CT pitfalls in emergency radiology: a chronically ruptured intra-cranial dermoid tumor mimicking pneumocephalus in an acute multi-trauma evaluation

Abstract

Traumatic rupture of an intracranial dermoid tumor is an unusual event. In this case, however, a ruptured intracranial dermoid is noted, but in the absence of clinical signs and symptoms. The lack of symptoms coupled with an abnormal cerebral computed tomography (CT) initially created confusion among clinicians until a more detailed history and more careful analysis of the head CT revealed the plausible answer.