CYSTIC RETROCEREBELLAR MALFORMATIONS - UNIFICATION OF THE DANDY-WALKER COMPLEX AND THE BLAKE POUCH CYST

Twenty-six cases of developmental. retrocerebellar cyst (RCC) formatio n are studied with respect to determining the usefulness and anatomic relevance of separate terms currently in use, including Dandy-Walker c omplex, Dandy-Walker malformation, Dandy-Walker variant, mega-cisterna magna (MCM), and Blake's pouch cyst. An anatomic and embryological co ntinuum between Dandy-Walker complex and Blake's pouch cyst is propose d. A method for the useful assessment of RCC is outlined. The patency or closure of the aqueduct is crucial to the evaluation and management of hydrocephalus associated with RCC formation.