Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Histological Findings of Arachnoid Cysts

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Arachnoid Cysts

  • 370 Accesses

Abstract

Arachnoid cysts (AC) represent benign cystic mass lesions that may arise at essentially any site within the central nervous system (CNS) in which arachnoid cap cells reside. They occur throughout all age groups and may be congenital or acquired secondary to a variety of pathologies that result in inflammation/irritation or hemorrhage involving the leptomeninges. In this chapter, we present the spectrum of histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features of ACs. Comparisons will be drawn with other cystic lesions of the CNS to facilitate differentiation of ACs from the multitude of potential clinicoradiographic mimics. A brief review of unusual presentations of histologically confirmed ACs is also included.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Akaishi K, Hongo K, Ito M, Tanaka Y, Tada T, Kobayashi S. Endodermal cyst in the cerebellopontine angle with immunohistochemical reactivity for CA19-9. Clin Neuropathol. 2000;19(6):296–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Akutagawa K, Tamura G, Tsurubuchi T, Ishikawa E, Matsumura A, Inagaki T. Quadrigeminal arachnoid cyst with perinatal encephalocele. Childs Nerv Syst. 2020;36(7):1393–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-020-04626-2.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  3. Altman NR, Naidich TP, Braffman BH. Posterior fossa malformations. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 1992;13(2):691–724.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  4. Apel K, Sgouros S. Extradural spinal arachnoid cysts associated with spina bifida occulta. Acta Neurochir. 2006;148(2):221–6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-005-0697-x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Ariai S, Koerbel A, Bornemann A, Morgala M, Tatagiba M. Cerebellopontine angle arachnoid cyst harbouring ectopic neuroglia. Pediatr Neurosurg. 2005;41(4):220–3. https://doi.org/10.1159/000086566.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Asahi T, Endo S, Akai T, Takaba M, Takaku A. Nontraumatic convexity intradiploic arachnoid cyst. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 1998;38(6):374–6. https://doi.org/10.2176/nmc.38.374.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Aubry K, Wassef M, Guichard JP, Herman P, Tran Ba Huy P. Association of an arachnoid cyst with heterotopic neuroglial tissue in the internal auditory canal. Ann Otolaryngol Chir Cervicofac. 2009;126(3):133–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aorl.2009.03.001.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Barkovich AJ, Kjos BO, Norman D, Edwards MS. Revised classification of posterior fossa cysts and cystlike malformations based on the results of multiplanar MR imaging. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1989;153(6):1289–300. https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.153.6.1289.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Bhandari YS. Non-communicating supratentorial subarachnoid cysts. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1972;35(6):763–70. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.35.6.763.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  10. Bhatt AS, Mhatre R, Nadeesh BN, Mahadevan A, Yasha TC, Santosh V. Nonneoplastic cystic lesions of the central nervous system-Histomorphological Spectrum: a study of 538 cases. J Neurosci Rural Pract. 2019;10(3):494–501. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-1698033.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  11. Binesh F, Mehrabanian M, Navabii H. Primary brain hydatosis. BMJ Case Rep. 2011;2011:bcr0620103099. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr.06.2010.3099.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  12. Candy N, Young A, Devadass A, Dean A, McMillen J, Trivedi R. Dual lumbar bronchogenic and arachnoid cyst presenting with sciatica and left foot drop. Acta Neurochir. 2017;159(10):2029–32. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-017-3284-z.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. de Oliveira JG, Giudicissi-Filho M, Rassi-Neto A, Borba LA, Rassi MS, Sanchez SL Jr, et al. Intracranial aneurysm and arachnoid cyst: a rare association between two cerebral malformations. Br J Neurosurg. 2007;21(4):406–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/02688690701466313.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. de Oliveira RS, Amato MC, Santos MV, Simao GN, Machado HR. Extradural arachnoid cysts in children. Childs Nerv Syst. 2007;23(11):1233–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-007-0414-6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Del Brutto OH. Neurocysticercosis. Semin Neurol. 2005;25(3):243–51. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2005-917661.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Lach B, Scheithauer BW, Gregor A, Wick MR. Colloid cyst of the third ventricle. A comparative immunohistochemical study of neuraxis cysts and choroid plexus epithelium. J Neurosurg. 1993;78(1):101–11.