An infected intradural dermoid cyst associated with a complete dermal sinus of the posterior cranial fossa: A case report and literature review.
Etab MallakHaneen AlmhethawyNafiza MartiniRaeed AlsharhanPublished in: SAGE open medical case reports (2024)
Posterior fossa dermoid cysts are uncommon benign congenital abnormalities. Meningitis is seen as a primary symptom in these situations, more rarely we can find cerebral abscesses. In this case, we describe a 4-year-old Syrian boy who presented with headaches and frequent vomiting as his major complaints. No indication of cerebellar injury was present. He had signs of hydrocephalus like grade III bilateral papilledema but did not develop meningitis. The patient was diagnosed with a complete dermal sinus of the posterior cranial fossa in combination with an infected intradural dermoid cyst and a secondary abscess formation. In Conclusion, the preoperative diagnosis of infected dermoid cysts and dermal sinus tracts lacking signs of infection or meningitis poses challenges, particularly when accompanied by hydrocephalus that can resemble cerebellar tumors. Thorough preoperative assessment is vital for these complex cases.