title: Epidermoid cyst of the fourth ventricle.
abstract: The case of a 52-year-old patient with a fourth ventricle epidermoid is reported. The initial presentation included long-standing headaches, progressive anomalies of gait and slight impairment of mentation. CT showed a hypodense mass enhancing peripherally after contrast infusion. Brain auditory evoked responses (BAER) showed asymmetric increased latencies. At operation, total removal of an extensive fourth ventricle epidermoid was achieved. A delayed meningitis occurred postoperatively. Physical examination was normal at the 2 year follow-up and BAER were improved. The etiological and clinical features of fourth ventricular epidermoids are briefly reviewed. The diagnostic value of CT is emphasised but the possibility of CT-dense epidermoid cysts deserves a special mention. Total removal of the neoplasm is the theoretical aim of operative treatment, but this purpose may be harmful when the ventricular floor is involved by the capsule.
authors.affiliation: Service de Neurochirurgie C. Hôpital Neurologique et Neurochirurgical Pierre Wertheimer 59, Lyon, France.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bret
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Remond
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fischer
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fischer
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kzaiz
mesh_terms: D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000473:pathology*; D004814:Epidermal Cyst / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography