Dermoid cyst of the posterior cerebral fossa mimics vascular pathology: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Intracranial dermoid cysts are rare benign, slow-growing tumors derived from ectopic cell rests incorporated in the closing neural tube. Radiologically, dermoid cysts are typically hypodense on computed tomography and hyperintense on T1WI and hypointense on T2WI in Magnetic resonnance imaging. Case description: We present a case of a 35-year-old female presented with chronic progressive headache, vomiting and blurred vision. Imaging studies revealed a spontaneously hyperdense mass lesion in the posterior fossa in CT scan; T1 WI hyperintensity and T2 hypointensity on MRI. Surgical excision of the tumor lesion was performed through a suboccipital craniotomy. The histopathological examination was typical for a dermoid cyst. The patient’s symptoms resolved postoperatively. Conclusion: Recognition of these atypical radiological features can help to avoid potential diagnosis and therapeutic pitfalls.