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Dyck P, Gruskin P. Supratentorial arachnoid cysts in adults. A discussion of two cases from a pathophysiologic and surgical perspective. Arch Neurol. 1977;34(5):276–9. https://doi.org/10.1001/archneur.1977.00500170030004.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Fleck SK, Baldauf J, Langner S, Vogelgesang S, Siegfried Schroeder HW. Arachnoid cyst confined to the internal auditory canal-endoscope-assisted resection: case report and review of the literature. Neurosurgery. 2011;68(1):E267–70. https://doi.org/10.1227/NEU.0b013e3181ff1fb7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Gauden AJ, Khurana VG, Tsui AE, Kaye AH. Intracranial neuroenteric cysts: a concise review including an illustrative patient. J Clin Neurosci. 2012;19(3):352–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocn.2011.10.005.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Go KG, Blankenstein MA, Vroom TM, Blaauw EH, Dijk F, Hollema H, et al. Progesterone receptors in arachnoid cysts. An immunocytochemical study in 2 cases. Acta Neurochir. 1997;139(4):349–54. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01808832.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Go KG, Houthoff HJ, Blaauw EH, Havinga P, Hartsuiker J. Arachnoid cysts of the sylvian fissure. Evidence of fluid secretion. J Neurosurg. 1984;60(4):803–13. https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.1984.60.4.0803.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Go KG, Houthoff HJ, Blaauw EH, Stokroos I, Blaauw G. Morphology and origin of arachnoid cysts. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of three cases. Acta Neuropathol. 1978;44(1):57–62. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00691640.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Guzel A, Tatli M, Kilincer C, Yilmaz F. Posttraumatic intraventricular arachnoid cyst accompanied by pseudomeningoencephalocele in a child. J Clin Neurosci. 2007;14(12):1210–3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocn.2006.04.016.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Hamada H, Nonaka Y, Kusaka Y, Nakazaki H, Abdullah SH, Oi S. Huge arachnoid cyst incorporating choroid plexus. Childs Nerv Syst. 2006;22(4):420–3. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-005-1174-9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Harrison MJ. Cerebral arachnoid cysts in children. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1971;34(3):316–23. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.34.3.316.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  26. Hart MN, Malamud N, Ellis WG. The Dandy-Walker syndrome. A clinicopathological study based on 28 cases. Neurology. 1972;22(8):771–80. https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.22.8.771.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Hayashi Y, Futami K, Munemoto S, Hamada Y, Soma M, Yamashita J, et al. Congenital arachnoid cyst mimicking meningocele. Pediatr Neurosurg. 2002;36(6):324–8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000063537.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Hirano A, Hirano M. Benign cystic lesions in the central nervous system. Light and electron microscopic observations of cyst walls. Childs Nerv Syst. 1988;4(6):325–33. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00270605.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Inoue T, Matsushima T, Fukui M, Iwaki T, Takeshita I, Kuromatsu C. Immunohistochemical study of intracranial cysts. Neurosurgery. 1988;23(5):576–81. https://doi.org/10.1227/00006123-198811000-00006.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Iplikcioglu AC, Dinc C, Bikmaz K, Bek S, Gokduman CA, Cosar M. Non-traumatic intradiploic arachnoid cyst. Acta Neurochir. 2006;148(6):659–62; discussion 62. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-006-0746-0.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Krawchenko J, Collins GH. Pathology of an arachnoid cyst. Case report. J Neurosurg. 1979;50(2):224–8. https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.1979.50.2.0224.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Leaes CG, Meurer RT, Coutinho LB, Ferreira NP, Pereira-Lima JF, da Costa OM. Immunohistochemical expression of aromatase and estrogen, androgen and progesterone receptors in normal and neoplastic human meningeal cells. Neuropathology. 2010;30(1):44–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1789.2009.01047.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Little JR, Gomez MR, MacCarty CS. Infratentorial arachnoid cysts. J Neurosurg. 1973;39(3):380–6. https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.1973.39.3.0380.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Liu JK, Cole CD, Sherr GT, Kestle JR, Walker ML. Noncommunicating spinal extradural arachnoid cyst causing spinal cord compression in a child. J Neurosurg. 2005;103(3 Suppl):266–9. https://doi.org/10.3171/ped.2005.103.3.0266.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Lwu S, Starreveld YP, Branson J, Perry A. Anaplastic meningioma arising from a radiologically diagnosed arachnoid cyst: case report. Neurosurgery. 2010;67(1):212–3. https://doi.org/10.1227/01.NEU.0000370013.55369.92.