Long-term survival in a child with a brain stem dermoid cyst.
BACKGROUND
Brain stem dermoid cysts are very rare lesions, and in most, the outcome has been very poor. Because of the dangers of dissecting the cyst wall away from the brain stem parenchyma, some authors have advocated not to attempt a radical resection.


METHODS
We describe a child in whom the brain stem dermoid cyst recurred rapidly after a conservative approach. We therefore attempted a radical removal.


RESULTS
During surgery, the almost complete resection of the cyst wall was not very difficult, leading to an apparent cure after 4 years.


CONCLUSIONS
In exceptional cases, it may be possible to remove a brain stem dermoid cyst without prohibitive morbidity and with long-term cure.
van Calenbergh
Frank
F
Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. frank.Vancalenbergh@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
Demaerel
Philippe
P
Sciot
Raf
R
van Gool
Stefaan
S
D020295:Brain Stem Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003388:Cranial Fossa, Posterior / Q000601:surgery; D003399:Craniotomy; D003884:Dermoid Cyst / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D004475:Ectoderm / Q000473:pathology; D004805:Ependyma / Q000601:surgery; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D020546:Fourth Ventricle / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012086:Reoperation; D012249:Rhombencephalon / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome