Calvarial dermoids and epidermoids in infants and children: sonographic spectrum and follow-up

Abstract

Calvarial dermoids and epidermoids in infants and children show a benign natural behavior with spontaneous regression in a large number of cases. On US, they demonstrate uniform pathognomonic features enabling the correct diagnosis in any of those lesions. Thus, additional, mainly radiation burdening and sometimes misleading imaging techniques should be restricted. Surgical treatment protocols should be handled conservatively and lesions should be primarily followed-up clinically and by US.

Sonographic diagnosis of intraosseous epidermoid cysts of the calvarium

“…In small or non‐erosive lesions, the inner and outer layers of bone cortex should be able to be identified thus helping with diagnosis. This was evident in the last two of our cases (Figure ).…”

“…Their growth is usually considered slow and is the result of a progressive accumulation of debris within the cyst, thus explaining the solid appearances under ultrasound. Management of subcutaneous lesions is often conservative as 49% will undergo forms of regression . There is no gender bias …”

Occipital intraosseous dermoid cyst with restricted diffusion on magnetic resonance imaging in a child

“…Intracalvarial dermoid cysts are typically located in the anterior fontanelle [3] . The midline occipital bone represents a very rare location for dermoid cysts [4] . Intracalvarial dermoid cysts can become symptomatic when they become infected, which can result in abscess formation or recurrent meningitis; cyst rupture can result in chemical aseptic meningitis; they can also be locally compressive [1] .…”

Prenatal diagnosis of scalp cyst with spontaneous regression

“…Calvarial dermoids and epidermoids are occasionally found in infants and children, and they show a benign natural behavior with spontaneous regression in a large number of cases 9. Epidermoids are of pure ceratoid material, while dermoids also contain fatty material and hairs.…”