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Mangussi-Gomes J, Gentil AF, Filippi RZ, Momesso RA, Handfas BW, Radvany J, et al. Sellar and suprasellar arachnoid cyst. Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2019;17(1):eAI4269. https://doi.org/10.31744/einstein_journal/2019AI4269.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Masuzawa T, Yamamoto H, Sato F. Ultrastructure of the wall of the Dandy-Walker cyst. A case report. Acta Neuropathol. 1984;62(3):225–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00691856.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Miyagami M, Kasahara E, Miyazaki S, Tsubokawa T, Kagawa Y. Ultrastructural findings of arachnoid cysts and epithelial cysts. No To Shinkei. 1991;43(6):545–53.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Miyagami M, Tsubokawa T. Histological and ultrastructural findings of benign intracranial cysts. Noshuyo Byori. 1993;10(2):151–60.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Morimura T, Maeda Y, Tani E, Nishigami T. Immunohistochemical differential diagnosis of benign cysts in the central nervous system. Noshuyo Byori. 1994;11(1):7–13.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Morioka M, Hamada J, Ohmori Y, Kageshita T, Ushio Y. Spinal arachnoid cyst containing nevus cells in a patient with a large congenital melanocytic nevus: case report. Neurosurgery. 2004;55(4):983–4. https://doi.org/10.1227/01.neu.0000137280.84648.ce.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Nabeshima S, Makita Y, Motomochi M, Itagaki T, Aoyama I, Yamashita S. Electron-microscopic study of the arachnoid cyst (author’s transl). No To Shinkei. 1980;32(8):803–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Nelson MD Jr, Maher K, Gilles FH. A different approach to cysts of the posterior fossa. Pediatr Radiol. 2004;34(9):720–32. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-004-1253-1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Nishio S, Morioka T, Hamada Y, Kuromaru R, Fukui M. Hypothalamic hamartoma associated with an arachnoid cyst. J Clin Neurosci. 2001;8(1):46–8. https://doi.org/10.1054/jocn.2000.0771.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Nourbakhsh A, Vannemreddy P, Minagar A, Toledo EG, Palacios E, Nanda A. Hydatid disease of the central nervous system: a review of literature with an emphasis on Latin American countries. Neurol Res. 2010;32(3):245–51. https://doi.org/10.1179/016164110X12644252260673.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Novegno F, Umana G, Di Muro L, Fraioli B, Fraioli MF. Spinal intramedullary arachnoid cyst: case report and literature review. Spine J. 2014;14(6):e9–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2013.10.051.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Okamura K, Watanabe M, Inoue N, Kanoh M, Ohno T, Mitsui Y, et al. Intraventricular arachnoid cyst--on the origin of intraventricular arachnoid cysts. No To Shinkei. 1996;48(11):1015–21.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Park KJ, Kang SH, Chae YS, Chung YG. Supratentorial arachnoid cyst located in the brain parenchyma: case report. Neurosurgery. 2011;68(1):E258–62. https://doi.org/10.1227/NEU.0b013e3181ff355c.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Pedrosa I, Saiz A, Arrazola J, Ferreiros J, Pedrosa CS. Hydatid disease: radiologic and pathologic features and complications. Radiographics. 2000;20(3):795–817. https://doi.org/10.1148/radiographics.20.3.g00ma06795.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Polat P, Kantarci M, Alper F, Suma S, Koruyucu MB, Okur A. Hydatid disease from head to toe. Radiographics. 2003;23(2):475–94; quiz 536–7. https://doi.org/10.1148/rg.232025704.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Pradilla G, Jallo G. Arachnoid cysts: case series and review of the literature. Neurosurg Focus. 2007;22(2):E7. https://doi.org/10.3171/foc.2007.22.2.7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Rabiei K, Tisell M, Wikkelso C, Johansson BR. Diverse arachnoid cyst morphology indicates different pathophysiological origins. Fluids Barriers CNS. 2014;11(1):5. https://doi.org/10.1186/2045-8118-11-5.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  53. Rao ZX, Li J, Hang SQ, You C. Congenital spinal intradural arachnoid cyst associated with intrathoracic meningocele in a child. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2010;11(6):429–32. https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.B0900375.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  54. Rengachary SS, Watanabe I. Ultrastructure and pathogenesis of intracranial arachnoid cysts. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol. 1981;40(1):61–83.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Schuhmann MU, Tatagiba M, Hader C, Brandis A, Samii M. Ectopic choroid plexus within a juvenile arachnoid cyst of the cerebellopontine angle: cause of cyst formation or reason of cyst growth. Pediatr Neurosurg. 2000;32(2):73–6. https://doi.org/10.1159/000028902.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Schul DB, Meier MP, Foldvari Z, Krammer MJ, Lumenta CB. Rare case of convexity meningioma growing into arachnoid cyst. World Neurosurg. 