Ettlin, D.

Gratzl, O.

Jakubowski, E.

Kirsch, E.

Mindermann, T.

Radü, E.

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Acta Neurochir (Wien) (1997) 139:86-87 Acta  Neuroch i rurg ica  9 Springer-Verlag 1997 Printed in Austria Intradiploic Epidermoid Cyst of the Frontal Bone Presenting with Tension Pneumocephalus* E. Jakubowski  1, E. Kirsch 1, T. Mindermann 2, D. Ettlin 3, O. Gratzl 2, and E.-W. Radii 1 1 Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, 2 Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, and 3 Division of Reconstruc- tive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Basel, Switzerland Introduction Intradiploic manifestations of epidermoid turnouts are benign, slow-expanding and of small or moderate size [3]. Increasing to larger size, diploic epidermoids can cause focal neurological signs and intracranial hypertension [4]. We report on the second case of an intradiploic epi- dermoid cyst resulting in neurological deficits caused by tension pneumocephalus. Case Report A 52-year-old female was admitted with a history of depressive character alteration and progressive forgetfulness. Neurological examination revealed a moderate left-sided hemiparesis and aniso- coric pupils with a dilated pupil on the right side reactive to light in a conscious and fully orientated patient. Plain X-ray films of the skull demonstrated a frontal esion con- sisting of a giant mass of intracranial frontal air and a well-delineat- ed lytic calvarial esion without sclerotic margins (figure). Con- trast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed destruction of the skull at the level of the frontal sinus due to a diploic tumour of parenehymal-like d nsity. The tumour indicated a communication with the right-sided frontal pneumocephalus leading to compres- sion of the right frontal obe and the right ventricle (Fig. 1). Bone setting windows showed erosion of the outer and inner table of the calvarium. Bifrontal craniotomy revealed a mostly intradiploic turnout invading the frontal sinus, displacing the frontal obes and showing dural adherence. The tumour was completely resected with exci- sion of frontal dura (TM) and reconstruction f the skull (DE). The postoperative course was uneventful and the hemiparesis resolved. Histologically there was no evidence of malignancy in this diploic epidermoid cyst. * Keywords: Epidermoid cyst; diploic cyst; tension pneumo- cephalus; computerized tomography. Discussion Unique feature of this case is the spontaneous development of a tension pneumocephalus with left- sided hemiparesis and anisocoric pupils. It was caused by a large intradiploic epidermoid cyst of the frontal bones with erosion of the frontal sinus and the interhal table leading to a valve mechanism with the entrapment of air intracranially. Diploic epidermoid cysts expanding in an intracra- nial direction have been reported to cause intracranial hypertension, convulsions or focal neurological signs [3, 4]. To our best knowledge, our case of an intradi- ploic epidermoid cyst is the second case reported to present with intracranial hypertension and neurologi- cal deficit caused by pneumocephalus [2]. Findings in plain X-ray films of the skull and CT are acknowledged to give correct diagnosis for intra- diploic epidermoid cysts preoperatively. Plain X-ray films usually show well-defined lytic lesions of the skull with sclerotic margins, predominantly located in the parietal or frontal bones [5]. On CT, simultaneous erosion of inner and outer table of the skull is reported to occur in up to 72 percent of cases with diploic epi- dermoids [5]. They represent soft masses of low den- sity or of parenchymal-like d nsity [5], showing dural infiltration in 10% of reported cases [1]. Apart from sclerotic margins our case demonstrates the classical radiological findings of an intradiploic epidermoid cyst, showing involvement of the inner and outer table of the skull. Pneumocephalus is an extraordi- nary feature which was present in this rare case of diploic epidermoid cyst of the frontal bone. E. Jakubowski et al.: Intradiploic Epidermoid Cyst of the Frontal 87 Fig. l. Plain X-ray film of the skull in lateral view reveals a lyric lesion extending above the frontal sinus (arrow) and intracraniat air (left). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrates diploic neoplasm (thick arrow) and right-sighted pneumocephalus leading to compression of the frontal parenchyma and frontal horns of the lateral ventricles (right) References 1. Boyko OB, Scott JA, Muller J (1994) Intradiploic epidermoid cyst of the skull: case report. Neuroradiology 36:226-227 2. Clark JB, Six EG (1984) Epidermoid tumor presenting as a ten- sion pneumocephalus. Case report. J Neurosurg 60:1312-1314 3. Constans JP, Meder JF, De Divitiis E, et al (1985) Giant intra- diploic cysts of the skull. Report of two cases. J Neurosurg 62: 445-448 4. Ciappetta P, Artico M, Salvati M, Raco A, Gagliardi FM (1990) Intradiploic epidermoid cysts of the skull: report of 10 5. cases and review of the literature. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 102: 33-37 Arana E, Latorre FF, Revert A, Menor F, Riesgo P, Limlo F, Diaz C (1996) Intradiploic epidermoid cysts. Neuroradiology 38:306-311 Correspondence: E. Kirsch, M.D., Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Petersgraben 4,CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland. 

Intradiploic epidermoid cyst of the frontal bone presenting with tension pneumocephalus

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Intradiploic epidermoid cyst of the frontal bone presenting with tension pneumocephalus

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