Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Published on: July 5, 2021
Epidermoid cyst mimicking an intrinsic brainstem tumor
Marcelo Volpon Santos1, Luciano Lopes Furlanetti, Mércia Duarte Jeanne Bezerra
1Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo; Hospital Infantil Varela Santiago, Natal, Brazil.
Objective:
To describe an atypical clinical and radiological presentation of a brainstem epidermoid cyst in a child and to provide a review of the medical literature on brainstem epidermoid cysts in children.
Material And Method:
Review of medical records and operative notes of an unusual case of a patient with a brainstem epidermoid cyst. MEDLINE literature search using the terms brainstem, epidermoid cyst and children.
Results:
Gross total resection of the cyst was achieved. The patient had an uneventful recovery.
Conclusion:
Epidermoid cysts are rare tumors of the brain and children. The management of these tumors can be quite challenging. A good clinical and neuroradiological evaluation pre-operatively is fundamental for a successful surgical treatment. Surgical resection should be as radical as possible without putting the patient's neurological status into risk.
Related Concept Videos
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Cerebral Edema l: Introduction
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...

