Clinical and imaging findings in a rare case of sinus pericranii

Sinus pericranii is a rare, usually asymptomatic condition that is characterized by an abnormal communication between the intra- and extracranial venous drainage pathways. The etiology is unknown but both congenital and post-traumatic etiologies have been proposed. Treatment is primarily surgical but newer minimally invasive endovascular approaches have been reported and is indicated due to cosmesis, hemorrhage, and air embolism.

We present a case of an 11-month-old boy having sinus pericranii, who was referred for a slowly growing tumor located frontally in the midline on his scalp since 6 months of age. CT-scan with three-dimensional CT (3D-CT) reconstruction and magnetic resonance imaging along with venography was performed which confirmed the diagnosis. Simple surveillance was decided because of a limited esthetic prejudice and the absence of any functional disorder.

The prognosis is nearly always good with a low risk of bleeding. A simple follow-up is often proposed because of the usual absence of complications.