Case Report

Primary Intradiploic Pterional Epidermoid Cyst

Authors: Aldo F. Berti, MD, FACS, FAAP, Gregory C. Lovaas, MD, FACS, Alejandro Santillan, MD, Aldo F. Berti, II MD

Abstract

A 72-year-old woman who developed a left temporal protrusion was referred to our center. An MRI showed a heterogeneous mass in the left temple with T2 signal hyperintensity within the intradiploic space of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone, measuring 2.4 × 2.1 cm. The patient underwent a surgical removal of the mass through the pterional approach. Pathology showed an epidermoid cyst. Intradiploic epidermoid cysts of the skull are rare benign tumors of the skull. These lesions grow slowly and are composed of epidermoid cells debris rich in cholesterol. The prophylactic removal of these tumors with the goal of preventing recurrences is recommended.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Inci S, Akbay A, Bertan V. Intradiploic epidermoid cyst of the temporal bone. Turk Neurosurg 1992;2:IS5–IS7.
 
2. Narlawar RS, Nagar A, Hira P, et al. Intradiploic epidermoid cyst. J Postgrad Med 2002;48:213–214.
 
3. Blanco G, Esteban R, Galarreta D, et al. Orbital intradiploic giant epidermoid cyst. Arch Ophthalmol 2001;119:771–773.
 
4. Borges G, Maciel Júnior JA, Carelli EF, et al. Pilonidal cyst on the vault. Case report. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 1999;57:273–276.
 
5. Ecker RD, Atkinson JL, Nichols DA. Delayed ischemic deficit after resection of a large intracranial dermoid: case report and review of the literature. Neurosurgery 2003;52:706–710; discussion 709–710.
 
6. Liu JK, Gottfried ON, Salzman KL, et al. Ruptured intracranail dermoid cysts: clinical, radiographic, and surgical features. Neurosurgery 2008;62:377–384.
 
7. Kalgutkar A, Kini S, Jambhekar N, et al. Intradiploic primary epithelial inclusion cyst of the skull. Ann Diagn Pathol 2006;10:20–23.
 
8. Patel NP, Kramskiy VN, Camins MB. Large intradiploic epidermoid tumor of the skull: case report and review of the literature. AJNS 2006;25:92–104.
 
9. Ichimura S, Hayashi T, Yazaki T, et al. Dumbbell-shaped intradiploic epidermoid cyst involving the dura mater and cerebellum. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 2008;48:83–85.
 
10. Guerrissi JO. Endoscopic excision of frontozygomatic dermoid cysts. J Craniofac Surg 2004;15:618–622.
 
11. Kalantar Hormozi AJ, Davami B. Trans-scalp dermoid cyst excision and immediate muscle graft: a new technique. Plast Reconstr Surg 2005;116:860–863.
 
12. Han G-Y, Won Y-S, Yang J-Y, et al. Intradiploic epidermoid cyst of the skull. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2005;38:68–70.
 
13. Meersschaert J, Mermuys K, Wilms G. Intradiploic epidermoid cyst. JBR-BTR 2008;91:18.
 
14. Bach CA, Baujat B, Baglin A-C, et al. Epidermoid cyst of the frontal bone invading the frontal sinus: a case-report. Fr ORL 2005;86:38–40.
 
15. Yalcçin O, Yildirim T, Kizilkiliç O, et al. CT and MRI findings in calvarial non-infectious lesions. Diagn Interv Radiol. 2007;13:68–74.
 
16. Watanabe K, Wakai S, Nagai M, et al. Epidermoid tumor with unusual CT and MR findings. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 1990;30:977–979.
 
17. Sudhakar N, Stephenson GC. Swelling on the head—–a forgotten lesson: a case report of an intradiploic epidermal cyst with an iatrogenic complication. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2004;42:155–157.