Cranial dermal sinuses in pediatrics: Presentation, diagnosis, complications, and management. Experience at a tertiary care children’s hospital

Abstract

A cranial dermal sinus is a tubular tract resulting from the incomplete separation of the epithelial ectoderm from the neuroectoderm which may lead to infectious complications. There have been isolated reports of this condition. A cranial dermal sinus is a tubular tract resulting from the incomplete separation of the epithelial ectoderm from the neuroectoderm which may lead to infectious complications. There have been isolated reports of this condition. Observational, descriptive study of a series of pediatric patients with cranial dermal sinus treated at a tertiary care children's hospital between 2014 and 2019. Observational, descriptive study of a series of pediatric patients with cranial dermal sinus treated at a tertiary care children's hospital between 2014 and 2019. In this series, dermal sinuses presented as specific lesions on the scalp. The most common site was the occipital midline, and more than 50% of these extended through the bone. The treatment of choice was complete resection of dermal sinus and associated lesions. An emergency surgery was performed when the dermal sinus was symptomatic or associated with intracranial lesions.