Ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2006 Apr;148(4):457-62. doi: 10.1007/s00701-005-0722-0. Epub 2006 Jan 27.

Abstract

Rupture of intracranial dermoid cysts (RICDC) is a rare phenomenon. The mechanism of rupture, pathophysiology of fat in the ventricles and subarachnoid spaces, possible complications, and proper management of such conditions are proposed on the basis of a review of the literature and experience with two cases of ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts (One was in the pineal region, while another was in the fourth ventricle). It is concluded that rupture of intracranial dermoid cysts is usually spontaneous and non-fatal. Persistence of fat in the subarachnoid spaces postoperatively may last asymptomatically for years. Surgery is the only way to deal with these benign lesions. If the capsule is adherent to vital areas, incomplete removal is advised as recurrence and malignant transformation are unlikely to occur.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / diagnostic imaging
  • Adipose Tissue / pathology
  • Adipose Tissue / physiopathology*
  • Adolescent
  • Cerebral Ventricle Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Cerebral Ventricle Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Cerebral Ventricle Neoplasms / surgery
  • Choristoma / diagnosis
  • Choristoma / physiopathology*
  • Choristoma / surgery
  • Dermoid Cyst / diagnosis
  • Dermoid Cyst / physiopathology*
  • Dermoid Cyst / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / standards
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control*
  • Radiography
  • Rupture, Spontaneous
  • Subarachnoid Space / diagnostic imaging
  • Subarachnoid Space / pathology
  • Subarachnoid Space / physiopathology