Cisternalerweiterungen

Cisternalerweiterungen, also known as cisternal dilations or enlarged cisterns, are noticeable widening of the subarachnoid spaces within the brain. The subarachnoid space is the area between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater, which are two of the membranes that surround the brain. This space is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and contains blood vessels and connective tissue. Normally, these spaces have a defined, narrow appearance. When they become abnormally enlarged, they are referred to as cisternalerweiterungen.

These dilatations are most commonly observed in specific anatomical locations, such as the suprasellar cistern, the basal cisterns, and the Sylvian cisterns. The appearance of cisternalerweiterungen is typically identified through neuroimaging techniques like computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. While often an incidental finding, their presence can sometimes be associated with underlying conditions.

The significance of cisternalerweiterungen varies. In many cases, they are benign and represent a normal anatomical variation without clinical implications. However, in certain situations, they might be indicative of conditions such as arachnoid cysts, subdural hygromas, or may be seen in the context of brain atrophy, where there is a general loss of brain tissue leading to compensatory enlargement of the CSF spaces. Diagnosis and further investigation depend on the size, location, and any associated symptoms a patient may present with.