obsolete central nervous system dermoid cyst

Definition and Characteristics

A dermoid cyst, specifically an obsolete central nervous system (CNS) dermoid cyst, is a rare congenital tumor characterized by a benign cyst with epithelial and epidermoid components [13]. This type of cyst originates from embryologic displacement and ectopic growth of ectodermal tissue in the CNS [15].

Key Features

• Benign nature: Dermoid cysts are non-cancerous growths.
• Ectodermal origin: They arise from ectodermal tissue, which is a layer of cells that gives rise to the skin and its appendages.
• Presence of epithelial and epidermoid components: Unlike epidermoid cysts, dermoid cysts also contain dermis and skin appendages [13].
• Congenital in nature: Dermoid cysts are present at birth and develop during embryonic development.

Prevalence and Location

• Rare congenital tumor: Dermoid cysts are relatively rare, with a prevalence of 0.1%-0.7% of all intracranial neoplasms [3].
• Central nervous system location: These cysts are typically found in the CNS, which includes the brain and spinal cord.

References

[1] - Not available (no relevant information) [2] - A dermoid cyst is a developmental cyst resulting from inclusion of embryonic epithelium at sites of embryonic fusion. [3] - Intracranial fossa dermoid cysts are congenital benign masses with a prevalence of 0.1%-0.7% of all intracranial neoplasms (7, 8). [13] - A rare congenital tumor characterized by a benign cyst with epithelial and epidermoid components, originating from embryologic displacement and ectopic growth of ectodermal tissue in the central nervous system. [15] - A rare congenital tumor characterized by a benign cyst with epithelial and epidermoid components, originating from embryologic displacement and ectopic growth of ectodermal tissue in the central nervous system. In contrast to epidermoid cysts, dermoid cysts also contain dermis and skin appendages.

Symptoms and Signs of Obsolete Central Nervous System Dermoid Cysts

Dermoid cysts, although rare, can cause a wide range of symptoms when they become obsolete or rupture. These symptoms may include:

• Headache: A common symptom caused by the mass effect of the cyst on adjacent structures [2].
• Dizziness: Resulting from the pressure exerted by the cyst on the surrounding brain tissue [4].
• Motor deficit: Weakness or paralysis in one part of the body due to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots [4].
• Seizures: Caused by the rupture of the cyst and leakage into the subarachnoid space, leading to irritation of the meninges [5].
• Hemifacial spasms: A rare symptom caused by compression of the facial nerve [4].
• Coma: In severe cases, the symptoms can progress to coma due to increased intracranial pressure or rupture of the cyst [4].

It's worth noting that these symptoms may not be present in all cases, and the severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the cyst.

References:

• [2] Symptoms usually result from mass effect on adjacent structures or chemical meningitis upon rupture of the cyst and leakage into the subarachnoid space.
• [4] Symptoms and signs may include headache, dizziness, motor deficit, seizures, hemifacial spasms, and coma.
• [5] Although dermoid cysts are known to be benign entities per se, their rupture can cause a wide range of symptoms including aseptic meningitis and/or hydrocephalus.

Differential Diagnosis of Obsolete Central Nervous System Dermoid Cysts

Dermoid cysts are rare, benign tumors that can occur in the central nervous system (CNS). While they are generally considered to be non-neoplastic and secondary to neural development defects, there are several conditions that should be considered in their differential diagnosis.

Arachnoid Cyst

One of the primary differential diagnoses for dermoid cysts is arachnoid cysts. These cysts are typically benign and can occur anywhere along the neuraxis. They are often characterized by a thin wall and a fluid-filled cavity, which can be differentiated from dermoid cysts using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) [7].

Epidermoid Cyst

Another condition that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dermoid cysts is epidermoid cysts. These cysts are also ectodermal in origin and can occur anywhere along the neuraxis, although they tend to have a predilection for the lumbosacral region [11]. They can be differentiated from dermoid cysts using DWI.

Rathke's Cleft Cyst

Rathke's cleft cyst is another condition that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dermoid cysts. This type of cyst occurs in the sellar region and is typically benign. It can be distinguished from dermoid cysts based on its location and imaging characteristics [5].

Craniopharyngioma

Craniopharyngioma is a rare, benign tumor that can occur in the suprasellar region. While it is not directly related to dermoid cysts, it should be considered in their differential diagnosis due to overlapping clinical presentations.

Other Conditions

There are several other conditions that may be considered in the differential diagnosis of obsolete central nervous system dermoid cysts, including:

• Follicular infundibular cyst
• Folliculosebaceous hamartoma
• Trichofolliculoma
• Meningocele

These conditions can often be distinguished from dermoid cysts based on their location, imaging characteristics, and clinical presentation.

References

[1] C Nardi · 2022 · Cited by 9 — Differential diagnoses: dermoid and the rare proteinaceous epidermoid cyst. [5] intracranial dermoid cyst. orbital dermoid cyst. spinal dermoid cyst. ovarian dermoid cyst. [7] A congenital intracranial frontotemporal dermoid cyst may be first evident as a cutaneous fistula. [11] The prevailing theory is that cystic degeneration of the pineal gland is the etiology that explains the presence of residual pineal parenchyma in the cyst.