Presacral epidermoid cyst: imaging findings with histopathologic correlation

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the imaging characteristics of presacral epidermoid cysts and correlate the imaging findings with the histopathologic findings.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed sonographic, computed tomographic, and magnetic resonance examinations in four consecutive patients with a pathologically proven presacral epidermoid cyst. Imaging findings of the presacral epidermoid cyst were correlated with the histopathologic findings.

Results: In all four patients, sonography showed a presacral mass with a heterogeneous low echogenicity, and computed tomography showed a discrete well-defined hypodense presacral mass with a thin wall. In the three patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging, the mass showed a heterogeneous low signal intensity on the T1-weighted image and a high signal intensity with multiple small foci of low signal intensity in the nondependent portion of the mass on the T2-weighted image. These imaging findings correlated well with the pathologic results. Aggregates of keratinous material contributed to these imaging findings.

Conclusion: In the diagnosis of the presacral epidermoid cyst, sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings may be helpful.