Large Intradiploic Growing Skull Fracture of the Posterior Fossa with Syringomyelia

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Neurology
• Radiology

Background:

• Growing skull fractures (GSF), or leptomeningeal cysts, are rare complications following pediatric head trauma.
• GSFs typically occur in infancy and childhood, with posterior fossa and intradiploic locations being exceptionally uncommon.

Observation:

• A 15-year-old male presented with a large intradiploic growing skull fracture in the posterior fossa.
• The GSF developed over 5 years subsequent to a documented occipital linear fracture.
• The patient also exhibited associated cervical syringomyelia.

Findings:

• This case demonstrates that growing skull fractures can achieve significant size.
• It confirms the possibility of intradiploic development and occipital localization of GSFs.
• The co-occurrence of posterior fossa GSF and syringomyelia is highly unusual.

Implications:

• This report expands the understanding of rare GSF presentations and locations.
• It underscores the importance of long-term monitoring for pediatric head injuries.
• The association with syringomyelia suggests potential shared pathophysiological mechanisms or a need for further investigation.