Arachnoid cysts?

February 14, 2002

Due to the increasing headaches and spasticity I have been having my

dr. ordered a full MRI. It was for many reasons including a followup

scan about the possible MS issue, which, happily has been ruled out.

They did, however, find that I had an arachnoid cyst in my thorasic

(lower) back.

I didn't know one could get those after decompression. Are they the

same thing as syringomyelia? I am having difficulty finding

information on arachnoid cysts anywhere but in the brain stem but

they do say they can be elsewhere on the spinal column. Also, I

didn't have them in my '99 study so it is not congenital, its

something relatively new.

In my search I came upon a new site with references to many

neurological conditions at www.andrus.org Some of it relates to AARP

(American Assoc. of Retired Persons) who I believe sponsors it but

much is of interest to us, on things such as headaches, mobility &

such.

I have sent for ASAP's packet on both chiari and sm but am anxious to

learn what I can as soon as I can. I was totally surprised that this

showed up, I just assumed that everything was A-OK, that my headaches

& problems were just residual from the chiari & resulting

complications. The idea of a cyst does at least explain some of my

problems, I just never expected to hear such an answer. It sounds

like they will just monitor things for now -- so hopefully nothing

will change for the worse. (thinking positively -- ya gotta!)

Anyway, sorry for rambling...just wanted to see what info you info

hounds out there have found. I have gone to all my

favorite " haunts " , so far no good information.

Spring is around the corner here in Montana, the crocus are starting

to peek up out of the earth. I love spring. It'll soon be IRIS TIME!

Luv & irises, from MT

February 15, 2002

,

Found a little info on Thoracic arachnoid cysts, from what I've read it looks

like Thoracic arachnoid cysts are quite common as far as arachnoid cysts go,

particularly congenital ones.

Collection of clear fluid within the <A

HREF= " http://uscneurosurgery.com/glossary/a/arachnoid.htm " >arachnoid</A>,

presumably resulting from

abnormal embryological development of the subarachnoid space.

Arachnoid cysts vary in size (some are quite large), and occur in several

different locations around the brain and spinal cord.

The clinical presentation depend on the size and location of the cyst, as

well as the patient's age.

Many arachnoid cysts are discovered " incidentally " (unexpected finding on CT

or MR obtained to investigate a brain problem not related to the cyst).

Patients with a suprasellar cyst often present earlier than middle cranial

fossa cysts because the former is associated with hydrocephalus.

It is diagnosed by CT or MRI

Treatments include:

Creating an opening in the cyst that allows it to drain into the subarachnoid

space.

Placing a shunt in the cyst allowing it to drain into the peritoneal space

(abdomen) [or other space if the peritoneum is scarred or for some other

reason is unsuitable].

<A

HREF= " http://uscneurosurgery.com/classroom/science/pathophysiology/topics/csf.ht\

m#arachnoid cyst " >Arachnoid cyst - pathophysiology</A>

Location of arachnoid cyst