Pathogenesis and treatment of intracranial arachnoid cysts in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age

Abstract

Patients younger than 2 years of age and harboring an arachnoid cyst commonly present with macrocephaly. These patients are more likely to require shunts than are those presenting with other findings, such as seizures or incidental lesions. The development and expansion of arachnoid cysts may be related to aberrant cerebrospinalfluid dynamics, and these lesions may be a form fruste of hydrocephalus. Arachnoid cysts should be treatedwith craniotomy and cyst fenestration, taking into account the likelihood of perioperative shunt dependency.