Ruptured intracranial dermoid cyst manifesting as new onset seizure: a case report

J Radiol Case Rep. 2011;5(4):10-8. doi: 10.3941/jrcr.v5i4.592. Epub 2011 Apr 1.

Abstract

Intracranial dermoid cysts are rare tumors derived from ectopic epithelial cells. They are slow-growing benign entities, but can cause significant morbidity through compression of neurovascular structures and, rarely, rupture into the subarachnoid space. We present a rare case of a spontaneously ruptured intracranial dermoid cyst presenting as new onset seizures due to chemical meningitis caused by dissemination of fat droplets.

Keywords: Adult; Dermoid Cyst/cerebrospinal fluid/diagnosis; Humans; Lipids/*cerebrospinal fluid; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods; Male; Rupture; Spontaneous/cerebrospinal fluid/diagnosis; Tomography; X-Ray Computed/methods.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dermoid Cyst / complications
  • Dermoid Cyst / diagnostic imaging
  • Dermoid Cyst / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Lipids
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Meningitis / complications
  • Rupture, Spontaneous
  • Seizures / etiology*
  • Subarachnoid Space / diagnostic imaging
  • Subarachnoid Space / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Lipids