Incidence of Arachnoid Cyst Cases in Kahramanmaras and Retrospective Detailed Analysis of These Cases

Objective: Arachnoid cysts are benign lesions frequently encountered owing to the widespread use of neuroimaging. Although they are usually asymptomatic, they can cause various symptoms depending on the location of the cyst, its size, and its effect on the flow of the CSF. If they are symptomatic, surgical intervention may be required. Herein, we aimed to investigate the incidence, clinical findings, follow-up, and management of arachnoid cysts in patients in the context of the literature. Material and Methods: Between January 2017 and December 2022, the brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) of 30073 patients were examined in our hospital; 751 patients with arachnoid cysts were identified. The demographic characteristics, cyst location and size, clinical symptoms, follow-up, and treatment processes of these patients were examined. Results: Overall, 218 patients (29%) were aged ≤18 years, and 533 (71%) were aged >18 years. The incidence of arachnoid cysts was 5.3% in the ≤18 years age group and 2% in the >18 years age group. The incidence of arachnoid cysts in the general population was 2.5%. In terms of sex distribution, 351 patients (47%) were women and 400 patients (53%) were men, with the incidence of arachnoid cysts being two times more common in men than in women. The distribution of the cases according to localization revealed that arachnoid cysts were detected most commonly in the posterior fossa (n=330; 44%), Sylvian fissure (n=226; 30%), cerebral convexity (n=100: 13%), and more than one location (n=74; 9.9%). Data regarding follow-up imaging were available for 298 patients. No significant increase in the size of the cyst was observed during follow-up. Conclusion: Arachnoid cysts are commonly observed during neuroimaging. Although there is a consensus regarding the diagnosis of arachnoid cysts and follow-up of asymptomatic patients, larger case series are warranted to standardize the use of advanced examinations for treating symptomatic patients and selecting appropriate surgical techniques.