TITLE:
Therapeutic Modalities of Symptomatic Arachnoid Cysts in Togo
AUTHORS:
Essossinam Kpelao, Thierry Alihonou, Agbéko K. Doleagbenou, Ab El Kader Moumouni, Messan H. Ahanogbe, Komi Egu, Yawovi Michel Adjagbebou, Kossi K. Segbedji, Solim Bakonde, Dzidoula Lawson, Abdoulaye Hima-Maiga, Anthony Beketi
KEYWORDS:
Symptomatic Arachnoid Cyst, Surgical Techniques, Togo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Modern Neurosurgery,
Vol.16 No.1,
December
31,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The origin and pathophysiology of arachnoid cysts are controversial with several theories. Most intracranial arachnoid cysts are asymptomatic and often an incidental radiological finding; they may be treated conservatively. For symptomatic cases, many different operative procedures have been proposed. Having several therapeutic methods, we report your choices in the management of symptomatic arachnoid cysts. Material and method: This is a cohort of 8 symptomatic arachnoid cysts managed in the neurosurgery unit of Sylvanus Olympio hospital. We compared outcomes according to the surgical technique used. The follow-up period was between 6 and 36 months. Results: There was a female predominance (6 females and 2 males). The average age of adults was 48.6 years and that of children was 1.5 years. The main clinical signs were intracranial hypertension (100%) and frontal syndrome (50%). Head trauma and intracystic hemorrhage were identified as risk factors in 2 cases. Seven patients underwent surgery using several techniques: 4 excisions, 1 puncture and 2 cysto-peritoneal shunts. There was spontaneous resolution of the cyst in one patient. Recovery was better for patients who underwent excision. Conclusion: Symptomatic arachnoid cysts can be treated in several ways. We preferred excision for adults and a shunt for children/infants.