[Arachnoid cysts: Embriology and pathology]

Abstract

There is still great controversy surrounding the origin of the arachnoid cyst. The most accepted theory in the case of congenital cysts explains how they are formed from an anomalous development of the arachnoid membrane, which is unfolded allowing the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid inside and creating a cyst. This theory seems to explain the origin of convexity and sylvian cistern arachnoid cysts, whereas those in other locations might be due to other mechanisms. In the anatomopathological analysis, the arachnoid cyst wall can be seen as having few differences from normal, although thickened due to an increase quantity of collagenous material. A description of the embryological development of the arachnoid layer and cyst formation is presented, describing the main anatomopathological findings.

Keywords: Anatomía cerebral; Arachnoid cyst; Brain anatomy; Central nervous system embryology; Cerebrospinal fluid; Congenital malformations; Embriología del sistema nervioso central; Espacio subaracnoideo; Líquido cefalorraquídeo; Malformaciones congénitas; Quistes aracnoideos; Subarachnoid space.