title: Microsurgical excision of a pontomedullary epidermoid cyst with prepontine extension: case report.
abstract: We report the case of a patient with a pontomedullary epidermoid cyst extending into the prepontine cistern. The patient presented with a progressive VIth nerve palsy, ataxia, and headache. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a well-defined pontomedullary tumor with a high fat content. We excised the lesion using a microsurgical approach through the floor of the fourth ventricle. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the removal of both intra- and extra-axial components. We discuss the anatomic configuration, radiological appearances, and management of this unusual pathological finding.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Malcolm
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Ironside
authors.forename: I R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Whittle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004814:Epidermal Cyst / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008526:Medulla Oblongata / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008866:Microsurgery; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011149:Pons / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*