Recurrent Caterpillar-like Arachnoid Cysts Following Initial Resection: A Unique Presentation of a Disorder Where the Limits of Modern Medicine Are Reached

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2019-01, Vol.11 (1), p.e3946
• Main Authors: Kaloostian, Sean W, Vartanian, Tara K, Ordookhanian, Christ, Vartanian, Talia, Kaloostian, Paul E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brain diseases; Case reports; Cysts; Emergency Medicine; Fecal incontinence; Medical Education; Medical imaging; NMR; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Pain; Quality Improvement; Retention; Spinal cord
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.3946

Of the many emergent neurological cases presenting to the emergency department (ED) and operating room (OR) for resection, arachnoid cysts are amongst one of the rarer pathologies. The proper resection of arachnoid cysts has substantially decreased the risk of recurrence. Current medicinal and surgical approaches have been refined over the years and prove to be successful for many patients. Where current practices begin to fail is during the treatment of complex and rare cases, such as the one presented in this manuscript. The commonly accepted surgical practices that were utilized to aid in the management of our patient, who initially presented with a simple arachnoid cyst, unexpectedly resulted in the further development of additional arachnoid cysts, a very rare occurrence, and a complication that should be discussed amongst all specialists in the hope of identifying more focused, novel, and less-invasive approaches to cyst removal and recurrence prevention.