Endoscopic resection is becoming a well-established treatment option for patients with colloid cysts of the third ventricle. A disadvantage of this approach is the decreased ability to resect cysts in their entirety. Correlations between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and cyst content could potentially help surgeons decide on the extent of resection and approach. We attempted to identify a correlation between patients' MRI imaging patterns and difficult cyst removal, post-operative adverse outcomes and the need for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion, in order to detect markers that may affect pre-surgical planning.", "A retrospective examination of all patients' records that underwent a colloid cyst excision attempt at our institution between 2001 and 2014, and which had a minimum 1-year follow-up was compiled.", 'Of the 25 patients fulfilling the criteria, we found cysts with a low T2 signal, specifically when combined with high T1 signal, to be significantly correlated with piecemeal, difficult removals. Correlation was also found between high T2 signal cysts and pre-operative hydrocephalus. Among patients that had pre-existing hydrocephalus, those that required a piecemeal removal possessed a strong trend towards a need for subsequent shunting.
Do mRI features have a role in pre-surgical planning of colloid cyst removal?