Obstet Gynecol Sci.  2023 Mar;66(2):49-57. 10.5468/ogs.22113.

Fetal arachnoid cyst: characteristics, management in pregnancy, and neurodevelopmental outcomes

• Hong S
• Pae J
• Ko HS

• KMID: 2540473
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5468/ogs.22113

Abstract

Arachnoid cysts are rarely found during the prenatal period and can exist in any part of the brain as extra-axial cysts. These cysts are usually found after the second trimester and should be differentiated from other types of brain cysts and tumors using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Serial sonographic examinations are necessary to evaluate associated central nervous system (CNS) or extra-CNS anomalies and changes in size or shape during pregnancy. If there are other associated anomalies, prenatal genetic evaluations are strongly recommended. Surgical procedures are necessary after birth in approximately 30-60% of the patients. Most isolated cysts have favorable neurodevelopmental outcomes, although information on their prognosis is limited.

Keyword

Congenital abnormalities; Arachnoid cysts; Neurodevelopmental disorders

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Arachnoid cysts (A) a 2.4×1.8 cm sized suprasellar arachnoid cyst examined at 39 weeks of gestation (B) a 7.7×3.6 cm sized huge arachnoid cyst found along the left cerebral convexity at 35 weeks of gestation (yellow arrow).

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  Fig. 2 A porencephalic cyst (A) axial image of a 6.2×3.0 cm sized right parietotemporal porencephalic cyst diagnosed at 34 weeks of gestation showing parenchymal loss without mass effect (B) a sagittal image of the same cyst (yellow arrow).

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  Fig. 3 Aneurysms of the vein of Galen (A) a 7.2×2.0 cm sized elongated anechoic cyst at the cistern detected at 37 weeks of gestation (B) there is turbulent blood flow in the cyst on colored doppler imaging (yellow arrow).

Reference

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