A Case Report of Ruptured Intracranial Dermoid Cyst

Abstract

Intracranial dermoid cysts, rare congenital lesions originating from ectodermal elements during neural tube closure, are explored in the context of a 45-year-old female presenting with a sudden-onset severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. A thorough neurological examination revealed no focal deficits, prompting a computed tomography scan that identified multiple extra-axial intracranial fat density lesions indicative of dermoid cysts. Laboratory and cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed inflammatory changes, characterized by an increased white blood cell count. Successful surgical intervention followed, resulting in the complete removal of the cyst and the patient's subsequent full recovery with the resolution of symptoms. This case highlights the intricate nature of intracranial dermoid cysts and underscores the critical importance of prompt recognition in effectively mitigating potential complications.

Keywords: computed tomography scan; congenital lesions; cyst rupture; dermoid cyst; meningitis; severe headache.

Figure 1. Multiple axial head CT images illustrating extra-axial fat density lesions (indicated by arrows), indicative of a dermoid cyst.

CT: computed tomography.