In this article we report on two patients with arachnoid cysts previously treated by shunt implantation presenting with clinical signs of an increased intracranial pressure i. e., papilledema, headache and nausea. Repeated MRI scans showed no alteration of the cerebrospinal fluid circulation and no space-occupying effect of the cysts. Although neuroimaging showed no signs of increased intracranial pressure, neurosurgical exploration was performed and revealed a distinctly increased pressure in both arachnoid cysts. After replacement of the shunt a prompt reduction of papilledema and relief of symptoms was observed.
U Lindner, B Bubl, W-I Steudel, P Papanagiotou, B Käsmann-Kellner, L Gortner, and M G Shamdeen.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany. ulrike.lindner@uks.eu
Neuropediatrics. 2009 Apr 1; 40 (2): 89-91.
AbstractIn this article we report on two patients with arachnoid cysts previously treated by shunt implantation presenting with clinical signs of an increased intracranial pressure i. e., papilledema, headache and nausea. Repeated MRI scans showed no alteration of the cerebrospinal fluid circulation and no space-occupying effect of the cysts. Although neuroimaging showed no signs of increased intracranial pressure, neurosurgical exploration was performed and revealed a distinctly increased pressure in both arachnoid cysts. After replacement of the shunt a prompt reduction of papilledema and relief of symptoms was observed.(c) Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart, New York.