Multicompartmental Epidermoid Cyst Causing Chronic Parotid Gland and Masticator Space Muscle Atrophy

Abstract

Epidermoid cysts are rare benign intracranial tumors of congenital origin. They are slow-growing and are seen to insinuate between brain structures. These are commonly located in cerebello-pontine angle and parasellar regions. The symptoms produced are primarily due to mass effect. Hearing loss, facial nerve palsy, and trigeminal neuralgia are reported when cranial nerves are involved; motor palsy of trigeminal nerve is uncommon. Here, we present an interesting case of an extensive multicompartmental epidermoid cyst causing atrophy of trigeminal nerve with radiologic evidence of chronic motor trigeminal nerve palsy characterized by atrophy of masticator space muscles and parotid gland.

Keywords: Epidermoid cyst; Motor trigeminal nerve palsy; Parotid atrophy.