An Anterior Midline Skull Base Epidermoid Cyst Presenting With Spontaneous Intraparenchymal Rupture: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Pathology

Background:

• Intracranial epidermoid cysts (ECs) are uncommon benign tumors originating from ectodermal remnants.
• Typically located in the cerebellopontine angle, suprasellar, or middle cranial fossae.
• Symptoms usually arise from mass effect in middle-aged patients.

Observation:

• A rare case of an EC in the midline anterior skull base is presented.
• The patient, a 69-year-old male, experienced symptoms due to spontaneous cyst rupture.
• Rupture led to the leakage of cyst contents into the brain parenchyma.

Findings:

• The epidermoid cyst was situated in an atypical midline anterior skull base location.
• Spontaneous rupture of the cyst into the brain parenchyma was the primary clinical event.
• This presentation is highly unusual for intracranial epidermoid cysts.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of rare intracranial epidermoid cyst locations.
• It highlights the potential for unusual presentations, including intraparenchymal rupture.
• The report contributes valuable data to the literature on epidermoid cyst pathology and management.