RESUMO
Most supratentorial arachnoid cysts are found in the perisylvian region. They are thin extracerebral fluid filled pouches and occasionally symptoms are caused by space occupation. We have studied 28 cases with these cysts, with follow-up time varying from one to ten years. 8 of the cases presented with a sudden onset of seizures, while 5 cases had a history of seizures dating from childhood. 14 cases underwent surgery, of whom most had histological evidence of previous haemorrhage and some had evidence of subdural haematoma. Surgery was uneventful in all cases regardless of the method used and all had satisfactory outcome. All 28 cases were followed up systematically including intelligence testing and specific testing of memory and other temporal lobe functions. The group scored normal in standardized tests with a distribution similar to the normal population. Results did not show any deficit of function related to the localization of the cyst. Despite of the severity of their initial symptoms, postoperative cases performed just as well at psychological testing. Those cases who continued to experience seizures showed a memory disturbance and seemed to lack initiative. Most cases studied had normal error scores in the dichotic listening examinations. There was no connection between the side of the cyst and a unilateral deficit. The results are discussed.