2018;117:199–202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2018.06.040.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Sharma A, Sayal P, Badhe P, Pandey A, Diyora B, Ingale H. Spinal intramedullary arachnoid cyst. Indian J Pediatr. 2004;71(12):e65–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Shin JL, Asa SL, Woodhouse LJ, Smyth HS, Ezzat S. Cystic lesions of the pituitary: clinicopathological features distinguishing craniopharyngioma, Rathke's cleft cyst, and arachnoid cyst. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1999;84(11):3972–82. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem.84.11.6114.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Singleton WG, Lawrence T, Green AL, Jeans A, Kerr RS. Cerebellopontine angle arachnoid cyst containing ectopic choroid plexus—case report. Acta Neurochir. 2010;152(5):881–3. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-009-0516-x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Sinha S, Sharma BS. Neurocysticercosis: a review of current status and management. J Clin Neurosci. 2009;16(7):867–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocn.2008.10.030.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Spiegelmann R, Rappaport ZH, Sahar A. Spinal arachnoid cyst with unusual presentation. Case report. J Neurosurg. 1984;60(3):613–6. https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.1984.60.3.0613.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Sundaram C, Paul TR, Raju BV, Ramakrishna Murthy T, Sinha AK, Prasad VS, et al. Cysts of the central nervous system : a clinicopathologic study of 145 cases. Neurol India. 2001;49(3):237–42.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Taratuto AL, Venturiello SM. Echinococcosis. Brain Pathol. 1997;7(1):673–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1750-3639.1997.tb01082.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Teitelbaum GP, Otto RJ, Lin M, Watanabe AT, Stull MA, Manz HJ, et al. MR imaging of neurocysticercosis. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1989;153(4):857–66. https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.153.4.857.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Topsakal C, Kaplan M, Erol F, Cetin H, Ozercan I. Unusual arachnoid cyst of the quadrigeminal cistern in an adult presenting with apneic spells and normal pressure hydrocephalus--case report. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 2002;42(1):44–50. https://doi.org/10.2176/nmc.42.44.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Verhagen A, Go KG, Visser GM, Blankenstein MA, Vaalburg W. The presence of progesterone receptors in arachnoid granulations and in the lining of arachnoid cysts: its relevance to expression of progesterone receptors in meningiomas. Br J Neurosurg. 1995;9(1):47–50.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Wang Y, Wang F, Yu M, Wang W. Clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical treatment for symptomatic arachnoid cysts in adults. J Clin Neurosci. 2015;22(9):1456–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocn.2015.03.016.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Watanabe N, Akasaki Y, Fujigasaki J, Mori R, Aizawa D, Ikeuchi S, et al. Imaging alterations due to squamous metaplasia in intracranial neurenteric cysts: a report of two cases. Neuroradiol J. 2016;29(3):187–92. https://doi.org/10.1177/1971400916638356.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  69. Weinand ME, Rengachary SS, McGregor DH, Watanabe I. Intradiploic arachnoid cysts. Report of two cases. J Neurosurg. 1989;70(6):954–8. https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.1989.70.6.0954.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Weinman DF. Arachnoidal cysts in the sylvian fissure of the brain. J Neurosurg. 1965;22:185–7. https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.1965.22.2.0185.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Yanaka K, Hyodo A, Fujimori H, Yoshii Y, Nose T. Foramen magnum meningioma and arachnoid cyst coinciding in the lateral cerebellomedullary cistern--case report. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo). 1992;32(8):581–4. https://doi.org/10.2176/nmc.32.581.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA

    Christine E. Fuller

Authors
  1. Christine E. Fuller
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Christine E. Fuller .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Türkiye

    Mehmet Turgut

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco

    Ali Akhaddar

  3. Department of Radiology, Ankara Medipol University, Ankara, Türkiye

    Ahmet T. Turgut

  4. Department of Neurosurgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA

    Walter A. Hall

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Fuller, C.E. (2023). Histological Findings of Arachnoid Cysts. In: Turgut, M., Akhaddar, A., Turgut, A.T., Hall, W.A. (eds) Arachnoid Cysts. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-22701-1_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-22701-1_4

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-22700-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-22701-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation