MATERIAL and METHODS: A consecutive series of 75 patients with arachnoid cysts that were surgically treated between January 1992 and December 2009 are reported. Included in the study were 54 male and 21 female patients, ranging in age from 2 months to 45 years (mean age 20.02 years) at the time of surgery. Symptoms at presentation, location on the cysts, and treatment modalities were evaluated.

RESULTS: Headache was controlled in 92.5% of adult cases. Hydrocephalus, cognitive decline weakness and gait disturbances were controlled 100% after overall treatment methods. Follow-up CT scans showed significant reduction in cyst size in supratentorial arachnoid cysts. No significant changes in cyst size were found in infratentorial cysts but symptomatic improvements were noted.

CONCLUSION: Patients with symptomatic arachnoid cysts regardless of age and cyst location should be treated. We think that avoiding shunt dependence should be one of the principle treatment goals. Proper patient selection results in good outcomes. Keywords : Arachnoid cyst, Cystoventriculostomy, Cystocisternotomy, Cystoperitoneal shunt, Endoscopy