Rapid brain shift, remote site hemorrhage, and a spinal hematoma after craniotomy for a large arachnoid cyst

Arachnoid cysts are prevalent among the general population. The management options of symptomatic arachnoid cysts each have their own merits and disadvantages. We report a case where a large arachnoid cyst was treated by open fenestration and marsupialization that was complicated by remote intraparenchymal and spinal subdural hemorrhage. The potential physiological changes underlying these complications as well as the related literature are reviewed.