Suprasellar arachnoid cysts: 2. Evaluation of CSF dynamics.

Suprasellar arachnoid cysts are an infrequent but surgically remediable cause of hydrocephalus and neurologic deficits. The optimal method of treatment varies according to whether the cyst communicates with the subarachnoid space; the presence or absence of associated hydrocephalus; and the exact site(s) and severity of intraventricular and extraventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obstruction. Eight patients with suprasellar arachnoid cysts are described to emphasize the importance of pretherapeutic investigation of CSF dynamics. The variability of the ventriculocisternal-cyst CSF dynamics and the value of metrizamide computed tomographic cisternography and ventriculography in investigation of the CSF pathways are stressed. A diagnostic approach to the evaluation of the CSF dynamics is outlined, based on whether hydrocephalic or compressive symptoms predominate.