IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Suprasellar arachnoid cyst

Case contributed by Abdallah Al Khateeb
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Loss of vision.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years old
Gender: Male
mri

A large extra-axial CSF intensity lesion expanding the suprasellar cistern with a thin wall, no enhancement or nodularity and no diffusion restriction, extending into the third ventricle, the prepontine and interpeduncular cisterns with splaying of the cerebral peduncles. 

This mass is causing displacement and splaying of the vascular structures around, displacing the optic chiasm superiorly.

There is significant mass effect on the brainstem, posterior cranial fossa which appears crowded, the aquedcut of sylvius with stretching of the corpus callosum.

Changes of obstructive hydrocephalus and transependymal edema are also seen.

The pituitary gland and stalk are well identified.

Case Discussion

These changes are most consistent with a suprasellar arachnoid cyst.

Third ventriculostomy is arranged.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.