Long-term results of cystoperitoneal shunt placement for the treatment of arachnoid cysts in children.
OBJECTIVE
The authors present a single-institution experience in shunt treatment for arachnoid cysts (ACs).


METHODS
Between January 2003 and January 2005, 62 patients with ACs underwent cystoperitoneal (CP) shunt placement at the authors' institution. All patients were evaluated with CT or MRI studies and had regular follow-up examinations.


RESULTS
Forty-six cysts (74%) were within the sylvian fissure, 8 (13%) were in the cerebral convexity, and 8 (13%) were infratentorial. A CP shunt was placed in all patients. Follow-up imaging studies showed that 59 (95%) of 62 ACs reduced in size during a mean postoperative follow-up period of 6.5 years (range 6-8 years). Although a CP shunt was effective in achieving early obliteration, shunt dependency occurred within the patient group (13%). Shunt revision for various reasons was performed in 16 patients (26%).


CONCLUSIONS
Shunt placement is a safe and effective surgical treatment for symptomatic ACs in children, although efforts should be made to decrease complications in the procedure.
Department of Neurosurgery, Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
Bin
B
Zhang
Yuqi
Y
Zhang
Zhenyu
Z
Ma
D000293:Adolescent; D016080:Arachnoid Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002557:Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D007223:Infant; D007427:Intracranial Pressure; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome