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What Does My MRI Findings Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 28 Apr 2014

Question: Family member (caucasian 27 year old male) just received MRI report showing an arachnoid cyst in the cisterna magna measuring at 4.6 x 2.6 x 2 cm. PA states it has been there for "a decade". So since rate of growth has reached 4.6cm at age 27, What is the likelyhood of this cyst growing and causing serious health problems. Only symptoms are short term memory loss and occasional twitching. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer: It can cause problem if it increases in size. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX Thanks for writing to HCM You have large arachnoid cyst in posterior fossa of brain.It can further grow in size. Arachnoid cysts are cerebrospinal fluid-filled sacs that are located between the brain and the arachnoid membrane.Mostly arachnoid cysts are primary in origin and they arise due to developmental abnormalities in the brain. Surgical treatment is required if it causes symptoms. Presently you have mild symptoms.At present you need follow up scan regarding increase in size and monitoring of symptoms. If symptoms or size increases then surgical intervention should be done. Now a days with microneurosurgical techniques and endoscopic tools ,neurosurgeons remove the membrane of the cyst and open the cyst so its fluid can drain into the cerebrospinal fluid and it is absorbed.It is minimal invasive surgery. Get well soon. Hope I have answered your question. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (2 hours later)

Thank you for the response. If surgery is reccomended, what is theprognosis of the cyst growing back and memory loss associated with the procedure?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (16 hours later)

Brief Answer: Please find detail answer below. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX Thanks for writing back If surgery is done then cyst doesn't grow again.Membranes of the cyst are removed surgically,so there is no chance of recurrence. There is no memory loss due to procedure itself. Get well soon. Hope I have answered your question. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (4 hours later)

Thank you once again, for my finalquestion, can you give any more information that is vital based on these images?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (26 hours later)

Brief Answer: Please find detail answer below. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX Thanks for writing back Surgery may be postponed for the time being. The cyst is in an area where there may be loss of balance which can indicate further growth of the cyst. Regular medical follow up with a repeat MRI scan after 1 or 2 years depending on symptoms might help. Get well soon. Hope I have answered your question. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (5 minutes later)

Additional scans

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (19 hours later)

Brief Answer: Please find detail answer below. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX Thanks for writing back At present you need only follow up MRI scan after 1 or 2 years depending on the symptoms. Get well soon. Hope I have answered your question. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar