Clinicoradiological Dissociation in a Giant Lytic Posterior Fossa Epidermoid Cyst: A Case Report

Intracranial epidermoid cysts (ECs) are rare benign congenital lesions characterized by slow growth and late clinical presentation. Giant ECs of the posterior fossa are exceptionally uncommon and typically associated with early neurological deterioration due to the confined anatomy in this region. We report the case of a 74-year-old woman presenting with chronic headache and mild vertigo, with no focal motor or cranial nerve deficits. MRI revealed a giant extra-axial EC of the left posterior fossa with occipital bone lysis on CT scan. Despite the radiological findings, no acute hydrocephalus or intracranial hypertension was present. The patient underwent surgical resection. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an EC. This case highlights the striking clinicoradiological dissociation that may be observed in giant posterior fossa ECs.

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Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-02-19
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.103911
Primary Topic
Teratomas and Epidermoid Cysts
Type
article
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article

Clinicoradiological Dissociation in a Giant Lytic Posterior Fossa Epidermoid Cyst: A Case Report

K. Aniba, Hajar Hamadi, Yassine Ait M’barek, Oumaima Monadi et al.
Cureus
Teratomas and Epidermoid Cysts
article

Clinicoradiological Dissociation in a Giant Lytic Posterior Fossa Epidermoid Cyst: A Case Report

K. Aniba, Hajar Hamadi, Yassine Ait M’barek, Oumaima Monadi, Lamia Benantar
article en

Abstract

Intracranial epidermoid cysts (ECs) are rare benign congenital lesions characterized by slow growth and late clinical presentation. Giant ECs of the posterior fossa are exceptionally uncommon and typically associated with early neurological deterioration due to the confined anatomy in this region. We report the case of a 74-year-old woman presenting with chronic headache and mild vertigo, with no focal motor or cranial nerve deficits. MRI revealed a giant extra-axial EC of the left posterior fossa with occipital bone lysis on CT scan. Despite the radiological findings, no acute hydrocephalus or intracranial hypertension was present. The patient underwent surgical resection. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an EC. This case highlights the striking clinicoradiological dissociation that may be observed in giant posterior fossa ECs.

CureusVol. 18(2)
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Mohammed VI (MA)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 50%
Teratomas and Epidermoid Cysts
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