Ophthalmic manifestations of ruptured arachnoid cysts in children

Abstract

Intracranial arachnoid cysts are relatively common in the pediatric population. Rarely, they rupture, leading to acute subdural fluid collections, which can cause a sudden increase in intracranial pressure. The purpose of this study was to characterize ophthalmic sequelae in a large cohort of these patients. The medical records of all children treated for ruptured arachnoid cysts who presented at a single tertiary pediatric hospital for initial assessment between 2009 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Of 35 children treated for ruptured arachnoid cysts during the study period, 30 received ophthalmological examination. Papilledema was found in 57% of these children, abducens palsy in 20%, and retinal hemorrhages in 10%. Of the 30 children, 22 were seen in outpatient follow-up, of whom 5 had a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or worse in one or both eyes at most recent follow-up. Cranial nerve palsies resolved in all cases without strabismus surgery. Given high rates of papilledema, cranial nerve palsies, and vision loss, all children with ruptured arachnoid cysts should be evaluated by pediatric ophthalmologists.