LEPTOMENINGEAL CYST Meaning and
Definition
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A leptomeningeal cyst, also known as an arachnoid cyst, is a fluid-filled sac that forms within the leptomeninges, the thin membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. It is a type of developmental birth defect that occurs when the arachnoid membrane, one of the three layers of the meninges, fails to properly separate during fetal development.
Leptomeningeal cysts are typically composed of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and are often located in the subarachnoid space, which is the space between the arachnoid and pia mater layers of the meninges. They can occur in various regions of the brain or spinal cord, particularly around the cerebral hemispheres or within the spinal canal.
These cysts are usually asymptomatic and go unnoticed, only discovered incidentally during diagnostic imaging tests performed for unrelated reasons. However, in some cases, depending on their size, location, and pressure exerted on surrounding structures, leptomeningeal cysts may cause symptoms such as headaches, seizures, developmental delays, or neurological deficits.
Treatment options for leptomeningeal cysts depend on the severity of symptoms and the location of the cyst. Asymptomatic cysts might not require any intervention, while symptomatic cysts may be managed with conservative measures, such as medication to control symptoms. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain or remove the cyst and relieve any associated complications or symptoms.
Common Misspellings for LEPTOMENINGEAL CYST
- keptomeningeal cyst
- peptomeningeal cyst
- oeptomeningeal cyst
- lwptomeningeal cyst
- lsptomeningeal cyst
- ldptomeningeal cyst
- lrptomeningeal cyst
- l4ptomeningeal cyst
- l3ptomeningeal cyst
- leotomeningeal cyst
- leltomeningeal cyst
- le-tomeningeal cyst
- le0tomeningeal cyst
- lepromeningeal cyst
- lepfomeningeal cyst
- lepgomeningeal cyst
- lepyomeningeal cyst
- lep6omeningeal cyst
- lep5omeningeal cyst
- leptimeningeal cyst
Etymology of LEPTOMENINGEAL CYST
The word "leptomeningeal" is derived from Greek roots: "lepto" meaning "thin" or "delicate" and "meninx" meaning "membrane" or "covering". It refers to the thin, delicate membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges.
The word "cyst" is derived from the Latin word "cystis", which means "bladder" or "sac". It refers to a sac-like structure that contains fluid or semi-solid material.
Therefore, "leptomeningeal cyst" describes a condition where a cyst or sac-like structure develops within the thin membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
