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Spinal dermoid cysts originating intracranial fat drops causing obstructive hydrocephalus: case reports
P Cavazzani1, A Ruelle, G Michelozzi
1Division of Neurosurgery, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Genova, Italy.
Surgical Neurology
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Ruptured spinal dermoid cysts can cause rare obstructive hydrocephalus due to fat droplets migrating into the brain. Intracranial fat necessitates a search for spinal tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Spinal dermoid cysts are congenital tumors.
- Rupture can lead to complications.
- Fat embolism is a rare sequela.
Observation:
- Two cases presented with intracranial fat droplets.
- Fat migration occurred into ventricles and subarachnoid spaces.
- Obstructive hydrocephalus was a common complication.
Findings:
- Ruptured spinal dermoid cysts caused fat embolism.
- One case showed intracranial fat preceding spinal tumor diagnosis.
- Hydrocephalus resulted from fat droplet obstruction.
Implications:
- Intracranial fat without a local source mandates spinal tumor investigation.
- Early detection of spinal dermoid tumors is crucial.
- Understanding fat migration pathways is important for diagnosis.