Chapter 18 – Pediatric Cranial Arachnoid Cysts

Abstract Arachnoid cysts (AC) are common intracranial findings with an incidence in the 2%–3% range, the vast majority being incidental and asymptomatic. Symptomatic ACs reflect their intracranial location and whether cerebrospinal fluid flow is obstructed. It is rare for an AC to enlarge enough to become symptomatic and require operative intervention after early childhood. Nonspecific symptoms such as headache or developmental delay should be cautiously used in determining the need for surgical intervention. Only a very small percentage of the pediatric patients with an AC are candidates for surgical treatment.