Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
09:53

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Published on: July 5, 2021

Nonneoplastic intracranial cysts and cystic lesions

P Van Tassel1, J K Curé

  • 1Department of Radiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.

Seminars in Ultrasound, CT, and MR
|June 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

This review covers non-cancerous brain cysts in the brain, subarachnoid space, and ventricles. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highlighted as a key diagnostic tool for these conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Neuroradiology
  • Cerebrovascular Diseases

Background:

  • Cystic lesions in the central nervous system are diverse.
  • Non-neoplastic cysts represent a significant category requiring accurate diagnosis.
  • Distinguishing these from neoplastic lesions is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of non-neoplastic cystic lesions affecting the brain, subarachnoid space, and ventricles.
  • To elucidate the diagnostic capabilities of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in identifying and characterizing these entities.
  • To serve as a reference for clinicians encountering such lesions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of non-neoplastic cystic brain lesions.
  • Analysis of imaging characteristics on MRI.
  • Correlation of imaging findings with pathological diagnoses where available.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of various cystic lesions, including developmental, inflammatory, and post-traumatic types.
  • Demonstration of characteristic MRI appearances for differentiating lesion types.
  • Emphasis on MRI's superior soft-tissue contrast for lesion evaluation.

Conclusions:

  • Non-neoplastic cystic lesions are a common finding in neuroimaging.
  • MRI is indispensable for the accurate diagnosis and characterization of these lesions.
  • Understanding the imaging spectrum aids in appropriate clinical decision-making and management.

More Related Videos

Endoscopic Approach for Colloid Cyst Resection02:30

Endoscopic Approach for Colloid Cyst Resection

Published on: May 23, 2025

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy from a Single Entry Point03:13

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Pineal Biopsy from a Single Entry Point

Published on: June 28, 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 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...
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...
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction01:19

Cerebral Edema l: Introduction

Cerebral edema is a pathological increase in brain water content that disrupts intracranial pressure regulation and impairs neurological function. Because the cranial vault is rigid, even modest increases in tissue volume can compromise cerebral perfusion, distort neural structures, and initiate secondary injury. Cerebral edema develops through four principal mechanisms: vasogenic, cytotoxic, interstitial, and ionic.Vasogenic EdemaVasogenic edema arises from disruption of the blood–brain...
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology01:22

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...
Cytotoxic Edema: Pathophysiology01:21

Cytotoxic Edema: Pathophysiology

Cytotoxic edema is a form of cerebral edema characterized by intracellular swelling of neurons, astrocytes, and other glial cells. It develops when the mechanisms responsible for maintaining ionic gradients across the cell membrane become impaired. Under normal physiological conditions, the sodium–potassium ATPase actively transports sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, preserving osmotic balance and enabling electrical signaling. This pump requires a continuous supply...