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Published on: February 2, 2015
Congenital inclusion cysts of the anterior fontanelle
G T de Carvalho1, W J Fagundes-Pereyra, J A Marques
1Department of Neurosurgery, Santa Casa Hospital of Belo Horizonte, School of Medical Science of Minas Gerais-Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Background:
Congenital inclusion cysts of the anterior fontanelle are rare lesions. Both dermoid and epidermoid cysts are located in the midline of the scalp and occupy the subgaleal space.
Methods:
We report 7 cases, 4 boys (57.1%), and 3 girls (42.9%), with ages ranging from 3 months to 16 years (mean 40.85 +/- 68.56 months; median 10 months). Four patients (57.1%) were white and 3 (42.9%) were Afro-Brazilian.
Results:
The cysts had manifested soon after birth in all patients. They gradually enlarged, with no intracranial extensions. Four patients had dermoid cysts and the others had epidermoid cysts. All of them underwent surgery with complete excision of the cyst and no capsular rupture. There were no complications and no deaths.
Conclusions:
Congenital inclusion cysts of the anterior fontanelle are rare lesions that usually manifest at birth. The diagnosis is usually easy and surgery is mandatory, with a good prognosis. Recurrence is rare.
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