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Understanding intracranial arachnoid cysts: a review of etiology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology

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Abstract

Arachnoid cysts (AC) are one of the common pathologies encountered in pediatric neurosurgical settings. It comes to clinical attention more often incidentally but also more often than previously due to the wide availability of diagnostic imaging. However, the accurate incidence and prevalence remain unknown. There is an ongoing debate on symptomatology, indications of treatment, and best treatment modalities. In this review, we aimed to discuss the current general knowledge about the arachnoid cyst, focusing on the etiology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology. Specific findings related to locations, such as the Sylvian fissure, are also emphasized.

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All the materials and figures are owned by the author, and/or no permissions are required. All references to general neurosurgical knowledge or information from other publications were included in the reference section appropriately.

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All the materials and figures are owned by the author, and/or no permissions are required. All references to general neurosurgical knowledge or information from other publications were included in the reference section appropriately.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR, USA

    Eylem Öcal

  2. Department Of Neurosurgery, University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA

    Eylem Öcal

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Eylem Ocal prepared the entire manuscript and the figures.

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Öcal, E. Understanding intracranial arachnoid cysts: a review of etiology, pathogenesis, and epidemiology. Childs Nerv Syst 39, 73–78 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-023-05860-0

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