Non-neoplastic
cysts in the CNS may be acquired or developmental.
The
acquired ones are due to trauma, degeneration, infective, and vascular
insults.
They
are discussed in the appropriate sections.
Developmental
cysts comprise 1.3% of all intracranial space occupying lesions.
They
mimic a brain tumor clinically, until radiological imaging is done. They
cause symptoms due to pressure, infection, and rupture. Clinically they
present with seizures and focal signs and symptoms, just like any brain
tumor, depending on the location, and associated features of intracranial
pressure.
Spinal
cysts present as any other spinal cord tumors with pain, and myelopathy;
in addition, there is invariably some kind of associated vertebral
anomaly. Average age at presentation is about 20 years, and range from
prenatal to middle age.
They
are discussed elsewhere.
They
include:
Archnoid cysts, Rathke's cleft
cyst, Ependymal cysts, & Porencephalic cysts.
Epidermoids, Dermoids, &
Neuroenteric cysts. and
Colloid cyst of the third
ventricle.
