[Spontaneous rupture of an intracerebral dermoid cyst]

Dermoid and epidermoid cysts are rare benign tumors arising from ectopic epiblastic inclusions. Dermoid cyst accounts for 0.4 to 1.5% of all tumors. We report the case of a 43-year-old man, who presented with a 6-month history of disturbances of balance and behavioral disorders. X-ray showed two fat-fluid levels in the ventricles. CT scan showed a left frontal mass with fat density, communicating with the left frontal horn. Histological examination after surgical excision confirmed the diagnosis of dermoid cyst. The diagnosis of ruptured intracranial dermoid cyst is based on the finding of an intraventricular and/or subarachnoid space fat-fluid level. MRI and CT scan facilitates the diagnosis of ruptured intracranial dermoid.