Posterior Fossa Dermoid Cyst With Sinus Tract and Meningitis in a Toddler

Miltiadis Douvoyiannis, David L. Goldman, Ira R. Abbott, Nathan Litman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Intracranial dermoid cysts are rare, but can cause recurrent bacterial or aseptic meningitis, abscesses or mass effect. We describe a toddler who manifested an occipital "lump" for 6 months without further evaluation. He presented with lethargy and meningitis. A posterior fossa dermoid cyst with a sinus tract was detected by imaging studies. He underwent prompt surgical excision of the cyst and the sinus, and received a prolonged course of antibiotics, because anaerobes were isolated from the contents of the cyst and blood. His postoperative course was complicated, and required the placement of a lumboperitoneal shunt. A high index of suspicion for the detection of dermoid cysts is required when a congenital midline skin lesion such as a dimple or a scalp swelling is reported. Prophylactic excision is indicated to prevent serious sequelae.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)63-66
Number of pages4
JournalPediatric Neurology
Volume39
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Neurology
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Clinical Neurology

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