Excision of a brain-stem epidermoid cyst. Case report.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neurology
• Radiology

Background:

• Intra-axial brain stem masses pose significant diagnostic and surgical challenges.
• Epidermoid cysts are congenital tumors that can occur within the central nervous system.

Observation:

• A patient presented with an intra-axial mass identified within the brain stem.
• Radiological imaging, including X-ray and computerized tomography (CT), confirmed a cystic mass.

Findings:

• Surgical excision of the brain stem epidermoid cyst was successfully performed.
• Post-operatively, the patient demonstrated resolution of right spastic hemiparesis.
• The patient exhibited stable sixth and seventh cranial nerve palsies at six months follow-up.

Implications:

• This case highlights the feasibility of surgical management for intra-axial brain stem epidermoid cysts.
• Successful resection can lead to neurological recovery, such as improvement in hemiparesis.
• Long-term outcomes may include residual cranial nerve deficits, necessitating careful monitoring.