Orthostatic Enlargement of a Supracerebellar Arachnoid Cyst With Cerebellar Descent Visualized by Upright Computed Tomography

BACKGROUND: Posterior fossa arachnoid cysts are often asymptomatic, but can rarely cause postural headache, the mechanism of which remains unknown. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a 40-year-old woman with an asymptomatic supracerebellar arachnoid cyst. Upright computed tomography (CT) showed enlargement of the arachnoid cyst and caudal descent of the cerebellum compared with supine CT with narrowing of the craniocervical junction cerebrospinal fluid space. CONCLUSIONS: This finding aids in understanding the association of posterior fossa arachnoid cysts with orthostatic headache. Clinicians should be aware of possible posture-related changes in intracranial structures.

Automated summary

Posterior fossa arachnoid cysts can rarely cause postural headache, with upright CT imaging showing changes in intracranial structures, aiding in diagnosis and treatment.