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Intramedullary epidermoid cyst in the brain stem: case report
K Yoshizato1, Y Kai, J Kuratsu
1Department of Neurosurgery, Kumamoto University Medical School, Japan.
Surgical Neurology
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Intramedullary epidermoid cysts are rare brain tumors. Partial cyst removal may be sufficient for treatment, offering better outcomes than radical resection in brain stem cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neuropathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Intracranial epidermoid cysts represent 0.2%–1.8% of all brain tumors, typically found in the cerebellopontine angle or parasellar regions.
- Intramedullary epidermoid cysts within the brain stem are exceptionally rare, with only nine prior reported cases.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old female presented with a 2-year history of progressive left hemiparesis.
- Imaging revealed a cystic tumor in the pons compressing the brain stem.
- Surgical intervention involved partial removal of the cyst wall and contents via a subtemporal transtentorial approach.
Findings:
- Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an epidermoid cyst.
- Post-operatively, the patient's left hemiparesis showed improvement.
- Follow-up MRI indicated no evidence of tumor recurrence or growth.
Implications:
- The patient's positive outcome following partial resection contrasts with poorer results from radical resection in previously reported cases.
- Radical tumor resection may not be the optimal surgical strategy for intramedullary epidermoid cysts of the brain stem.