Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Intracranial Cysts
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the principal non-invasive tool for characterising intracranial cysts, offering exquisite soft-tissue contrast without ionising radiation. Intracranial cysts encompass a heterogeneous group of fluid-filled lesions, including arachnoid, epidermoid, porencephalic, colloid and developmental variants such as cavum septum pellucidum and cavum vergae cysts. MRI protocols typically combine T1-weighted, T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and, when indicated, contrast-enhanced sequences. Signal intensity, diffusion characteristics and enhancement patterns enable differentiation between benign cystic lesions and cystic neoplasms or abscesses. High-resolution three-dimensional imaging further refines anatomical delineation, guides surgical planning and supports longitudinal follow-up. Advances in phase-contrast techniques also permit assessment of cerebrospinal fluid flow, crucial in cysts associated with obstructive hydrocephalus. Together, these capabilities have transformed diagnosis, informed minimally invasive interventions and improved prognostic stratification across paediatric and adult populations worldwide.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Intracranial Cysts publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in magnetic resonance imaging of intracranial cysts across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
T1-weighted imaging: MRI sequence producing high signal for fat and subacute haemorrhage, useful for anatomy and post-contrast studies.
T2-weighted imaging: Sequence in which fluid appears bright, emphasising cystic lesions and edematous changes.
Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR): Technique that suppresses free fluid signal, enhancing detection of perilesional gliosis or proteinaceous cyst contents.
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI): Sequence sensitive to water molecule motion, differentiating epidermoid cysts (which restrict diffusion) from arachnoid or porencephalic cysts (which do not).
Endoscopic fenestration: Minimally invasive surgical procedure creating an opening in the cyst wall to restore cerebrospinal fluid flow and relieve mass effect.
References
- A Giant Porencephaly: A Rare Etiology of Pediatric Seizures. Cureus (2021).
- Tectal plate cyst-associated hydrocephalus in an adult: Case report of a rare clinical entity. Radiology Case Reports (2023).
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