INTRACRANIAL ARACHNOID CYST ASSOCIATED WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Autism is dened by the association, beginning before the age of three, of a qualitative impairment in reciprocal social interactions, and an impairment in verbal and non-verbal communication. Neuropediatric investigation of autism focuses on the search for an underlying organic cause. In this case report, we describe a child being followed for a cluster of signs consistent with autism spectrum disorder, with minor neurological signs. During his neuropediatric evaluation, a subarachnoid cyst was discovered in the left temporal intracranial, exerting a mass effect on cerebral structures that could explain some of the symptoms. Our patient underwent surgery, which resulted in a signicant improvement in the mainly minor neurological signs reported on examination. Arachnoid cysts are developmental anomalies diagnosed in childhood. They are discovered incidentally during radiological examination and are responsible for a variety of symptoms, particularly neurological. Surgical intervention in these cases can improve neurological symptoms, especially those linked to compression of cerebral structures.