Arachnoid cyst differential diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: José Eduardo Riceto Loyola Junior, M.D.[2]

The main differential diagnosis of Arachnoid cysts are epidermoid cysts. They can be differentiated using MRIs.

• The main differential diagnosis of Arachnoid cysts are epidermoid cysts.
• They can be differentiated using MRIs
• Other cystic lesions of the CNS also must be differentiated.
• Eventually, arachnoid cysts may contain proteinaceous fluid or blood, which can cause diagnostic confusion.^[1]

As differential diagnosis, the following hypothesis must be considered:

1. Enlarged CSF space;
2. Epidermoid cyst;
3. Subdural hygroma/chronic subdural hemorrhage;
4. Cystic tumors;
5. Pilocytic astrocytoma;
6. Hemangioblastoma;
7. Neurenteric cyst;
8. Neuroglial cyst;
9. Porencephalic cyst;
10. Neurocysticercosis.^[3]