Prenatal diagnosis of suprasellar arachnoid cyst and postnatal endoscopic treatment

Childs Nerv Syst. 2001 Dec;17(12):739-42. doi: 10.1007/s003810100467. Epub 2001 May 17.

Abstract

Arachnoid cysts are benign developmental anomalies that occur in the cerebrospinal axis in relation to the arachnoid membrane. An antenatal ultrasound scan first raises the suspicion of arachnoid cysts, but misdiagnoses have been reported. Confirmatory antenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is very useful to delineate anatomical detail and help in correct diagnosis. This helps proper counselling and treatment planning. Controversy also surrounds the surgical management, in terms of both the indications and the procedures employed. We report the successful endoscopic treatment, in a neonate, of an arachnoid cyst diagnosed by antenatal ultrasound and MRI. In this case accurate diagnosis and detailed assessment led to objective counselling and helped to optimise neonatal management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Arachnoid Cysts / diagnostic imaging
  • Arachnoid Cysts / pathology
  • Arachnoid Cysts / surgery
  • Central Nervous System Cysts* / diagnostic imaging
  • Central Nervous System Cysts* / pathology
  • Central Nervous System Cysts* / surgery
  • Endoscopy / methods
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy in Adolescence
  • Prenatal Diagnosis*
  • Time Factors
  • Ultrasonography