[Intracranial epidermoid and dermoid cysts].

INTRODUCTION

Dermoid and epidermoid cysts are dysembryogenic tumors representing 1% of all intracranial tumors. They are characterized by slow growth, localization to the middle in relation to the basal cisterns and their benign course.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the clinical and radiological characteristics, and the results of surgical treatment of intracranial dermoid and epidermoid cysts.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed 18 cases of epidermoid and 3 dermoid intracranial cysts which had been diagnosed and treated during a period of 18 years. All patients were diagnosed by computerized tomography (CT) and the last 15 cases by magnetic resonance (MR).

RESULTS

The commonest site was the temporal lobe with 7 cases, followed by the suprasellar region with 4 cases. All patients had peculiar imaging characteristics both on CT (hypodense and with no contrast silhouetted) and on MR (hypointensity in T1 and in T2). They were completely resected in 16 cases. There were 3 episodes of aseptic meningitis and 2 deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Dermoid and epidermoid cysts are characterized by long term clinical symptoms. The commonest site is supratentorial in the midline or in the temporosylvian region. The diagnostic investigation of choice is MR. Treatment is surgical, preferably complete resection. However, after sub-total resection there is a prolonged period of remission.