subarachnoid space.
• Postoperative complications following craniotomy can include various neurological deficits.

Observation:

• Two patients developed symptomatic arachnoid cysts one year after craniotomy.
• The primary symptom in both cases was generalized seizures.
• Neither patient exhibited focal or localizing neurological signs.

Findings:

• Arachnoid cysts can manifest as a delayed complication after craniotomy.
• Generalized seizures can be the sole presenting symptom of postoperative arachnoid cysts.
• Surgical intervention, specifically shunting, proved effective in managing these symptomatic cysts.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider symptomatic arachnoid cysts in the differential diagnosis of new-onset seizures post-craniotomy.
• Early diagnosis and treatment with shunting can lead to favorable outcomes.
• Further research may elucidate the mechanisms underlying cyst formation after neurosurgery.