Craniofacial dermoids: an embryological theory unifying nasal dermoid sinus cysts.
OBJECTIVE
The nasal dermoid sinus cyst (NDSC) is an uncommon congenital lesion presenting as a large panel of midline craniofacial anomalies. The objective of this study was to review and reanalyze embryological hypotheses concerning NDSCs and to propose an embryological theory unifying the various anatomical characteristics of these lesions. The first case of frontal localization of a NDSC extending within the diploetic bone in a 9-month-old boy, presenting as a median frontal fistula with recurrent frontal swelling, 6 months after a mild frontal trauma is presented.


RESULTS
Complete surgical removal was performed, and there was no evidence of either persistent or recurrent disease 2 years after his surgery. The embryological and anatomical origins of NDSCs are reviewed. This article reexamines and discusses major embryological theories on NDSC pathogenesis and proposes to refute the "prenasal space" theory of Grunwald and rehabilitate a forgotten embryological hypothesis, which unifies the main various clinical presentations of NDSCs.
Charrier
Jean-Baptiste
JB
Department of Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery, Armand Trousseau's Children's Hospital, Paris, France. jean-baptiste.charrier@college-de-france.fr
Rouillon
Isabelle
I
Roger
Gilles
G
Denoyelle
Françoise
F
Josset
Patrice
P
Garabedian
Eréa Noël
EN
D003884:Dermoid Cyst / Q000151:congenital* / Q000196:embryology; D004475:Ectoderm; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009432:Neural Crest; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000151:congenital* / Q000196:embryology