[Transient neurological deficit secondary to a leptomeningeal cyst in an adult patient].
BACKGROUND
An uncommon complication of fractures of the skull in infancy is a leptomeningeal cyst, which is also known as a growing skull fracture. A post traumatic leptomeningeal cyst may occur in adults, but is much rarer and may be attributed to a fracture of the skull which occurred in childhood. This complication is caused by a tear in the dura mater, through which pulsation of the cerebro spinal fluid forces the arachnoid layer to herniate. The commonest clinical finding is a soft tissue swelling or tumour appearing on the head.


METHODS
We report the case of a 47 year old man, with a past history of a head injury in childhood. He presented complaining of loss of sensation in the right arm and deviation of the mouth, from which he recovered within an hour. Neuro imaging studies showed irregular destruction of the right temporal bone and hypodensity of the underlying brain tissue. Surgical operation and histological study of the bone removed showed that it was a leptomeningeal cyst, associated with a cerebral infarct at the site of an old skull fracture.


CONCLUSIONS
A post traumatic leptomeningeal cyst in an adult patient is caused by a tear in the dura mater caused by a skull fracture during childhood. It may be associated with a cerebral infarct. It may present with only transient focal neurological symptoms.
Ortín
A
A
Servicio de Neurología; Hospital Clínico Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, 37007, España. aortinc@meditex.es
Corral
L
L
Alañá
M
M
Gómez Moreta
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D016080:Arachnoid Cysts / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000150:complications*
Déficit neurológico transitorio secundario a quiste leptomeníngeo en un paciente adulto.