Large arachnoid cyst - posterior fossa

Case contributed by Huda B. Gharbia
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Headache, ataxia

Patient Data

Age: 13 years

Large extra-axial cystic space occupying lesion in left retrocerebellar, extending from posterior fossa to vertex, appears hypointense in T1W and hyperintense in T2Wimages, exhibits CSF signal intensity in FLAIR sequences. It shows no restricted diffusion in DW/ADC sequences.

It causes mass effect in form of severe compression and buckling of left cerebellar hemisphere, subsequently compressing IVth ventricle and slightly cerebellar coning into foramen magnum, indenting medulla oblongata, compressing torcula, straight sinus and posterior part of superior sagittal sinus (preserved T2-signal void appearance).

Case Discussion

Large extra-axial cystic space occupying lesion extending from posterior fossa to vertex, of CSF signal intensity, not restricted diffusion, causes mass effect, suggestive large arachnoid cyst.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.