title: Dermoid cysts of the posterior fossa--morbid associations of a benign lesion.
abstract: Dermoid cysts of posterior fossa are uncommon benign lesions. They differ from other lesions found in the infra tentorial compartment by virtue of their associated conditions. Due to their association with dermal sinus tracts, intracranial infection is a potential threat following infection of the cyst. Due to their embryologic origin, these cysts may also be associated with other congenital anomalies. In this article we detail our eleven-year-experience with posterior fossa dermoid cysts in fifteen patients. Despite the morbid presentation with severe life-threatening complications, the overall outcome was excellent. Implications of the various associations are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences , Bangalore , India.
authors.forename: Avanali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Raghunath
authors.forename: Bhagavatula
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Indira Devi
authors.forename: Dhananjaya Ishwar
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Bhat
authors.forename: Sampath
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Somanna
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003388:Cranial Fossa, Posterior / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003884:Dermoid Cyst / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015192:Infratentorial Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D007714:Klippel-Feil Syndrome / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult