An Anterior Midline Skull Base Epidermoid Cyst Presenting With Spontaneous Intraparenchymal Rupture: A Case Report

Cureus. 2024 Sep 24;16(9):e70076. doi: 10.7759/cureus.70076. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Intracranial epidermoid cysts (ECs) are rare, benign lesions typically found in the cerebellopontine angle, suprasellar spaces, and middle cranial fossa. While these cysts are congenital, originating from ectodermal cell remnants during embryogenesis, it is not until middle age that patients present with symptoms secondary to local mass effect. Here, we present an interesting case of an EC arising from the midline anterior skull base in a 69-year-old male, presenting with symptoms ensuing from the spontaneous rupture of cyst contents into the brain parenchyma. As this is a highly unusual location and presentation for intracranial ECs, this report provides valuable information to the literature on ECs.

Keywords: benign intracranial tumor; brain cyst; cranial neurosurgery; epidermoid cysts; mollaret's meningitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports