Leptomeningeal cyst in a child after head trauma: a case report

West Afr J Med. 2010 Jan-Feb;29(1):44-6.

Abstract

Background: Leptomeningeal cyst is an uncommon complication of paediatric skull fractures.

Objective: To report a case of leptomeningeal cyst in a nine year old female.

Methods: A nine-year-old girl presented with a 13 month history of recurrence seizures. Full clinical evaluation was undertaken. This was followed by radiological investigations.

Results: The patient presented with a 13-month history of repeated seizures with no associated fever. The child had fallen from a one-storey building at the age of four years with temporary loss of consciousness and massive right sided head swelling but no radiological investigations were carried out at that time and she gradually recovered on conservative management. Physical examination showed a pulsatile depression on the right side of her head. Imaging studies confirmed this to be a leptomeningeal cyst, post traumatic cyst or growing fracture Conclusion: It is very important to carry out radiological investigations of all head injury patients no matter how subtle and to repeat such investigations especially when skull fractures are seen on initial investigations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arachnoid Cysts / complications
  • Arachnoid Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Arachnoid Cysts / etiology
  • Child
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / complications*
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Seizures / diagnostic imaging
  • Seizures / etiology*
  • Skull Fractures / complications
  • Skull Fractures / diagnosis
  • Skull Fractures / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed