[Giant prebulbomedullary arachnoid cyst. Case report and review of the literature]

Neurochirurgie. 2008 Apr;54(2):89-92. doi: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2008.01.006.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Usual locations of arachnoid cyst are the middle cranial fossa in 50-60%, cerebellopontine angle (10%) and suprasellar area (10%). Most of these malformations are asymptomatic. Premedullar arachnoid cysts are extremely rare. All previous cases reported were operated. We report a case of an asymptomatic giant craniocervical junction arachnoid cyst with a follow up of five years. In 2002, an adolescent consulted for persistent cervical pain. Encephalic MR showed a giant ventral craniocervical junction arachnoid cyst. Neurologic examination was normal. Conservative treatment was decided with a clinical follow up and repeated MR in case of persistent cervicalgia. Craniocervical junction arachnoid cysts are anecdotic. Medical care cannot be standardized. Pathogenesis and management are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Arachnoid Cysts / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Arachnoid Cysts / pathology*
  • Arachnoid Cysts / surgery
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Medulla Oblongata / pathology*
  • Neurosurgical Procedures*
  • Pain / etiology