The clinical spectrum of Blake's pouch cyst: report of six illustrative cases.
BACKGROUND
Although Blake's pouch cyst (BPC) is frequently mentioned in the spectrum of posterior fossa cysts and cystlike malformations since its first description in 1996, its natural history, clinical presentation, specific imaging characteristics, optimal treatment, and outcome are relatively unknown. Consequently, BPC may still be underdiagnosed. We therefore report six cases ranging from a fatal hydrocephalus in a young boy, over an increasing head circumference with or without impaired neurological development in two infants, to a decompensating hydrocephalus at an advanced age.


CONCLUSIONS
We focus on their radiological uniformity, which should help making the correct diagnosis, and widely variable clinical presentation, which includes adult cases as well. Differentiating BPC from other posterior fossa cysts and cystlike malformations and recognizing the accompanying hydrocephalus are essentially noncommunicating, not only have important implications on clinical management but also on genetic counseling, which is unnecessary in case of BPC. In our experience, endoscopic third ventriculostomy is a safe and effective treatment option, avoiding the risks and added morbidity of open surgery, as well as many shunt-related problems.
Cornips
Erwin M J
EM
Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands. e.cornips@mumc.nl
Overvliet
Geke M
GM
Weber
Jacobiene W
JW
Postma
Alida A
AA
Hoeberigs
Christianne M
CM
Baldewijns
Marcella M L L
MM
Vles
Johannes S H
JS
D000368:Aged; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003388:Cranial Fossa, Posterior / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003560:Cysts / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000209:etiology; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020542:Third Ventricle / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014696:Ventriculostomy