Congenital dermal sinus of the nose complicated with a brain abscess -- a case report (author's transl)

Abstract

Congenital dermal sinus is a rare disease, and is usually found in the occipital or the lumbosacral portion. The authors experienced a very rare case of congenital dermal sinus in the nose complicated with a brain abscess. The patient, a two-year-old boy, was admitted with a high fever and vomiting. Neurological examinations on admission revealed a somnolent status of consciousness, stiff neck and swelling of the anterior fontanel. In addition to these signs, a dimple with hairs was found on the nose. A CT-scan showed a large ring-shaped enhanced mass in the right frontal lobe. Under the diagnosis of a brain abscess, removal of the abscess was performed. It was observed during the operation that the abscess had developed from the intracranial portion of the dermal sinus in the nose. Five months later, the patient died. No autopsy was performed. The frequency of this disease, and the possibility of causal genesis were discussed.