Intracranial arachnoid cysts and obstetric anesthesia: Two case reports

Two cases of patients in whom neuraxial anesthesia was planned for labor and delivery and who had a pre-existing intracranial arachnoid cyst are reported. Anesthesia was used in one patient and was uneventful. The pathophysiology of these cysts and factors which can precipitate the occurrence of symptoms, are reviewed and cases previously described in the literature are examined. Management should be individualized and based on evaluation of preexisting neurological symptoms. In most cases and although CT scan and MRI images may show an intracranial cyst with impressive development, patients remain asymptomatic and neuraxial regional anesthesia can be used safely, provided the patient has agreed and the neurologist in charge has been informed.