Rapidly progressive visual loss caused by a sellar arachnoid cyst: reversal with transsphenoidal microsurgery.

Rapidly progressive vision loss is an uncommon presentation of a parasellar lesion. This report describes a patient with a sellar arachnoid cyst with suprasellar extension in whom rapidly progressive loss of vision was reversed by transsphenoidal microsurgical decompression and cyst fenestration. The differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the sella and parasellar area is discussed, with emphasis on the importance of early intervention for vision recovery.