Importance of Ophthalmological Evaluation in the Conservative Management of Increased Intracranial Pressure from a Ruptured Arachnoid Cyst.

Abstract

Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are cerebrospinal fluid collections between the two layers of the normal arachnoid membrane. Although they are often asymptomatic with a stationary course, eventual complications may occur. Herein, we report the case of a 9-year-old boy who developed bilateral papilloedema secondary to spontaneous rupture of an AC in the left middle cranial fossa. Although the papilloedema worsened during follow-up, his visual field remained bilaterally stable, supporting the expectant management and obviating the potential morbidity associated with neurosurgical intervention. This case report highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to patients with secondary intracranial hypertension, including serial ophthalmological examinations, which provide a useful guide to surgical decision-making.